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Wox

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What Wox is

Wox is a free, keyboard-first desktop launcher for opening apps, finding files and quickly reaching a range of tools and actions. Built-in plugins cover app and file search, clipboard history, calculations, conversions, web search, notes, screenshots, timers, dictation, window layouts and shell commands. Depending on the result, users can copy, reveal or paste an item, save it to Notes, or open it in another tool. Wox also includes AI chat and reusable AI commands, with options to configure AI providers. Community plugins can extend it, and the project describes support for Node.js, Python or scripts. Wox is released under the GPL-3.0 License and runs on Linux, macOS and Windows. User data is stored under ~/.wox on Linux and macOS, or %USERPROFILE%\.wox on Windows. File Search returns paths only inside configured roots that Wox can read. On Wayland, certain double-modifier and CapsLock-combo hotkeys require keyboard-event access through Linux evdev; restoring CapsLock state uses uinput.

Who it suits

Wox suits people who want keyboard-driven access to applications, files and everyday desktop actions. Its plugin support may appeal to users who want to extend or customize their workflows.

What it does well

  • Free and released under the GPL-3.0 License.
  • Runs on Linux, macOS and Windows.
  • Built-in tools include notes, screenshots and timers.
  • Supports community plugins using Node.js, Python or scripts.
  • Includes AI chat and reusable AI commands.

What to know first

  • File Search is limited to readable paths inside configured roots.
  • Some Wayland hotkeys require access through the Linux evdev interface.
  • Restoring CapsLock state uses uinput.

Verdict

Wox brings app search, utilities and customizable actions into a keyboard-first launcher. Its file-search scope and Wayland hotkey requirements are worth checking against your setup.

Facts from Wox's own pages

Actions
Results can offer actions such as copying, revealing a file, pasting, saving to Notes, or opening an item in another tool. · woxlauncher.com, 30 Sept 2026
AI
Wox includes AI chat and reusable AI commands, and its guide says users can configure AI providers. · woxlauncher.com, 30 Sept 2026
Audience
Wox is presented as a desktop productivity launcher for people who want keyboard-driven access to apps, files, actions, and customizable workflows. · woxlauncher.com, 30 Sept 2026
Built-in tools
Built-in plugins include app and file search, clipboard, calculator, converter, web search, notes, screenshots, timers, dictation, window layouts, and shell commands. · woxlauncher.com, 30 Sept 2026
Data location
Wox stores user data under ~/.wox on macOS and Linux and %USERPROFILE%\.wox on Windows. · woxlauncher.com, 30 Sept 2026
Extensions
Users can install community plugins, and the project describes plugin support for Node.js, Python, or scripts. · github.com, 30 Sept 2026
File search limit
File Search returns paths inside configured roots that are readable by Wox. · woxlauncher.com, 30 Sept 2026
Integrations
The v2.4.3 release notes list plugins for Linkding, GitHub, and Notion. · github.com, 30 Sept 2026
Linux hotkeys
On Wayland, double-modifier and CapsLock-combo hotkeys require access to keyboard events through the Linux evdev interface; CapsLock state restoration uses uinput. · woxlauncher.com, 30 Sept 2026
Open source
Wox is released under the GPL-3.0 License. · woxlauncher.com, 30 Sept 2026
Platforms
The site lists Windows, macOS, and Linux as supported platforms. · woxlauncher.com, 30 Sept 2026
Product
Wox is a keyboard-first desktop launcher for opening apps, finding files, capturing notes, taking screenshots, running timers, searching the web, reusing clipboard history, using AI, and adding plugins. · woxlauncher.com, 30 Sept 2026
Support
Users can export diagnostics, review crash reports, clear logs, or open a GitHub issue through the Feedback plugin. · woxlauncher.com, 30 Sept 2026

Where Wox stands on Freedom251

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