After years of utilizing the All the pieces app for file searches, I’ve discovered one thing higher. Listary would not simply discover information and apps, but in addition fills the gaps in Home windows Explorer so seamlessly that I can not imagine I did not swap sooner.
Listary Affords a Fast App and File Launcher
I exploit PowerToys Run for launching apps and All the pieces for file searches. It is a stable setup, however switching between two instruments at all times felt clunky. I’ve additionally tried File Explorer options to enhance my workflow, however they resolve totally different issues. Listary is a file search app for Home windows that mixes the very best of fast app launching and instantaneous file looking into one seamless product.
You may really feel the distinction from the very first search. After putting in the app, double-tap the Ctrl key and a glossy search bar seems immediately. Begin typing, and the outcomes present up earlier than you even end the primary phrase. You possibly can search and launch apps, discover information and folders, carry out fundamental arithmetic operations, and even run system instructions—all from one place.
However that is simply the fast launcher. Click on the Listary icon in your system tray or launch it from the Begin menu, and you will get the complete File Search Window—a extra highly effective interface with filtering choices on the left sidebar. Right here you possibly can filter by file sort (paperwork, footage, movies, and so on.), type by date modified, and even toggle superior choices like looking for not often used information.
In contrast to Home windows Search, which regularly takes without end to search out something helpful, Listary learns out of your conduct. The information and apps you employ most bubble as much as the highest of search outcomes. Listary learns your habits—sort ch and Chrome seems first, as a result of that is what you at all times open.
The launcher is designed for keyboard-first workflows; it assigns keyboard shortcuts to all outcomes. Press Ctrl + 1 for the primary one, Ctrl + 2 for the second, and so forth to open them immediately. This makes Listary extremely quick, as you needn’t swap between your mouse and keyboard to carry out easy actions.
Fuzzy matching is one other nice trick up Listary’s sleeve. You needn’t keep in mind precise names—simply sort a number of letters from anyplace within the filename, and Listary figures out what you imply. In search of a folder titled “Articles”? Sort atcls and it seems immediately.
This works brilliantly for apps, too. Since I exploit LocalSend day by day to trasnfer information between my desktop and telephone, typing lclsnd is all it takes for Listary to search out and launch it.
Discover Something at All the pieces’s Velocity
When you’re coming from All the pieces like I did, you will respect that Listary matches its lightning-fast search pace. Each instruments obtain near-instant file search by studying inner NTFS tables—such because the Grasp File Desk (MFT)—immediately, as a substitute of slowly scanning folders or counting on the Home windows Search index. However Listary takes this basis and builds one thing far more useful on prime.
The File Search window offers you All the pieces’s file search energy with a extra polished and trendy interface. You should utilize the filters on the left sidebar to immediately slim your outcomes—click on as soon as to indicate solely paperwork, footage, or movies. The Not too long ago modified part allows you to filter by modified date with a single click on for fast entry to latest work.
You possibly can entry the complete search window anytime by way of the system tray icon or Begin menu; it remembers your final search and filter settings so you possibly can choose up proper the place you left off. The File Search window features a preview pane that reveals file particulars like measurement, creation date, and modification date.
Path-based looking feels pure in Listary. Add a backslash () to look inside particular folders—sort docs to look solely in folders with docs of their path.
Deep Integration With File Explorer and Different File Administration Apps
Listary handles File Explorer integration higher than All the pieces. Whenever you’re in File Explorer, begin typing a folder or file title and Listary’s search pops up immediately that can assist you discover what you want with out breaking your move.
The actual magic, although, is Fast Swap. It really works seamlessly with each file dialog on Home windows. Open a Save As window in any program and you will see Listary’s sensible toolbar on the backside. There is a star icon for bookmarking folders, a clock icon on your latest folders, and a dropdown exhibiting your present folder hierarchy.
For instance, for those who’re importing a file in Microsoft Phrase, you needn’t click on by way of infinite folders to search out it. Simply begin typing; enter a folder title and Listary jumps straight there. The toolbar additionally places useful context menu choices on the save or open dialog: copy folder paths, open PowerShell, and extra, all with out leaving the window.
This File Explorer integration is not restricted to native Home windows apps. It really works seamlessly with third-party File Explorer options like Listing Opus and Complete Commander. It even hooks into WinRAR, 7-Zip, and different compression instruments so your workflow stays easy and constant throughout the board.
Customized Instructions, Internet Search, and Customization
Fast launchers like PowerToys Run assist net searches and instructions, and Listary is not any totally different. You possibly can arrange customized instructions for duties you do daily. For instance, sort g (house) pytorch tutorial and hit Enter to look Google immediately, or shutdown to energy off your PC.
Whenever you discover a file, Listary’s Actions menu allows you to do extra with out leaving the search. With the consequence merchandise highlighted, press Ctrl + O or right-click any consequence to disclose your choices: copy the file path, bounce to its folder, open it in your editor, run customized scripts, and entry all the standard context menu actions.
Constructed-in instructions make on a regular basis duties quicker. Sort cmd inside any folder to open Command Immediate in that location. Equally, use mkdir foldername to create a brand new folder or contact filename.txt to make a clean file. Ensure you are within the appropriate listing while you run these instructions.
One other useful characteristic is the pop-up menu. Double-click any empty house in Explorer or in your desktop to deliver up a customizable quick-access menu. Pin your favourite folders, instructions, and submenus so you possibly can attain them from anyplace in File Explorer.
You possibly can additional customise these superior settings by way of Listary’s Choices dialog. You possibly can create or tweak instructions and actions, arrange hotkeys that match your workflow, fine-tune search priorities, and add customized filters for advanced searches.
The look is customizable, too. The free model sticks with a easy mild theme, whereas Professional customers can swap to a elegant darkish mode that appears nice.
It is Free and Gentle
You possibly can obtain and begin utilizing Listary instantly. The free model contains the launcher, file search, Fast Swap, Explorer integration, and fundamental instructions. For most individuals, that is every part you will ever want.
The Professional model prices $19.95 if you wish to use it in a business setting or want superior options like community drive indexing, customized filters, and darkish mode. However the free model by no means felt restricted or pushed me to improve.
Listary can also be a comparatively light-weight app, even with hundreds of thousands of information listed. CPU utilization hovers close to zero until you are actively looking, and it makes use of round 100MB of reminiscence with the File Search launcher open.
Obtain: Listary (Free, $19.95 Professional)
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After switching from All the pieces to Listary, I can not think about going again. Sure, All the pieces is a incredible file search instrument, however Listary does it higher as a superb file search app that doubles as an app launcher. The tight File Explorer integration makes it an all-in-one answer for File Explorer’s search woes. And being free makes it even higher.

