smolcast
Open source
Best for a launcher with clipboard, emoji and snippets
smolcast vs Listary
Listary finds files and points Open and Save dialogs straight at them. smolcast launches apps and pastes from clipboard history, emoji and snippets.
Updated Checked against listary.com, its Pro page and its help. Sources
Listary
Little Carved
Best for finding files and taming Open and Save dialogs
Feature by feature
Bold marks where smolcast comes out ahead, and only where the other side publishes the fact.
| smolcast | Listary | |
|---|---|---|
| The basics | ||
| Price | Free | Free; Pro $19.95 once |
| Source | Open source (MIT) (the better pick) | Source not published |
| Runs on | Windows 11 | Windows |
| Account | None | Not published |
| Default hotkey | CtrlAltSpace | Double-tap Ctrl |
| Features | ||
| Clipboard history | Built inText and images. Encrypted on disk | Not listed |
| Snippets | Built inFind by name or keyword. No auto-expand | Not listed |
| Emoji picker | Built inEvery emoji, in color | Not listed |
| File search | Built inThrough Windows Search | Built inIts core, plus Quick Switch for dialogs |
| Calculator | Built inUnits too. Enter pastes | Not listed |
| Quicklinks | Built inKeywords with {query} | Web search |
| Extensions | NoScripts and quicklinks instead | Not listed |
| AI | No | Not listed |
| Window management | No | Not listed |
| Under the hood | ||
| Download | 7 MB, one .exeNo installer | InstallerSize not published |
| Idle | 0% CPU while hidden | Not published |
| Privacy | No telemetryOne daily update check, can be turned off | See its policy |
Pick the one that fits
Go with smolcast if
- You want a launcher with clipboard, emoji and snippets
- You want a calculator with unit conversions
- You want everything free and open source
- You want one small .exe
Go with Listary if
- You mostly search for files
- You want Open and Save dialogs to jump to your folders
- You like double-tapping Ctrl
- You need network-drive indexing (Pro)
Coming from Listary
- File searchSearch Files: type, then Enter opens and Ctrl+Enter shows it in Explorer
-
Web searchQuicklinks with a
{query}URL, and a web search row after every query - HotkeyCtrlAltSpace by default, so it won’t clash with double Ctrl
Try smolcast
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