Ulauncher
Ulauncher is a free application launcher for Linux.
What Ulauncher is
Ulauncher is a free application launcher for Linux. Its fuzzy search finds applications even when names are misspelled, remembers previous selections, and can choose the likely match next time. Users can choose from four built-in color themes or create custom themes. Personalized shortcuts can run scripts or searches, and community extensions can handle keyword-based queries and show results beneath the input box. The directory browser starts when users enter `~` or `/`, with additional options available through Alt+Enter; a calculator is also listed among its features. Extensions run as separate Python processes and stop when Ulauncher closes or crashes. They can access directories and make network requests with the same permissions as the user, but they cannot change the launcher’s behavior or appearance. Installation instructions are listed for Ubuntu or Debian, Arch Linux, Fedora, openSUSE, and CentOS 7. The download page notes that Fedora does not currently have a development repository. The project README says version 6 is in development, while version 5 receives support for existing functionality without new features or improvements. The project identifies its license as GNU GPL v3.0.
Good
- Free Linux application launcher.
- Fuzzy search can recognize misspelled app names.
- Custom themes and personalized shortcuts are supported.
- Directory browser starts with `~` or `/`.
- Installation options cover several Linux distributions.
Watch out
- It is available for Linux only.
- Extensions run with the user's permissions.
- Fedora has no development repository listed.
- Version 5 receives no new features or improvements.
Who it suits
Ulauncher suits Linux users who want quick application search, custom shortcuts, or keyword-based extensions. It may also fit users who want a built-in directory browser and calculator.
Verdict
Ulauncher combines fuzzy application search with shortcuts, themes, extensions, and file browsing. Linux users should note the extension permission model and the project’s stated limits on version 5 development.
Plans and prices
From Ulauncher's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | Application launcher for Linux · GNU GPL v3.0 |
The facts
Each one read from Ulauncher's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Calculator
- The project README lists a calculator among Ulauncher's features.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Distribution support
- The download page lists installation instructions for Ubuntu or Debian, Arch Linux, Fedora, OpenSUSE and CentOS 7.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Extension boundary
- Extensions cannot change Ulauncher's behavior or appearance; they handle inputs that begin with their defined keyword.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Extension communication
- Ulauncher communicates with extensions using WebSockets.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Extension integrations
- Extensions can handle keyword-based queries and render results beneath the input box.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Extension limits
- Extensions handle input beginning with a developer-defined keyword and cannot change Ulauncher’s behavior or appearance.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Extension model
- Extensions are Python programs that run as separate processes alongside the app and are terminated when it closes or crashes.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Extension permissions
- The extension documentation says extensions can access directories and make network requests with the same rights as the user running Ulauncher.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Fedora limitation
- The download page says Ulauncher does not currently support a development repository for Fedora.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Fedora repository
- The download page says Ulauncher does not currently support a dev repository for Fedora.checked 9 Oct 2026
- File browsing
- The directory browser starts when the user types `~` or `/`, with advanced options available through Alt+Enter.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Fuzzy search
- It finds applications with fuzzy matching, remembers previous picks, and auto-selects the best option next time.checked 9 Oct 2026
- License
- The project README identifies the license as GNU GPL v3.0.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Project status
- The project README says v6 is in development and that v5 is receiving support for existing functionality without new features or improvements.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Ulauncher describes itself as an application launcher for Linux.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Shortcuts and extensions
- Users can create personalized shortcuts for scripts and searches or use community-built extensions.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- The site points users to the issue tracker and offers support through Patreon donations and code contributions.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Themes
- It includes four built-in color themes and supports custom themes.checked 9 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- File browser
- Its directory browser starts when the user types `~` or `/`, and Alt+Enter opens advanced options.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Fuzzy app search
- Fuzzy search can recognize misspelled application names, remember previous picks and auto-select the best option next time.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Linux distributions
- The download page gives installation options for Ubuntu or Debian, Arch Linux, Fedora, openSUSE, and CentOS 7.checked 9 Oct 2026
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