Why I Use Spotlight and Not Quicksilver
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I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz lately about the Mac-only application launcher called Quicksilver. If you’re a fan of Quicksilver, you’ll probably say that it’s more than just an application launcher, but since that’s its basic function, that’s what we’re going to call it.
Unless you’re a designer working on multiple projects or a writer using several applications for discovering, writing, and editing large or multifaceted docs, Quicksilver isn’t for you. I tested it out for a week and a half and all it did was slow me down. I’d read on several productivity blogs that Quicksilver would replace Spotlight for any Mac user. I disagree.
Here’s the gist; you can use Quicksilver to find anything and launch it with just a few keystrokes. It’s perfect for the combo-key fanatic. The problem is that Spotlight already does this with the same or fewer keystrokes. Plus, Spotlight is a native application, which means it came built-in with the OS. That means they play together nicely.
After a week and half, my conclusion was that I didn’t need another application bogging down my Macbook when I already have something that already accomplishes the task. So, I chose Spotlight.
Quick Spotlight Starter Tutorial:
- Your shortcut keystrokes should be Command (Apple) + Space to launch your Spotlight tool in the top right corner of your screen. To launch your Spotlight window, try Command + Shift + Space. However, there’s not much need to launch the window since the tool in the corner is usually sufficient. [To check or change these settings go to System Preferences -> Spotlight. Simple.
- Once launched, just start typing the name of the application of file you’re looking for. A list of results will appear beneath the search bar.
- Use your directional arrows to move down the list to find the application/file you’re looking for. Once it’s highlighted, hit Enter/Return and it’s launched. Voila!
What’s your experience been like with Quicksilver/Spotlight? Have you ever used either? Why or why not?
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Wow! I never even knew I had spotlight. What an easy way to find what I need!
Hah. Shows how much I know…
Cassidy Spencer’s last blog post..Where is America headed?
@Cassidy - Glad I could help!
Personally, I don’t think you could be more wrong.
Although I am a designer, and one who edits/writes many documents, I mainly use my laptop for recreational use, talking to friends, emailing, etc. - the standard functions I believe the average user would be familiar with.
Since I have installed quicksilver, I find things a LOT easier to manage. Firstly, your assumption of a simple “app launcher” is definitely wrong.
I use quicksilver to set global key commands. Anything from Pause/Play iTunes, Empty the trash, set an alarm in 5 minutes, send an SMS message from my cellphone to my girlfriend. All these actions can be done with a simple key command, with any active application.
Quicksilver makes it easy to resize an image in a second. It can be used as a Finder replacement.
If someone asks me for someone’s phone number, I invoke Quicksilver, type in the requested person’s name, and instantly find all contact details. I then have options to just display the information as large type on the screen, call the number through Skype, or even to my bluetooth cellphone.
I can go to my MSN list through adium, and type in replies, using it as an IM gateway service. Or, have an automatic reply lined up, ready to send to someone, and I can use quicksilver to do all that.
Say I wanted to quickly set a reminder in a few minutes that my food is ready, I can invoke QS, press the period key, type a reminder, and choose the reminder to display on my screen in 3 minutes (say). Or perhaps to play a song or MP3 file.
I have many scripts written by myself and others which enhance QS. For example, a key combination can switch the state of my bluetooth status, my volume levels, or perhaps even make my dock switch from 2D to 3D in leopard.
I mean, key combinations can be switched to any form of input you could imagine, including mouse gestures.
And all this is ignoring the fact that QS is an app launcher. But as an app launcher, I find it more useful than spotlight, faster, and able to do a lot more with the application you want.