How Raycast makes me super efficient
Learning shortcuts for your computer can make things so much easier and more efficient in the long run. When I switched to a Mac after being a long-time Windows user, I got the suggestion to download Alfred. As I began to learn Alfred, I quickly ran into limitations, which led me to search for alternatives. Enter Raycast.
(btw, this post is not sponsored; I’m just a huge fan. I do have some invite links available if you want one, just leave a comment)
Raycast is a productivity app for Mac that acts as a command center. It’s designed to speed up navigation and task management. It uses natural language processing, streamlining the process of performing tasks quickly and efficiently. Rayast can increase productivity for any Mac user looking to save time and simplify their workflow.
The app integrates with a ton of popular productivity tools, such as Trello, Asana, and GitHub, allowing for centralized task and project management. Users can create custom workflows and shortcuts, which tailor the app to their specific needs and preferences. Raycast also provides real-time search and filtering capabilities, enabling you to find app-specific tasks or commands quickly.
How I Use Raycast
Instead of opening Notion, navigating to my notes database, and starting a new quick note, I can use the ALT+ Space shortcut to open Raycast, type “NNote,” and create a new page in any database. On top of that, Raycast is incredibly fast. With custom shortcuts and hotkeys, you can speed up this process even further.
For example, I can take a whole page screenshot in one click. Or open AI in one shortcut. I can add tasks to ToDoist, my Notion projects, or my client’s Asana dashboard from any screen.
Instead of opening a specific app to take action, I can do 90% of my tasks directly in Raycast. This makes it super simple to take a note, add a task, send a message, or search for a webpage without leaving the screen I’m working on. There are so many moments during the day when I remember a grocery item during a meeting or need to access a bookmark I saved. Instead of clicking away from my current work, I can do it in seconds with Raycast.
As a work-from-home mom, every second counts with my schedule. The less task-switching I do, the faster I can get back into my flow. Raycast helps me process a quick thought without a multi-step process.
Some of my favorite tools are:
- Clipboard history for all those times you needed something you copied and accidentally hit CTRL C instead of V
- Calculator: I use this 10x a day minimum
- Timezone converter: I use this constantly when booking client meetings
- Floating Notes is the perfect pop-up sticky note for jotting down thoughts or notes to sort out later. I use this all the time during phone calls or short meetings that don’t require a full meeting note in Notion
- Window Management makes sorting my windows on my ultra-wide a breeze. It’s super easy to split my views, move apps, or organize my work with two clicks.
- The calendar extension connected to Notion Calendar is incredible. I can quickly view upcoming events, get notifications or reminders even when my calendar app is closed, and add events in a few clicks.
- Apple Shortcuts can be run from Raycast in just a click. I have all my Notion habits linked to my Apple shortcuts to work with my NFC tags, but if I want to log a habit quickly, I can do it with Raycast in a second.
Customization at Your Fingertips
Everyone’s workflow is different. Being able to customize the apps you need and customize the shortcuts is important. Raycast has a huge library of integrations and apps to connect as well as the ability to create your own quicklinks and scripts.
Each extension can be customized to take the actions you want. The developers contributing to the library share the source code as well, so much like Obsidian, you have full control over what you choose to install and use.
Free & Easy
One of the best things about Raycast is that it’s free. You can install it today and only use it to open apps quickly. It’s really simple to build onto your existing workflow, and the more you use it, the more you’ll find yourself wanting to use it for everything.
You don’t have to spend hours getting it all set up; just install and use it for simple tasks to start. You can add more functionality as you get used to the system.
I recently shared Raycast in my list of apps I’m paying for this year, and it’s because of how much the app has grown on me over the past two years. I use it multiple times a day, every day, and I think it can also be a super valuable tool in your workflow.
Grab Raycast here.
What apps do you consider “essential” to your workflow? I’d love to check out some new apps for myself!
