Quick Links are one-click shortcuts to URLs or scripts.

Creating Quick Links:

• Open Raycast → “Create Quick Link”
• Name your link and enter URL
• Use dynamic variables in URLs

Dynamic Variables:

URL Scheme Examples:

raycast://confetti
raycast://dismiss
raycast://extensions
raycast://preferences
raycast://triggerCommand?commandName=Web%20Search&argument=hello

Snippets are text shortcuts that expand to longer content using Tab trigger.

Creating Snippets:

• ⌥Space → “Create Snippet”
• Set trigger text (e.g., “email”)
• Write snippet content
• Enable dynamic variables as needed

Dynamic Variables in Snippets:

Snippet Syntax Example:

Name: Meeting Notes
Trigger: @meeting
Content:
Meeting Date: {date}
Time: {time}
Attendees: 
Notes:
[cursor here]

Script Commands let you run bash, Python, or Node.js scripts from Raycast.

Supported Languages:

• Bash/Shell
• Python 3
• Node.js
• Swift
• Zsh

Script Structure:

#!/bin/bash
# @raycast.schemaVersion 1
# @raycast.title My Script
# @raycast.description Does something cool
# @raycast.author bee
# @raycast.mode compact
# @raycast.icon 🚀
# @raycast.argument1 { "type": "text", "placeholder": "Enter text" }

echo "Hello $1"

Input Modes:

• compact - Output shown in Raycast window
• fullOutput - Opens dedicated window
• silent - No output window

Argument Types:

• text - Plain text input
• file - File path picker
• directory - Directory picker
• checkbox - Boolean flag
• dropdown - Selection from list

Installing Extensions:

• ⌥Space → “Install Extension”
• Browse community extensions
• Click “Install” to add to Raycast

Creating Extensions (with React):

1. Install Raycast CLI: npm install -g @raycast/cli
2. Create extension: raycast create extension
3. Build components in React
4. Use Raycast UI library for consistency
5. Test locally: npm run dev

Publishing Extensions:

• Push to GitHub repository
• Submit to Raycast Store
• Automatic updates via Store

Popular Built-in Extensions:

• Clipboard History
• File Search
• Quick Links
• Snippets
• Floating Notes
• Calculator
• Timezone
• Weather

Confetti is a celebratory easter egg in Raycast.

Triggering Confetti:

• ⌥Space → Search “confetti”
• Press Enter to celebrate
• Works great for task completion

URL Scheme:

raycast://confetti

Pro Tip: Add “Confetti” as a quick link for celebration commands or embed in scripts for workflow celebrations.

Fallback Commands execute when you type something Raycast can’t match.

Setting Up Fallback:

1. Open Preferences (⌘,)
2. Go to “Extensions”
3. Configure fallback command
4. Choose: Web Search, Calculator, or Custom Script

Built-in Fallback Options:

• Web Search (default Google)
• Calculator (inline math)
• Custom script/command

Example: Custom Fallback Script

#!/bin/bash
# Fallback to DuckDuckGo search
open "https://duckduckgo.com/?q=$*"

Aliases provide quick access to commands using custom names.

Creating an Alias:

1. Search for command in Raycast
2. Press ⌘K to open actions
3. Select “Create Alias”
4. Enter alias name (e.g., “em” for email)
5. Save

Example Aliases:

Usage: Type alias directly in Raycast search to access command instantly.

Quick Links:

• Raycast feature
• URL with dynamic variables
• Command-line access
• Execute actions/scripts
• Perfect for: API calls, parameterized searches, automations

Bookmarks:

• Browser feature
• Simple URL shortcuts
• Access from browser
• No variables or logic
• Perfect for: Quick website access, browser toolbar

When to Use Each:

Example Quick Link:

Name: GitHub Search
URL: https://github.com/search?q={query}+language:markdown

Example Bookmark:

Name: GitHub
URL: https://github.com

Floating Notes provide quick capture of text without leaving current app.

Features:

• Always-on-top note window
• Markdown support
• Quick paste from clipboard
• Auto-save
• Keyboard shortcut (customizable)

Using Floating Notes:

1. Open Raycast → “Floating Notes”
2. Type or paste content
3. Window stays on top while you work
4. Content auto-saves
5. Search notes anytime

Markdown in Floating Notes:

# Heading
- List items
**bold** text
[links](https://example.com)

Pro Tip: Pin important notes for easy access later.

Raycast includes built-in AI capabilities.

AI Features:

• Ask AI for general questions
• AI-powered commands
• Custom AI presets
• Summarize text
• Generate content

Quick AI Actions:

• Improve Writing
• Make Longer
• Make Shorter
• Professional Tone
• Friendly Tone
• Fix Spelling & Grammar

Custom AI Commands:

1. Create Script Command
2. Use Raycast API for AI
3. Define prompt and instructions
4. Set input/output format

Example AI Command:

#!/bin/bash
# @raycast.schemaVersion 1
# @raycast.title AI Prompt
# @raycast.argument1 { "type": "text" }

# Send to Raycast AI API
# Results appear in Raycast

Hotkey Per Command:

• Assign unique hotkey to any command
• Settings → Extensions → Select extension
• Click command and assign hotkey
• Use for frequently accessed commands

Navigation Tricks:

• Type to search instantly
• ↑↓ to navigate results
• → to open actions panel
• ← to go back
• Escape to close

Clipboard History Power:

• Search clipboard by content
• Pin frequently used items
• Delete sensitive items
• Sync across devices

File Search Pro Tips:

• Search by extension: .pdf
• Search by modification: modified:1d
• Combine with Quick Look (⌘Enter)
• Drag files into Raycast

Productivity Hacks:

• Create aliases for complex commands
• Chain Quick Links with snippets
• Use fallback for custom workflows
• Automate with Script Commands
• Integrate with other apps via URL schemes

Performance:

• Disable unused extensions
• Update Raycast regularly
• Clear clipboard history periodically
• Rebuild search index in preferences