Ulauncher

Free plan Linux

What Ulauncher is

Ulauncher is a free application launcher for Linux that helps users find and open applications. Its fuzzy search can recognize misspelled application names, remember previous selections, and automatically choose the likely match on a later search. Users can pick from four built-in color themes or create custom themes, and make personalized shortcuts for scripts and searches. Typing `~` or `/` starts its directory browser, while Alt+Enter opens advanced options; a calculator is also listed among its features. Community-built extensions handle keyword-based queries and can display results beneath the input box. Extensions are Python programs that run in separate processes, use WebSockets to communicate with Ulauncher, and stop when the app closes or crashes. They can access directories and make network requests with the same rights as the current user, but cannot change the launcher’s behavior or appearance. Installation options are listed for Ubuntu or Debian, Arch Linux, Fedora, openSUSE, and CentOS 7; Fedora does not currently have a development repository. The project identifies its license as GNU GPL v3.0. Its README says version 6 is in development, while version 5 receives support for existing functionality without new features or improvements.

Who it suits

Ulauncher suits Linux users who want a free launcher for applications, file browsing, shortcuts, and keyword-based extension results. It also fits users who value customizable themes and fuzzy search that learns from earlier selections.

What it does well

Free and licensed under GNU GPL v3.0.
Fuzzy search can recognize misspelled app names.
Offers four built-in themes and custom themes.
Shortcuts can run scripts and searches.
Directory browser and calculator are listed features.

What to know first

Available for Linux only.
Extensions run with the user's directory and network permissions.
Extensions cannot change the launcher's behavior or appearance.
Fedora has no development repository currently.

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
Free	Application launcher for Linux · GNU GPL v3.0	Free

As ulauncher.io lists them, read 9 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

Open https://ulauncher.io/.
Choose the installation instructions for Ubuntu or Debian, Arch Linux, Fedora, openSUSE, or CentOS 7.
Install Ulauncher using the instructions for your distribution.
Search for applications, or type `~` or `/` to open the directory browser.
Add custom themes, shortcuts, or community extensions as needed.

Verdict

Choose Ulauncher if you use Linux and want a free launcher with fuzzy app search, shortcuts, themes, and extensions. Look elsewhere if you need a launcher for another platform or require extensions to alter the application’s behavior or appearance.

Questions

How much does Ulauncher cost?

Ulauncher is free.

Which platforms does it support?

Ulauncher is for Linux. Installation instructions are listed for Ubuntu or Debian, Arch Linux, Fedora, openSUSE, and CentOS 7.

Is Ulauncher open source?

The project README identifies its license as GNU GPL v3.0.

What can its extensions do?

Extensions handle input that begins with a developer-defined keyword and can render results beneath the input box. They cannot change Ulauncher’s behavior or appearance.

What permissions do extensions have?

Extensions can access directories and make network requests with the same rights as the user running Ulauncher.

What is the project's version status?

The README says version 6 is in development. Version 5 receives support for existing functionality, without new features or improvements.

Facts from Ulauncher's own pages

Calculator: The project README lists a calculator among Ulauncher's features. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Distribution support: The download page lists installation instructions for Ubuntu or Debian, Arch Linux, Fedora, OpenSUSE and CentOS 7. · ulauncher.io, 9 Oct 2026
Extension boundary: Extensions cannot change Ulauncher's behavior or appearance; they handle inputs that begin with their defined keyword. · docs.ulauncher.io, 9 Oct 2026
Extension communication: Ulauncher communicates with extensions using WebSockets. · docs.ulauncher.io, 9 Oct 2026
Extension integrations: Extensions can handle keyword-based queries and render results beneath the input box. · docs.ulauncher.io, 9 Oct 2026
Extension limits: Extensions handle input beginning with a developer-defined keyword and cannot change Ulauncher’s behavior or appearance. · docs.ulauncher.io, 9 Oct 2026
Extension model: Extensions are Python programs that run as separate processes alongside the app and are terminated when it closes or crashes. · ext.ulauncher.io, 9 Oct 2026
Extension permissions: The extension documentation says extensions can access directories and make network requests with the same rights as the user running Ulauncher. · docs.ulauncher.io, 9 Oct 2026
Fedora limitation: The download page says Ulauncher does not currently support a development repository for Fedora. · ulauncher.io, 9 Oct 2026
Fedora repository: The download page says Ulauncher does not currently support a dev repository for Fedora. · ulauncher.io, 9 Oct 2026
File browser: Its directory browser starts when the user types `~` or `/`, and Alt+Enter opens advanced options. · ulauncher.io, 9 Oct 2026
File browsing: The directory browser starts when the user types `~` or `/`, with advanced options available through Alt+Enter. · ulauncher.io, 9 Oct 2026
Fuzzy app search: Fuzzy search can recognize misspelled application names, remember previous picks and auto-select the best option next time. · ulauncher.io, 9 Oct 2026
Fuzzy search: It finds applications with fuzzy matching, remembers previous picks, and auto-selects the best option next time. · ulauncher.io, 9 Oct 2026
License: The project README identifies the license as GNU GPL v3.0. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Linux distributions: The download page gives installation options for Ubuntu or Debian, Arch Linux, Fedora, openSUSE, and CentOS 7. · ulauncher.io, 9 Oct 2026
Project status: The project README says v6 is in development and that v5 is receiving support for existing functionality without new features or improvements. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Purpose: Ulauncher describes itself as an application launcher for Linux. · ulauncher.io, 9 Oct 2026
Shortcuts and extensions: Users can create personalized shortcuts for scripts and searches or use community-built extensions. · ulauncher.io, 9 Oct 2026
Support: The site points users to the issue tracker and offers support through Patreon donations and code contributions. · ulauncher.io, 9 Oct 2026
Themes: It includes four built-in color themes and supports custom themes. · ulauncher.io, 9 Oct 2026