What is Raycast?
Raycast is a Mac-based productivity tool built around AI. It combines system-level control with access to over 30 powerful language models from providers like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google. Users can chat with AI, automate tasks, and interact with their desktop using just the keyboard. Beyond AI, Raycast also handles app launching, window management, clipboard history, file search, and hundreds of app extensions. It’s like a command center powered by AI, extended by plugins.
Raycast AI
Raycast AI turns your Mac into an intelligent assistant. It brings together top-tier AI models—including GPT-4, Claude 3, Gemini Pro, and Mistral Large—right inside your desktop. You can use AI to write, debug, summarize, translate, and more, all through a floating chat window you summon with one hotkey.
With AI Commands, you can create custom automations using natural language. Rename files, generate structured JSON, or summarize long notes in seconds. You can also use AI Extensions to control your Mac or external tools like GitHub, Notion, or Google Drive with plain text instructions.
Raycast lets you chat directly with files, including PDFs, CSVs, or anything on-screen. There’s no uploading needed—just drag, drop, and ask. AI suggestions are always in context because Raycast integrates directly with your OS.
Model comparison is built-in. You can regenerate the same question across multiple LLMs and pick the best response. Privacy is a core focus—no inputs are ever used to train models, and all chats are stored locally unless cloud sync is enabled.
Features & Benefits
AI-Powered Features
- Quick AI Chat – Ask questions from any app using a floating AI window.
- Multi-Model Access – Use 30+ LLMs from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Perplexity, Mistral, DeepSeek, AliBaba.
- AI Commands – Automate desktop actions with AI (rename files, format text, etc.).
- AI Extensions – Control your system and apps using natural language prompts.
- Chat with Files – Interact with PDFs, CSVs, and screen content via AI.
- Compare AI Models – Regenerate answers across models to find the best result.
- Custom Chat Presets – Tailor conversations for writing, coding, or research.
- Cloud Sync (Pro) – Sync AI chats, commands, and notes across devices.
- Private AI Extensions – Share custom AI tools within your team.
- Local Models (Coming Soon) – Run AI offline for full data privacy.
Non-AI Features
- App Launcher – Launch any installed Mac app instantly with the keyboard.
- Clipboard History – Store, view, and reuse copied content.
- Window Management – Resize, move, and organize windows quickly.
- File Search – Search local files without using Finder.
- System Controls – Adjust Wi-Fi, brightness, and audio from Raycast.
- Calendar Access – View, create, and manage calendar events.
- Task Management – Connect to apps like Todoist for reminders and to-dos.
- Custom Shortcuts – Build hotkeys for actions and commands.
- Web Preview – View and interact with web content inside Raycast.
- Markdown Notes – Create and manage structured notes (Pro = unlimited).
Raycast Tasks
- Use AI to answer questions or write content
- Automate Mac tasks with AI commands
- Chat with documents (PDFs, CSVs, Markdown)
- Compare responses from different AI models
- Translate text using AI
- Launch apps and search files
- Manage clipboard history
- Control system settings
- Resize or reposition windows
- Schedule or review calendar events
Real-world applications
A developer might use Raycast AI to fix bugs in code, summarize GitHub issues, and manage branches without leaving the keyboard. File chat makes it easy to analyze logs or CSVs on the fly.
A writer can ask AI to rephrase headlines, translate paragraphs, or summarize a lengthy PDF. Clipboard history ensures nothing is lost, and AI commands help clean up formatting in one tap.
Designers can automate image tasks using AI Extensions or TinyPNG. With color pickers and clipboard recall, visual workflows stay clean—and feedback can be rewritten or summarized with AI help.
Teams use Raycast to share AI-based workflows and extensions privately. Everyone stays in sync with shared notes, synced shortcuts, and fast access to the same AI models for faster decision-making.
Who is Raycast for
- AI enthusiasts and developers
- Writers, marketers, and researchers
- Mac-based power users
- Remote and technical teams
- Productivity-focused professionals
