Complete Raycast tutorial for Windows: a practical step-by-step guide

If you're testing the beta of Raycast for Windows And if you feel a little lost, don't worry: it's perfectly normal. It's a very powerful tool, with many features and extensions, and at first it can be a bit overwhelming because it's not "just" an application launcher, but almost a command center for your entire computer.

In this tutorial I'm going to tell you, calmly and without beating around the bush, How to get the most out of Raycast on Windows: from the basics (launch apps) to more advanced features like custom shortcuts, clipboard history, text snippets, quicklinks, a window manager, built-in AI, and a good number of very useful extensions. All explained in Spanish (Spain) with real-world examples of everyday use.

What is Raycast on Windows and why is it worth it?

Raycast is, in essence, a command and application launcher Designed so you can do almost everything with the keyboard and without taking your hands off the desk. It originated on macOS, where it has a huge community and countless extensions, and is now coming to Windows in beta, retaining many of its key ideas: speed, minimalism, and productivity.

On Windows, Raycast works like your new trusted “key + space”Although we don't have it here CMD as in MacThe philosophy is the same: you press a key combination, the Raycast bar opens, you type what you want (an app, a file, a command, an action), and that's it. It all happens in a few seconds without having to navigate through menus.

In addition to the launcher, Raycast integrates clipboard history, text snippets, rich search, extensions of all kinds, access to AI And, little by little, more features already available on Mac, such as the window manager and some Pro tools, will be added. The Windows version is still under development, but it already allows for very similar workflows and leverages many of the same ideas.

Within Raycast itself, you can open the official help at any time with the command “Open Manual”where you'll find documentation on features already available in Windows and how to get the most out of them, plus links to send feedback to help define their roadmap.

Getting started: keyboard shortcuts and basic launcher

The most important thing to start with is to define the keyboard shortcut to open RaycastOn Mac, many people replace Spotlight with CMD + Space; on Windows you can do something similar: assign a convenient key that you can press a hundred times a day without thinking, for example. Win + Space or a combination with Ctrl or Alt that does not interfere with other shortcuts.

Once you have the shortcut set up, the basic function is the application and file launcherYou type the app's name (for example, "Chrome," "Photoshop," or your favorite browser) and it opens instantly. On Windows, you can replicate a very streamlined workflow, similar to macOS, allowing you to almost completely forget about the Start menu.

Many advanced users also take advantage of system key combinations, for example Win + number To pin and open your most used programs: Win+1 for the main browser, Win+2 for the secondary one, Win+3 for Photoshop, Win+4 for Premiere, etc. This gives you a very powerful mix of system shortcuts and Raycast to search for or run anything else.

In addition to apps, Raycast's search engine lets you locate files, folders, system settings, and specific actionsOn Mac, it's often used to switch from light to dark mode, quickly open preference panels, or run small commands; on Windows, the idea is the same: the more you use the launcher, the less you'll navigate through traditional menus.

Organize your workflow with key commands and functions

Raycast is based on the idea that everything you do on the computer can be seen as a command you access via keyboardOpen a file, launch a scriptCreating a note, opening a recurring URL... everything becomes something you invoke by typing a few words and confirming with Enter.

To take advantage of that, many people configure Additional shortcuts with Alt + number to directly access Raycast's internal functions. For example, Alt+1 to open the clipboard history, Alt+2 to go directly to quicklinks, Alt+3 to search for files, Alt+4 to manage snippets, etc. This way you don't even have to type the command in the address bar; you simply press the combination and the function appears.

The Raycast community also shares many commands already prepared through its store and public repositories. From within the app itself, you can explore official and third-party extensions for services like TinyPNG, color pickers, music control, window management, and more. Installing them takes just a few clicks, and then you can search for them in the toolbar and start using them.

If any extension seems confusing at first, the key is to remember that its use almost always boils down to open it like any other command From Raycast, enter the requested data (URL, selected files, text, etc.) and let it do its work. With repetition, you'll eventually memorize the command name and be able to execute it in seconds.

Snippets: Reusable texts and smart templates

One of the most powerful features, especially if you write often, is the reusable snippets or text fragmentsRaycast lets you save snippets of content that you constantly repeat and always have them at hand, organized by groups and with instant search.

The interesting thing is that these snippets can be dynamic thanks to “dynamic placeholders”In other words, you can insert special placeholders that Raycast automatically replaces with data such as the current date, the clipboard contents, an extra argument, or even the position where the cursor should be after pasting the text. It's perfect for templates.

Imagine you always prepare the same outline for meetings: title, date, attendees, agenda items, notes. You can create a snippet with that entire structure and add a bookmark so that The date will be filled in automatically in the format you prefer. Every time you use it, you open a new document, fire the snippet, and in a second you have the complete template ready to fill in.

Another very useful function is keyword expansionYou can tell Raycast that when you type a specific string in any app (for example, ":cif"), it should automatically replace it with a long block of text: your tax ID number, your registered address, a footer, an extended signature, etc. Typing three or four characters and having the entire content appear saves more time than you might think.

Among the most common snippets that people use daily are: frequent blocks of code, long commands terminal, note templates (one-on-one meetings, readings, work sessions) and data you don't want to be constantly looking up (tax ID, phone number, address, bank accounts, etc.). Once you try it for a couple of days, it's hard to go back to writing everything by hand.

Historical clipboard: never lose what you copy again

Raycast can keep track of everything you copy to the clipboardTexts, links, images, documents, screenshots… Instead of having a single “copy and paste” like Windows does by default, you have a kind of timeline where you can rewind and recover anything you have recently copied.

The easiest way is to assign a shortcut very similar to the classic Ctrl + V to open this history, for example Alt + V or a similar combinationSo, when you paste, instead of directly entering the last thing you copied, the Raycast clipboard selector opens, you see a list of recent items and choose which one you want to use.

This way of working allows you, for example, Copy several texts in a row and paste them in a different orderYou can retrieve a link you copied hours ago or paste an image you thought was lost. You can also search your history by typing a few words, which is very useful when working with many similar snippets.

In the Pro version, the clipboard history is usually more comprehensive and configurable, but even in basic settings it represents a huge leap forward compared to the traditional Windows clipboard. It's one of those features that, once you get used to it, you sorely miss on any other computer.

Emojis and GIFs: visual content on the fly

Raycast also incorporates a much nicer and faster emoji selector Raycast offers a superior alternative to the native emoji, with intelligent search powered by AI. Instead of having to remember the exact name of the emoji, you can type an approximate word or description, and Raycast will suggest relevant options.

On a Mac, it's very common to replace the native emoji shortcut with a combination that launches the Raycast selector, such as Ctrl + CMD + Space. On Windows, you can do something similar: choose a convenient shortcut to directly open this function and Insert emojis into any app without having to go to hidden menus or memorize codes.

You can also set preferences in the settings. the default skin tone for the emoticonsso you don't have to change it every time you insert them. These are small details that, when you use them continuously, make a big difference in speed and convenience.

Furthermore, with the appropriate extension, Raycast allows search for animated GIFs by keywordConnecting to services like Tenor or Giphy, you can specify your own API keys if you have them, adjust the preview size, and, very usefully, mark GIFs as favorites to find them instantly when you need them in your conversations.

The trick is that, when you press the GIF search command, Your favorites appear at the topSo you can get the ones you always use in seconds. For contexts where visual communication is important, having emojis and GIFs so readily available is a very nice bonus.

Window manager and desktop organization

Another key feature of Raycast, highly appreciated on Mac and gradually arriving on Windows, is its integrated window managerIt allows you to quickly position windows in different locations and sizes without having to drag them with the mouse or struggle with the system's edge snapping.

The typical setup is to use combinations with Option/Alt and CMD on Mac, which you can adapt on Windows, for example by combining Alt, Ctrl, and the Windows key along with the arrow keysThe idea is to assign convenient shortcuts for actions such as align left, align right, maximize, or almost maximize.

A very practical workflow involves using one key to Align the window to the left and cycle through 1/3, 1/2, and 2/3 of the screenAnother button to do the same on the right, and two more to maximize or "almost maximize" (fill almost the entire space leaving a small margin around it). This is perfect for working with two apps at the same time, for example, a text editor on one side and a browser on the other.

If you're used to other window organization apps on Windows, you can use Raycast as one. unified substituteThis avoids having ten different tools for tasks that the launcher itself already handles smoothly. The major advantage is that all shortcuts become part of a single, coherent ecosystem.

Quicklinks: Ultra-fast access to URLs, files, and folders

Quicklinks are one of those features you might initially ignore, but once you start using them, they become incredibly addictive. Essentially, a quicklink is a smart shortcut to a URL, file, or folder that you invoke by typing its name in Raycast.

A typical example is that of the meeting rooms in Google Meet or other platformsIf your team always uses the same fixed URLs for certain meetings, you can save each room as a quicklink and associate it with a specific browser (for example, always open it with Chrome even if you have a different browser set as your default). Then, simply type the room name into Raycast and the video call will open.

But quicklinks aren't limited to web addresses: you can also point to recurring files, working folders, or shared documentsInstead of navigating through the file explorer, simply type the name you gave the quicklink and press Enter.

The Raycast community has also created public collections of quicklinks which you can explore for inspiration or reuse. From development resources to admin panels, online tools, or internal company links, there are countless examples ready to adapt to your own workflow.

Built-in calculator and conversions

Another practical function that many people underestimate until they try it is the calculator built into the launcherInstead of opening a separate calculator app, simply type the operation directly into Raycast and see the result instantly.

In addition to simple addition and subtraction, it supports more advanced mathematical operations, unit conversions, and currency exchangeFor example, you can convert from euros to dollars or from centimeters to inches by typing something like “10 eur to usd” or “15 cm to in”, and Raycast will suggest the corresponding conversion.

It also makes it easier for you calculate time differences between different time zonesThis is ideal if you work with people in other countries and need to know the time there or the time of a specific meeting. All without leaving the launcher window.

The advantage over using the web or a dedicated app is, again, press the Raycast shortcutYou write your calculation, copy the result if necessary, and continue working without extra distractions.

Popular extensions: TinyPNG, color picker, and more

One of Raycast's strengths is its extension system, many of them created by the communityOn Windows the selection is still growing, but many of the ideas that are successful on Mac are also available or are on their way.

One particularly practical extension is the TinyPNG for image optimization before uploading them to the web. The typical workflow is to select several photos in the file explorer, launch the corresponding Raycast command, let it compress them with your TinyPNG account (you can enter your API key) and choose whether you want to overwrite the originals or save the compressed versions in a specific folder.

Equally useful for designers and developers is the extension of color pickerWith it, you can instantly capture the color of any point on the screen and save a history of selected colors for later reference. While not as advanced as specialized applications, it's perfectly adequate for everyday use and allows you to add an icon to the menu bar for even quicker access.

There are other extensions designed for everyday tasks such as Generate Lorem Ipsum text for layouts, controlling your music player, keeping the computer awake without going to sleep, adjusting the keyboard brightness, or managing the complete uninstallation of applications, also removing configuration files that are often forgotten.

In some cases, such as with "Remove Paywall" tools that use external services to display press articles without a paywall, it's important to consider the legal and acceptable use implications, but technologically they demonstrate the extent to which this is possible. Raycast can become the hub from which you launch any workflow.

Integrated AI: Quick AI and specialized chats

Although there are many skeptics about the boom in the Artificial IntelligenceIn Raycast, AI has been integrated quite practically. The most striking feature is Quick AIFrom the launcher itself, you press the tab key after typing your query and a quick AI response opens with the information you need.

This mode of use shines for very specific things with little contextIt can translate a sentence, request alternative wording, confirm a specific piece of information, generate a short script, ask for a quick explanation of a piece of code, or request further ideas for a text you're writing. It doesn't replace a heavily used AI chat, but it does feel like having an "embedded assistant" throughout the system.

Additionally, you can save dedicated chats with Raycast AI for repetitive tasks. A very practical example is preparing alternative descriptions (alt text) for photos you're going to upload to a blog or photolog: you attach several images to the conversation, ask it to create alternative text for each one, review it briefly, and save yourself a large part of the manual work.

Raycast has invested heavily in these AI features in its Pro version and continues to add them. exclusive improvements for paying usersFrom a more robust clipboard history to improved window organization and automation tools, the subscription offers significant benefits. It's worth considering whether your usage justifies the subscription, but for many people who spend all day in front of their computers, the time saved makes it worthwhile.

If you're interested in going all out, there are affiliate codes that offer discounts on Raycast ProSo you can try it at a slightly more affordable price and, at the same time, support the person who recommended the tool to you.