Quicksilver

Free plan Mac

What Quicksilver is

Quicksilver is a free, open-source macOS productivity application for controlling a Mac from the keyboard. A few keystrokes can launch applications, open files, and access bookmarks. It also performs actions such as moving, copying, emailing, or compressing files, sending messages, and controlling iTunes. Hundreds of plugins extend the application, and they can be installed and managed within Quicksilver. Listed plugin capabilities include Apple Mail, Gmail, Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Calendar, and Reminders. Keyboard shortcuts and mouse gestures can trigger actions. More than 10 interfaces and color theming provide customization. Quicksilver’s FAQ says it does not phone home, collect analytics, or track usage, with data staying on the Mac. The latest version runs on macOS 10.14 or later, while earlier versions support older releases. File search indexes names rather than contents, and the catalog index stays in memory.

Who it suits

Quicksilver suits Mac users who want keyboard-based launching, file actions, workflows, and plugin extensions. It may also fit users seeking a free, open-source tool that keeps data on the Mac.

What it does well

Free plan includes all features
Hundreds of installable, manageable plugins
Keyboard shortcuts and mouse gestures
More than 10 themed interfaces
No analytics or usage tracking

What to know first

Indexes file names, not file contents
Catalog index stays in memory
Latest version requires macOS 10.14 or later

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
Free	All features · no paid version or subscription	Free

As qsapp.com lists them, read 8 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Verdict

Quicksilver combines keyboard control, file actions, workflows, and extensive plugin support in a free macOS application. Its file-name-only indexing and macOS requirements are important considerations.

Facts from Quicksilver's own pages

Actions: It can move, copy, email, or compress files, send messages, and control iTunes. · qsapp.com, 8 Oct 2026
Customization: Quicksilver offers more than 10 interfaces with color theming. · qsapp.com, 8 Oct 2026
Integrations: The site lists Apple Mail, Gmail, Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Calendar, and Reminders among its plugin capabilities. · qsapp.com, 8 Oct 2026
Launch and search: It launches applications, opens files, and accesses bookmarks with a few keystrokes. · qsapp.com, 8 Oct 2026
Notable limitation: The manual says Quicksilver indexes file names rather than file contents and keeps its catalog index in memory. · qsapp.com, 8 Oct 2026
Open source: Quicksilver is free, open source, and community-maintained. · qsapp.com, 8 Oct 2026
Plugins: Hundreds of plugins extend Quicksilver, and plugins can be installed and managed from within the app. · qsapp.com, 8 Oct 2026
Privacy: The FAQ says Quicksilver does not phone home, collect analytics, or track usage, and that data stays on the user's Mac. · qsapp.com, 8 Oct 2026
Product: Quicksilver is a macOS productivity application for controlling a Mac from the keyboard. · qsapp.com, 8 Oct 2026
Requirements: The latest version runs on macOS 10.14 or later; previous versions are available for older macOS releases. · qsapp.com, 8 Oct 2026
Support: Support options include the manual, FAQ, GitHub Discussions, and GitHub Issues. · qsapp.com, 8 Oct 2026
Triggers: Users can assign keyboard shortcuts or mouse gestures to run actions. · qsapp.com, 8 Oct 2026