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Guide · Open source

How to use Rubick: launcher shortcut, plugins and WebDAV sync

Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data

Rubick is an open-source desktop launcher and toolbox built with Electron. It lets you open a search box with a keyboard shortcut, find local apps, files and folders, and run small tools called plugins. This guide shows you how to open it, search with it, add plugins and set up data sync.

RubickrubickCenter/rubick · ★ 10.1k · MIT

Quick start

  1. 1Download Rubick. Get the release for your operating system from the Rubick releases page on GitHub.
  2. 2Open the launcher. Press Alt/Option+R to bring up the main program's search box.
  3. 3Search for what you need. Type keywords to find apps, plugins or files, then select the result.
  4. 4Open the plugin market. Click the rubick icon on the right side of the search box.
  5. 5Install a plugin. Download the plugin you want and find it under the Installed tab.
  6. 6Set up WebDAV sync. Go to Preferences, then Account and Settings, then Multi-Device Data Synchronization to export or import data.

Get Rubick and open it for the first time

The project's README lists downloadable builds for Mac OS, Windows and Linux on its GitHub releases page. Download the release for your system and launch it.

After installing Rubick, press Alt/Option+R to open the main program. The shortcut is the README's documented way to summon the search box.

  • Download the latest release from the Rubick releases page on GitHub.
  • Open the app on Windows, macOS or Linux.
  • Press Alt/Option+R to open the main window.

Search for apps, files and folders

Type keywords into the input box in the main program to search for matching apps, plugins and files. The README says it supports pinyin and abbreviations when searching system applications.

Select the result you want and open it from the list.

  • Use keywords to find local apps, files or folders.
  • Use pinyin or abbreviations to find system applications.

Install plugins from the plugin market

If you want extra tools, click the rubick icon on the right side of the search box to open the plugin market. Select the plugin you want and click its download button. Installed plugins appear under the Installed tab.

After installing a UI plugin, enter its call-up command in the search box to use it. System plugins work the same way, but the README says Rubick must be restarted before they take effect.

  • Click the rubick icon on the right of the search box to open the plugin market.
  • Choose a plugin and click download.
  • Find it under the Installed tab.
  • For system plugins, restart Rubick after installation.
After the system plug-in is installed successfully, rubick needs to be restarted to take effect

Sync your plugin data with WebDAV

Rubick can export and import plugin data across devices using WebDAV. In the app, search for Preferences, open Account and Settings, then select Multi-Device Data Synchronization.

The README does not describe the WebDAV server setup, so check the Rubick docs for the connection details you need.

  • Search for Preferences in Rubick.
  • Open Account and Settings.
  • Select Multi-Device Data Synchronization.
  • Export data on one device and import it on another.

Build your own plugin with the plugin CLI

The README links a Rubick Plugin CLI repository for developers who want to write their own plugins. Plugins are managed in the npm package pattern, so installing one is similar to installing an npm package.

The README also lists a plugins database and plugin repositories hosted on other platforms. Check the Rubick docs for how to publish or structure a plugin.

  • Plugin CLI repository: github.com/rubickCenter/rubick-plugin-cli
  • Plugin management follows the npm package pattern.

What people use it for

  • Opening apps and local files from the keyboard with Alt/Option+R and a few typed letters.
  • Adding small tools through the plugin market and calling them by their command.
  • Keeping plugin data consistent across more than one computer using WebDAV sync.
  • Deploying Rubick on an internal network, as the README states it supports enterprise-level intranet deployment.
  • Building a custom plugin with the Rubick Plugin CLI.

Frequently asked questions

How do I install Rubick?

Download the latest release for Mac OS, Windows or Linux from the Rubick releases page on GitHub. Open the downloaded app and press Alt/Option+R to start using it. The README also shows a git clone command for the repository, which is useful if you want the source code.

What is the Rubick shortcut key?

The README says you can open the main program by pressing Alt/Option+R after installing Rubick. Use Option+R on macOS and Alt+R on Windows or Linux.

Is Rubick free and open source?

Yes. The repository is licensed under the MIT License, and the LICENSE file is linked from the README. The README also mentions optional support options, such as a paid knowledge community and donations.

What are the system requirements for Rubick?

The README does not list any prerequisites for running Rubick. Check the release page and the Rubick docs for platform details before you install.

How do I install a Rubick plugin?

Click the rubick icon on the right side of the search box, open the plugin market, and click download on the plugin you want. Installed plugins appear under the Installed tab, and you call them with their command in the search box.

What are good alternatives to Rubick?

The source lists uTools, Alfred and Flow Launcher as comparable projects. Rubick differs by being open source and built around a plugin market, but the README does not compare features in detail.

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Our verdict

Rubick suits people who want a keyboard-driven launcher for apps and files on Windows or macOS, and who want to add small tools through its plugin market. It is less suited to anyone who wants a minimal launcher without plugins, or who needs security guarantees the README does not describe in detail.

Install options & downloads