Zazu

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Overview

Zazu is a cross-platform, open-source app launcher designed for hackers, creators, and users who prefer customization. It provides default plugins for tasks like calculations, file search, web search, and system controls, activated via a shortcut like alt+space, with all functionality configurable through a JSON file and extensible via plugins.¹²⁶

Key Features

Plugin Management - Manage and install plugins directly within Zazu for extended functionality.
Custom Configuration - Edit ~/.zazurc.json to fully customize plugins, shortcuts, and behavior.
Cross-Platform Support - Runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux with tested builds for each.
Extensibility - Develop and build custom plugins using its open architecture.
Default Plugins - Includes calculator, file search, web search, screensaver, and system lock.
Portable Mode - Supports running in portable mode without system installation.
Keyboard Shortcut - Default alt+space to summon the launcher interface.

Pricing

Plan	Price	Includes
Free	$0	Full open-source access, all plugins, customization, and extensibility.

Platforms & Requirements

Zazu runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux; downloads available for Mac and Ubuntu with manual builds for other Linux editions. Configuration stored in ~/.zazurc.json on Unix-like systems or C:\Users\YOUR_NAME\.zazurc.json on Windows. Homebrew installation available for macOS; portable mode supported across platforms.²⁴⁶

Integrations & Ecosystem

Plugin system for custom extensions
Web search integration
File search
Calculator
Screensaver and system lock
Custom plugin development via GitHub

Alternatives

App	Difference
Alfred	Proprietary macOS-only launcher; Zazu is open-source and cross-platform.
Spotlight	Built-in macOS search; Zazu offers full customization and plugins across platforms.
Ulauncher	Linux-focused launcher; Zazu supports Windows and macOS too.
Wox	Windows-only open-source launcher; Zazu is cross-platform.

Reputation

Zazu is perceived as a customizable, open-source alternative to tools like Alfred, appealing to tinkerers who edit JSON configs manually without a GUI. Reviews note its basic default functionality requires plugin additions for richer use, with some finding it underdeveloped out-of-the-box. Development appears stagnant, with last noted version 0.4.0, but the site and GitHub remain accessible.³⁵

Sources (10)