LaunchMenu
7.0#3 in start menu customization softwareFree planFree planAPImacOSWindows
VisitLaunchMenu vs Starling
What both publish
| Fact | LaunchMenu | Starling |
|---|---|---|
| Integrations | The developer page says completed applets can be uploaded to npm with the keyword launchmenu-applet to load into the applet ecosystem. | The Linux desktop launches applications installed on the machine; its App Store can install more applications. |
| License | The GitHub repository identifies the project as MIT licensed. | Starling says its software is open source under Apache 2.0 and invites people to read the code and build on it. |
| Linux support | Linux support is described as planned and not yet worked on. | The desktop is supported on Ubuntu 26.04 LTS (amd64), where it adds a session alongside the existing desktop. |
| Product | LaunchMenu is an open-source application that brings utilities called applets to users through a keyboard-centric interface. | Starling is a desktop environment with a 2D workspace and an optional 3D city workspace. |
LaunchMenu plans
- FreeFree
Starling plans
- StarlingFree
Pick LaunchMenu if…
LaunchMenu suits users who want keyboard-driven access to a set of small utilities on Windows or macOS. Developers familiar with TypeScript and React can also build applets for it.
Pick Starling if…
Starling may suit people interested in trying an open-source desktop environment on supported Linux or Windows configurations. Users should be comfortable with an early preview and its stated limitations.