Cerebro is an open-source launcher that improves productivity and efficiency by providing quick access to applications, files, web searches, and calculations through a keyboard-driven interface.
The tool solves the problem of context-switching and slow application launching by offering a unified search interface triggered with a keyboard shortcut. Users type queries to find and launch applications, navigate the file system with previews, perform calculations, or convert units. The launcher includes core plugins for web search, application launching, file system navigation, basic math, and smart unit conversion across currencies and measurements. Additional functionality can be added through a plugin system, with plugins managed directly from the search interface by typing plugin commands.
Cerebro suits developers and power users who benefit from keyboard-centric workflows and want to reduce reliance on mouse navigation. It works across Windows, Linux, and macOS with platform-specific installers available. The tool provides vim-like navigation keys for result selection and supports customizable keyboard shortcuts. Users can extend functionality by creating custom plugins using the provided plugin documentation. The project offers both light and dark themes and stores configuration in standard OS-specific paths.
The project maintains active development with regular updates to its core functionality and plugin ecosystem. Build infrastructure is established with CI automation for packaging and publishing executables across platforms. The codebase is written in JavaScript and built on Electron, making it accessible for contributors familiar with web technologies. Documentation covers plugin creation, installation procedures for different operating systems, and configuration management.
