## Intro [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=0s) - Raycast is a utility that is similar to Spotlight on the Mac, offering more functionality beyond just searching for files or opening apps [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=0s). - The video discussing Raycast is sponsored by Surfshark [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=0s). ## What is Raycast [(00:00:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=11s) - Raycast is a versatile tool that can be used as a full Spotlight replacement, and it has a free tier that is very generous, allowing for a wide range of uses without any trial or usage limits [(00:00:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=11s). - The free tier of Raycast does not have any limitations, and most of the features that will be covered are available under this tier, with the option to upgrade to a paid subscription for additional features such as AI features, themes, and syncing [(00:00:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=35s). - Raycast is built around the concept of extensions, which can be thought of as a command bar for Mac, where users can pick an extension to run a specific command, such as typing "clipboard history" to access the clipboard history extension [(00:00:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=59s). - Raycast allows users to search for application names directly from the main home bar, and if no matching extension or application is found, it will suggest searching for files using a separate file search extension, which has been found to be faster and more accurate than Spotlight [(00:01:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=70s). - The file search extension in Raycast is a separate entity from the main home bar and does not perform file searches directly from the home bar, but it has been found to be more efficient and accurate than Spotlight [(00:01:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=80s). ## Extensions [(00:01:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=101s) - Raycast has a wide range of features beyond searching for applications or files, which can be managed by opening Raycast and typing "extensions" to view all installed extensions [(00:01:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=101s). - The extensions available in Raycast include both first-party and third-party options, with first-party extensions being pre-installed and created by the Raycast team, and third-party extensions being created by external developers and installed by the user [(00:01:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=112s). - The first-party Raycast extensions are covered first, followed by the third-party extensions, providing a comprehensive overview of the different types of extensions available [(00:02:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=125s). ## First Party Extensions [(00:02:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=130s) - The first party extension used the most is Clipboard History, which watches and keeps a list of everything copied, allowing recall later by typing "clipboard history" and hitting enter in Raycast, and then navigating the list with arrow keys to select and paste the desired item [(00:02:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=130s). - The Clipboard History extension settings enable customization of how long it holds onto clipboard history and allows adding apps to a block list to prevent storing sensitive information like passwords or API keys [(00:02:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=140s). - The HyperKey setup is utilized, with the caps lock key and shift key combination turning into a command control option shift combination, enabling custom keyboard shortcuts without interfering with app or system level shortcuts, and is also used to set up a hotkey for the clipboard history [(00:02:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=171s). - The Snippets extension is another built-in extension used for storing frequently used links, addresses, emails, templates, and other common text, with features like creating snippets, labeling, adding text, and setting up text shortcuts [(00:03:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=222s). - The Snippets extension has multiple commands, including "create snippet" and "search snippet", which brings up a list of all snippets, and allows navigation with arrow keys and insertion of text with the enter key, or copying text with command enter [(00:03:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=230s). - Keyboard shortcuts can be set up for both Clipboard History and Snippets, such as the hotkey HyperKey V for clipboard history and option space for searching snippets, providing quick access to these features [(00:03:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=211s). - Additional functionality includes the ability to view all available commands by hitting Command + K, and the option to use text shortcuts for inserting snippets, although it can be challenging to remember them [(00:04:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=275s). ## Sponsor: Surfshark [(00:04:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=297s) - Surfshark is a VPN service that protects users and their data by completely encrypting traffic from the device to its destination, thereby protecting privacy [(00:04:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=297s). - The use of Surfshark ensures secure data and privacy, whether connecting to public wifi networks or the internet in hotels, and this is important because data is a valuable commodity that can be targeted by malicious individuals [(00:05:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=303s). - A key feature of Surfshark is that it does not keep logs, which is important for maintaining the purpose of using a VPN, and it also allows users to check out price discriminations based on regions [(00:05:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=325s). - Surfshark enables users to change their location, which can be useful for accessing content from other regions, such as watching TV shows or browsing Netflix catalogs from different countries [(00:05:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=338s). - To get an extra 4 months of Surfshark for free, users can go to surfshark.com/lolly and use the code "lolly" at checkout, with Surfshark being a service that is personally used and paid for [(00:05:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=350s). ## More First Party Extensions [(00:06:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=371s) - Raycast has a built-in calculator that can handle simple and complex problems, and also performs unit conversion, with a calculator history command that allows users to pull up previous results and calculations [(00:06:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=371s). - The Calendar extension in Raycast allows users to view their upcoming appointments by typing "my schedule", and also has an option to show the next appointment in the menu bar [(00:06:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=402s). - The Quicklinks extension enables users to quickly launch websites from Raycast by creating a quick link with a name and URL, and setting a default app to open it in [(00:07:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=425s). - Raycast Focus is a feature that allows users to set up allow and block lists for apps, enabling them to focus on specific tasks by blocking distracting apps, and can be customized with different categories and time limits [(00:07:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=469s). - Raycast Notes is a feature that creates a floating window for jotting down information, which can be browsed and searched, and is a handy utility for quickly writing down notes [(00:09:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=548s). - The Emoji and Symbols extension in Raycast provides a faster and more accurate way of using emojis on Mac OS, with a search function and the ability to insert standard Unicode characters and symbols [(00:09:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=577s). - The System extension in Raycast provides shortcuts for controlling various Mac OS functions, such as ejecting external drives, locking the screen, and changing volume, which can be customized with keyboard shortcuts [(00:10:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=624s). - Raycast also indexes Apple's shortcuts automations, allowing users to trigger them by typing their name, and provides a faster and more accurate way of running shortcuts on macOS [(00:10:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=654s). - The Music extension in Raycast enables users to play and pause music, skip tracks, and favorite tracks, with many commands available that can be customized [(00:11:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=682s). ## Third Party Extensions [(00:11:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=701s) - Raycast has a vibrant list of third-party extensions that can be installed from the extension settings window by hitting the plus button and selecting "install from store", which brings up a search bar to find and install extensions [(00:11:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=701s). - The Drafts extension is a useful third-party extension that allows users to perform various actions, such as prepending and appending to current drafts, creating a draft with the contents of the clipboard, and launching the dedicated dictation window, with the ability to run Drafts actions directly from Raycast [(00:12:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=732s). - The Obsidian extension is a well-rounded extension that allows users to create notes, append to daily notes with the option to add text under a specific heading, add tasks, search for notes and media, and more, with customizable keyboard shortcuts [(00:12:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=770s). - The ChatGPT and Gemini extensions enable users to ask questions and have conversations within the Raycast command bar, with ChatGPT having commands related to image-based questions and Gemini offering tools for summarizing text, expanding, spelling, and grammar checking [(00:13:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=824s). - The Todoist extension allows users to list tasks due today and overdue, search, and show filters, although some users may prefer using the Todoist quick entry feature for adding tasks [(00:14:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=873s). - The Raindrop.io extension enables users to save and pull up bookmarks, with a useful command for saving the current browser tab and auto-filling the article name and URL [(00:15:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=903s). - The YouTube extension provides a simple search function, allowing users to bypass the YouTube homepage and quickly find what they need [(00:15:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=928s). - The Parcel extension allows users to track deliveries and view upcoming deliveries, with the option to add tracking information, although using PopClip may be a more efficient method [(00:15:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=940s). - The Formula 1 extension provides a limited but useful set of information, including the race schedule, current driver championship standings, and current constructor championship standings [(00:15:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=955s). ## Raycast Al [(00:16:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=974s) - Raycast has a feature called AI extensions, which are part of the paid subscription and allow for more advanced commands, such as searching for specific information in the clipboard history or configuring Raycast using natural language input [(00:16:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=974s). - These AI commands are denoted by the @ symbol and can be used to build workflows by tying them together, making it a unique and interesting concept [(00:16:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=982s). - The AI feature can be used for various tasks, including searching for upcoming meetings in Google Calendar or having Raycast auto-configure itself based on user input [(00:16:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=995s). - However, the AI feature is currently buggy and does not work consistently, sometimes getting hung up or requiring termination, which is why it is not being fully explored in the current video [(00:17:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=1038s). - The decision to skip over the AI feature in the video is also due to the fact that it is part of the paid subscription, and the focus is on introducing users to the free tier of Raycast [(00:17:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=1025s). - Despite the current issues, the idea behind the AI feature is promising, and a future video may be made to explore it further once the bugs are resolved [(00:17:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=1061s). ## Wrap Up [(00:17:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=1063s) - The discussion about the Raycast setup has come to a close, with a final overview of its features and usage [(00:17:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=1063s). - Viewers are encouraged to share their experiences with Raycast, including the extensions they are currently using, in order to provide recommendations [(00:17:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=1067s). - New users who are interested in trying out Raycast are also invited to share which extensions they are most excited to try out, with feedback and comments welcome [(00:17:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=1071s). - The video is sponsored by Surfshark, and viewers are thanked for their support, with a call to action to like the video, subscribe, and have a great day [(00:18:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o&t=1083s). ## Sources - [website](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXce_yexL0o?si=OjKc9Jt7l-KCwehO)