### Favorite feature

My favorite feature is to be able to search any everyday app I use directly via Raycast.

I use Extensions hotkeys for a lot of apps:

- `⌘ + ^` for [Notion](https://www.raycast.com/HenriChabrand/notion)
- `⌘ + $` for [Pipedrive](https://www.raycast.com/stephendolan/pipedrive)
- `⌘ + ⇧ + K` for [Slack](https://www.raycast.com/mommertf/slack)
- `⌘ + ù` for [GDrive](https://www.raycast.com/vishaltelangre/google-drive)
- `` ⌘ + `  `` for [1Password](https://www.raycast.com/khasbilegt/1password)

I also search common online services with Quicklink hotkeys:

- `⌥ + I` for LinkedIn
- `⌥ + D` for Deepl (via [Deepcast](https://www.raycast.com/mooxl/deepcast))
- `⌥ + W` or `⌥ + <` for French-English or English-French translations via WordReference, and many others.

Second favourite which cannot not be mentioned is the Clipboard History and Window Management, that I have already been using via other apps in the past, and that Raycast now perfectly and smoothly replaces.

### Most used Commands, Quicklinks, Scripts and Snippets

Besides the already mentioned Quicklinks, I happen to use a lot Raycast to just search Google, which is my default command when typing something in the bar.

I use a huge amount of snippets for frequently used sequences, like writing my full name, adding salutations to an email, writing an email address I use, a phone number, a one sentence presentation of myself, a blurb of my company, or my company identification number, tax number, address, past frequently shared URLs etc. I use `⌘ + ⇧ + space` to trigger these snippets.

I started also using Scripts quite late but use a lot one to [open Downloads](https://github.com/raycast/script-commands/blob/master/commands/navigation/open-downloads.sh) `⌘ ⇧ + D`, [close all Finder windows](https://github.com/raycast/script-commands/blob/master/commands/system/close-finder-windows.applescript) `⌘ ⇧ + W`, or empty Trash `⌘ ^ + O`

### Top extensions from the [Store](https://www.raycast.com/store)

I already mentioned some as being my favourites, but the others I use frequently are [Google Maps Search](https://www.raycast.com/ratoru/google-maps-search), [Open Browser Profiles](https://www.raycast.com/skydiver/browsers-profiles), [Spotify Control](https://www.raycast.com/thomas/spotify-controls) and [Spotify Player](https://www.raycast.com/mattisssa/spotify-player).

### Aliases, hotkeys, and fallback searches

I have hotkeys to launch frequently used apps, like mentioned above, notably…

- Notion `⌥ + N`
- Front `⌥ + F`
- Slack `⌥ + S`
- Chrome `⌥ + C`
- Texts `⌥ + T`

I also it very often to search emojis `⌘ ^ + space` or toggle Bluetooth `⌘ ^ + B`.

I use few aliases, but some of the ones I do use are:

- To [search gif](https://www.raycast.com/josephschmitt/gif-search) `gif`
- Search CrunchBase `cb`
- Search Wikipedia `wiki`

### Anything else

I love a lot how fast Raycast product improves thanks to the work of the developers community that I follow on Slack.

I would actually have loved to know how to code myself to also develop some extensions or scripts (like to search [Front](https://front.com/) if someone reads that 🙏), but unfortunately do not have the skills yet 🤓.


Matthieu de Maulmin

### Favorite feature

I love Confetti the best. I use it whenever I feel happy at work.

I love [Clipboard History](https://www.raycast.com/extensions/clipboard-history), [Search Snippets](https://www.raycast.com/extensions/snippets) and Define Word.

Raycast is also the best calculator for me.

### Most used commands, quicklinks, scripts, and snippets

I often use a snippet that outputs a SQL template. It gives me a good start to write queries.

I often use Search Screenshots. It allows me to drag & drop screenshots to Applications like MS Excel. It’s so good.

### Top extensions from the [Store](https://www.raycast.com/store)

I often use [Format JSON](https://www.raycast.com/destiner/json-format), [TablePlus](https://www.raycast.com/pernielsentikaer/tableplus) and [Notion](https://www.raycast.com/HenriChabrand/notion).

### Aliases, hotkeys, and fallback searches

I set up hotkeys for apps that I often use.

For example, `⌥ n` for VS Code and `⌘ I` for System preferences.

I use Windows Management from time to time. I was using Rectangle to manage windows but there was no “Next Desktop/Previous Desktop” commands. I have “Next Desktop” binded to `⇧ ⌃ →` and “Previous Desktop” to `⇧ ⌃ ←`.

### Anything else

I built [Chatwork Search](https://www.raycast.com/nagauta/chatwork-search) which is Japanese chat tool.

I’m also building some other extensions to improve my productivity.

I started working for a new company last year and started using Mac at the same time. These events made me meet Raycast. I love Raycast the best when it comes to Mac Apps.

I cannot see myself stopping developing extensions with Raycast from now on.

Michitoshi Yano

### Favorite feature

Key information: I am a meticulous individual who has a completely empty desktop on the screen and prioritizes efficiency. I prefer navigating solely through keyboard commands, avoiding the use of a mouse whenever possible.

- **Application shortcuts** helps me to launch my most-used apps, saving tons of time.
- **Floating notes** are perfect for capturing ideas in class, no pen and paper needed, a lifesaver for me as a student as well as the translator for my langage courses 😅.
- **File search** is so efficient, I barely touch Finder anymore and the clipboard history is offering me a much faster workflow.
- **Raycast AI** with custom commands lets me automate tasks, keeping my code clean and organized (just the way I like it!). Possibilities of new command are infinite and it’s a very underrated feature!

Moreover, the emoji picker adds a touch of fun, particularly when I make commits or add issues on GitHub.

### Most used Commands, Quicklinks, Scripts and Snippets

I use tons of snippets to save time typing out the same stuff. They are a game-changer, allowing me to create entire functions and methods or even block of code with just a few keystrokes.

I also use them in specific email templates, like for my upcoming internship and to respond to some teachers when submitting final project.

As a developer, I often use snippet that outputs a basic blade component that adds automatically props, attributes...!

![image](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/jqu50r9b/production/b8d251cead7472b190631ee94079af4e64c95711-1744x1132.png?w=450)

### Top extensions from the [Store](https://www.raycast.com/store)

As a developer, I use various extensions like [Laravel](https://www.raycast.com/indykoning/laravel-docs), [MDN](https://www.raycast.com/krzysztofzuraw/search-mdn), [Tailwind](https://www.raycast.com/vimtor/tailwindcss), and more.
One of my most used extensions is [Screen OCR](https://www.raycast.com/huzef44/screenocr), which helps me copy text from images and video tutorials.
For image compression, I rely on [TinyPNG](https://www.raycast.com/kawamataryo/tinypng), an excellent tool.
The [Copy Path](https://www.raycast.com/koinzhang/copy-path) or URL extension is handy for quickly targeting and changing directories in the terminal within seconds.
I use [Kill Process](https://www.raycast.com/rolandleth/kill-process) mostly to stop infinite loops 😅.
Sometimes, I use the [Password Generator](https://www.raycast.com/joshuaiz/password-generator) extension, which is helpful when a website doesn't suggest a secure password.
Recently, I've been using quite a lot [Google Maps](https://www.raycast.com/ratoru/google-maps-search) since Google removed it from the search engine in Europe.

### Aliases, hotkeys, and fallback searches

I think I have adopted a good method with rather short and efficient shortcuts.

- For example, to open an application I use the ⌥ key + the first letter of the application.

![image](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/jqu50r9b/production/86c7aa0c6445d9b2755c5a6ac2bd984abaa3fa6d-2092x1374.png?w=450)

- For all shortcuts relating to Raycast and store extensions I use the ⌃ + SHIFT + a letter which coincides with the name of the extension.

![image](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/jqu50r9b/production/21a189fdfaa8262b5712c4dc9f37cad2bd6bb863-2092x1374.png?w=450)

- For everything concerning window management I use the keys ⌃ + ⌥ + a letter or a keyboard arrows. Technique taken from the SEO 😳.

![image](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/jqu50r9b/production/21a189fdfaa8262b5712c4dc9f37cad2bd6bb863-2092x1374.png?w=450)

### Anything else

I used to rely on Alfred for my productivity needs, but then I discovered **Raycast**. It was like a whole new level! The attention to detail in Raycast is simply unmatched. It feels like it was designed specifically for my workflow.

![image](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/jqu50r9b/production/24581309b8552014e348ad4a3898d9b46150e0c5-2880x1750.png?w=450)

The speed? **Mind-blowing 🤯!** Everything happens almost instantly, making Raycast a true productivity powerhouse.

Here's my secret tip for a truly personalized Raycast experience: start from scratch. Only add the commands, apps, and extensions you regularly use. This keeps your workspace clean and distraction-free. And try to see how others use the tool, it would be incredibly helpful for you.

I'm about to start working on a new extension, but I first need to come up with a fresh idea because the store already has a wide range of topics.

By the way, I’ve been starting with YouTube recently, and made a little video on my Raycast usage (in french…), hope it will help!

[![Raycast tutoriel complet pour les débutants & intermédiaires!](https://img.youtube.com/vi/musj9iGa87A/0.jpg)](https://youtu.be/musj9iGa87A)

Best regards,

Love you all ❤️!

Renaud Van Meerbergen

### Favorite feature

It’s too hard to pick just one, so I’ll go for:

- [Emoji Picker](https://www.raycast.com/FezVrasta/emoji)
- [Calculator](https://www.raycast.com/extensions/calculator)
- [Windows Management](https://www.raycast.com/extensions/window-management)
- Spotlight Search
- App Launcher
- [Clipboard History](https://www.raycast.com/extensions/clipboard-history)

### Anything else

I kept seeing Raycast mentioned on Twitter and wondered what it was all about. It seemed like a simpler replacement for dedicated tools I was using like Window Management, Clipboard History and Spotlight Search.

Now I’m using Raycast, it’s everything I thought Spotlight should be, and more! I’ve fallen in love with a command-palette-first workflow in other tools and Raycast gives me that for my entire OS.

Though I’m not doing much customisation yet, I’m glad it’s extendable so I can do it if I really wanted to.


Favorite feature

Anything else

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