iStart is a lightweight start menu and app launcher for macOS that brings the familiar Windows experience to Apple computers. You press a global keyboard shortcut to open a floating menu, then search for and launch any installed application by typing its name, initials, or pinyin. You can pin your favorite apps for quick access, see recently opened applications, and browse all indexed apps. The app runs in the background, can start automatically when you log in, and supports custom application folders for indexing additional apps.
How It Works
You've been clicking through folders to find apps on your Mac, and someone tells you about iStart—a quick way to search and open anything with a single keystroke.
You grab the latest version from the releases page, open the zip file, and drag iStart into your Applications folder like any other Mac app.
In the settings, you choose which key combination opens the start menu—Command+Space feels natural since it's always right under your fingers.
From any app, anywhere on your Mac, you press your shortcut and a beautiful floating menu slides into view, ready for you to type.
Type a few letters and watch matching apps appear in real-time
Pin your favorites so they always appear at the top of the menu
Your recently opened apps are right there for quick access
With your app selected, you hit Enter and it launches immediately—no more hunting through folders.
Your favorite apps are pinned, recent ones are remembered, and launching anything takes less than a second from anywhere on your Mac.
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