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Basics

Quickstart

New to Raycast? Start here. This guide walks you through downloading the app, searching your system, installing an extension, and having your first AI chat.

  1. Download Raycast

    Download Raycast, set your hotkey, then discover your shortcut to everything.

    Download Raycast

    (opens in new tab)

    Raycast is available on macOS Tahoe (for V2 Beta), Windows 10 (20H1) or later, and iOS 18 or later.

  2. Search Your System

    Files, folders, and apps are searchable directly from Root Search. Press your Raycast hotkey, start typing, and open what you need instantly without opening Finder or File Explorer.

    Read the File Search page for more information.

  3. Create a Snippet

    Snippets are your personal library of reusable text, from saved email responses and code blocks to emojis and CLI commands. Open Raycast, type Create Snippet, give it a name, and use the keyword to paste snippet in any app.

    Read the Snippets page for more information.

  4. Install an Extension

    The Store is home to thousands of community-built extensions covering productivity, developer tools, communication, design, and more. Browse Store in Raycast or on the web, install your favorite extensions, and find it in Root Search alongside your other commands.

    Read the Extensions page for more information.

  5. Chat with Raycast AI

    Raycast AI has two ways you can chat with AI. Press Tab from Root Search for Quick AI, ideal for fast one-off questions. For longer conversations, open AI Chat to ask follow-ups, share attachments, switch models mid-conversation, and pick up where you left off at any time.

    Read the Chat page for more information.