What is Quicksilver?
Quicksilver is a free, open-source launcher for macOS, developed by volunteers. A keyboard shortcut opens a command window where you pick an object such as an app, file or contact, then an action to perform on it and, if needed, a third item as its argument. Plugins extend it to mail, browsers, calendars and the clipboard, and triggers attach commands to shortcuts or mouse gestures. The site says every feature is free, with no paid version.
Quicksilver is free to use. See every plan
Good for
- Mac users who want to act on files, apps and contacts from the keyboard
- People who want a launcher with clipboard history and no paid tier
- Tinkerers who like plugins, triggers and AppleScript actions
Worth knowing
- macOS only; the latest version runs on macOS 10.14 or later, with older releases kept for older systems.
- Many features come from plugins, which have to be installed and enabled before they show up.
- It is maintained by volunteer contributors and relies on donations for hosting and development costs.
- On startup it contacts qs0.qsapp.com to check for new versions, which the manual notes a network monitor may flag.
Key features
- Object, action, argument commands
- Commands are built in two or three panes: an object such as a file, an action such as E-mail To, and an argument when the action needs one.
- Abbreviation matching that learns
- An item matches when the typed letters appear in its name in order, and items you pick often rise in the results, so short abbreviations come to select them.
- Its own catalog
- Quicksilver builds a catalog of apps, files, bookmarks, contacts and more without depending on Spotlight, and rescans it in the background every 10 minutes by default.
- Triggers
- A command can be bound to a keyboard shortcut, a mouse action, a gesture or an event so that it runs without opening the command window.
- Plugins
- Optional plugins add objects and actions for apps such as Mail, Gmail, Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Calendar and Reminders. They are found, installed and updated from the Preferences.
- Clipboard history and Shelf
- The Clipboard and Shelf plugin keeps a history of what you copy and a Shelf for storing items you want within quick reach.
Quicksilver pricing
- Starts at
- Free
- Free plan
- The whole app and its plugins are free, with no paid version, subscription or locked features. The source is under the Apache License 2.0, and the project takes PayPal donations for hosting and development.
- Free trial
- None listed
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Quicksilver | $0 | The complete launcher with every feature and plugin, as a disk image download or a Homebrew cask. Donations are optional. |
Read from qsapp.com on Oct 9, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with Quicksilver before you buy.
Works with
- Apple Mail
- Gmail
- Safari
- Chrome
- Firefox
- Calendar & Reminders
- 1Password
- AppleScript
Quicksilver alternatives
- Quicksilver vs Alfred
Free plan · from £34 one-time
- Quicksilver vs Raycast
Free plan · from $96/yr
- Quicksilver vs LaunchBar
Free plan · from €35 one-time
Common questions
Is Quicksilver free?
Yes. Quicksilver is free to use. The whole app and its plugins are free, with no paid version, subscription or locked features. The source is under the Apache License 2.0, and the project takes PayPal donations for hosting and development.
How much does Quicksilver cost?
Quicksilver lists one plan. Quicksilver: $0. Prices were read from qsapp.com on Oct 9, 2026.
What platforms does Quicksilver work on?
Quicksilver is available on macOS.
Does Quicksilver have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 9, 2026. Quicksilver is listed for macOS.
Does Quicksilver have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 9, 2026. Quicksilver is listed for macOS.
Is Quicksilver open source?
Yes. Quicksilver is open source, according to its own site.
What does Quicksilver integrate with?
Quicksilver's listing names Apple Mail, Gmail, Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Calendar & Reminders, 1Password and AppleScript. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.
Who makes Quicksilver?
Quicksilver is made by Quicksilver Project. It dates from 2003.
What are the alternatives to Quicksilver?
The closest alternatives to Quicksilver in our directory are Alfred, Raycast, LaunchBar and Ueli. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Quicksilver.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 9, 2026.