Dock Got You Down? Try LaunchBar

by , 2:00 PM EDT, July 9th, 2001

For those users looking for a more efficient way to handle the opening of files and applications in OS X, Objective Development has a program for you. LaunchBar, currently in beta format, provides a new way of accessing the content of your hard drive.

Simply by typing a few characters, users can gain immediate access to any file on any volume. If you wanted to launch Fire, for example, simply type "fir" and Fire will launch. If you would like to compose a new e-mail message to John Smith, simply type "js" or "john" or "smith" and Mail will launch with a new compose window addressed to John Smith waiting to go.

If you are not exactly sure where a file is, but you think it is in a folder inside of your Documents folder, one can type "doc" and then use the arrow keys to navigate through multiple directory levels.

The authors claim the program "learns" the abbreviations that you want to use rather than forcing you to learn a certain set of program abbreviations. From our experience the application is remarkably intuitive and accurate.

LaunchBar can also function as a program switcher by bringing up a list of all currently running applications allowing users to easily tab through and select, a la GoMac or Windows.

While this utility is certainly not for everybody, we suggest any moderate to advanced user give it a try. It provides an alternative to using the Dock to maneuver through your system and manage applications, and the the interface will offer those that love to use keyboard shortcuts a little slice of OS X heaven.

The current beta of LaunchBar is available for free. You can find more information at the Objective Development Web site.

Objective Development