An application launcher is a computer program that helps a user to locate and start other computer programs. An application launcher provides shortcuts to computer programs, and stores the shortcuts in one place so they are easier to find.
In the comparison of desktop application launchers below, each section treats a different desktop environment.
Android
Windows These desktop application launchers work with Microsoft Windows operating systems only. Creator Latest stable version Release date Software license Open source Programming language Plug-in support Appetizer Laurent Cozic 1.4.6.494 GPL C++, wxWidgets ASuite SalvadorSoftware 2.0 GPL Delphi Classic Shell Ivo Beltchev 4.3.1 MIT C++ Via shell namespace extensions inside the menu Microsoft PowerToys Run Microsoft 0.73.0 MIT C++, C# PortableApps.com Platform Rare Ideas, LLC 15.0.2 GPL PortableApps.com branding is trademarked Delphi SliderDock Dimitri Roozendaal 1.21 Creative Commons
Linux These desktop application launchers work with Linux operating systems only. Creator Latest stable version Release date OS Software license Open source Programming language Plug-in support 9menu Arnold Robbins 1.8 Linux GPL C Avant Window Navigator Neil J. Patel 0.4.2 Linux GPL C dmenu dwm developers 5.4 Linux MIT C GNOME Do GNOME Do Developers 0.95.1 Linux GPL C# Katapult TDE Developers R14.0.6 Linux with TDE GPL C++ Unity Dash Canonical Ltd. 7.3.0 Ubuntu GPLv3 Vala (lenses and scopes) Synapse Michal Hruby and Alberto Aldegheri 0.2.99.4 Linux GPLv3 Vala
macOS These desktop application launchers work with the Apple macOS operating system only. CreatorLatest stable versionRelease dateSoftware licenseOpen sourceProgramming languagePlug-in supportRuns on macOS CatalinaAlfredRunning with Crayons5.5March 18, 2024ProprietaryObjective-CButlerPeter Maurer4.4.8January 8, 2024ProprietaryObjective-CDragThingJames Thomson5.9.17November 16, 2016ProprietaryC++LaunchBarObjective Development6.19.1July 5, 2024ProprietaryObjective-CQuicksilverQuicksilver Foundation2.6.0April 19, 2026ApacheObjective-CRaycastRaycast Technologies Ltd.1.79.0July 17, 2024ProprietarySwift
Cross platform These desktop application launchers work with two or more different operating systems. Creator Latest stable version Release date OS Software license Open source Programming language Plug-in support Runs on macOS Catalina Launchy Josh Karlin 2.5.0 Windows, Linux, macOS GPL C++ (Qt)
See also List of dock applications Novell ZENworks, software formerly named (and still informally termed) "Novell Application Launcher"
References
External links John Emmatty (November 2011) A Mouse Free Approach for Working with Your System Anke Anlauf (14 January 2010), Schmucke PC-Docks wie auf dem Mac (roundup of MS Windows launchers), Softonic OnSoftware Peter (October 15, 2008) The State of Linux Docks, linuxhaxor.net jdeslip (June 25, 2009) The Best Docks on the Linux Coast, Berkeley Linux Users Group Raymond (June 2016) 3 Application Launchers with Automated Portable Software Installation System, Raymond.cc computers, made easy