Executor Overview

Mission

To provide a faster way to launch and interact with:

• Programs / shortcuts.
• Documents / files / folders.
• Websites and internet resources, including searches (e.g. google executor, wiki executor, youtube Lex Fridman, imdb moon, google best free video converter, keep.google.com, strava.com).
• Do AI prompts and other queries, with multi-line text and spell check support (e.g. gemini best new tv shows for me, chatgpt best new pc games for me).
• Built-in system functions via special keywords (lock computer, shutdown, show date/time, show IP, sleep, hibernate, turn off monitor, mute sound, start screensaver, etc.).
• Having the power to combine all of the above using a single keyword.
• For fast recall having a searchable history of doing all of the above.
• Clipboard history (list and select). Also includes text formatting stripping and hotkeys for pasting previous items.
• Quickly view and manage a list of running applications.
• Keywords with advanced options (start minimized, run as admin, allow only one instance, etc.).
• The ability to send parameters, arguments, prompts and queries to the above.
• Wildcard and fuzzy logic searches (ffx=firefox) in history etc. (Ctrl+R or enable by default).
• Quick calculations.
• Have hotkeys that can do special actions in Windows (text/file/folder related, advanced clipboard).
• An internal browser that can interact with Executor, that lets you run your preferred AI, open smaller sites instantly, and create freely.
• Having additional input assistance by pressing Ctrl+Space.
• Integrated notes for quick capture, with clipboard integration.
• Simple alarms, timers, and stopwatches.
• View all recent documents.
• Optional features to quickly show output from console applications tools, fetch and show the raw content of a URL.

These are just some features; see the Tips & tricks and Documentation sections for more.

How Executor Helps

• Assign Executor to a hotkey for instant access, avoiding browsing the Start Menu.
• Optionally reconfigure the Win key behavior. You can for example have the Win key open Executor instead, and pressing it twice still opens the Start menu.
• Text auto-completion suggests items as you type.
• History remembers recently used commands.
• Optional list shows matching items instantly.
• Automatically finds Start Menu items, Control Panel items, and more, in addition to your custom keywords.
• Scan custom folders for specific file types.
• Support for sending and editing long texts and multi lined text.
• Spell checking and auto-correction.
• Press Ctrl+Space for the Input Assist feature (check out the video).
• Optional icon display helps visually confirm the selected item.
• Optional title/hint display provides additional context.
• Easily add keywords via drag-and-drop, context menus, or import features.
• Assign hotkeys directly to keywords, acting like a hotkey manager.
• Highly customizable, balancing powerful options with ease of use.
• Flexible search options: "Starts with", "Contains text", and "Suggestions".
• Optionally launch the first suggested item when pressing Enter.
• Easily import and export keywords.
• Auto-import keywords from a URL for easy sharing/syncing across installations.
• Keyword find [text] integrates with Windows Search.

Keywords vs. Indexing

• Executor automatically scans the Start Menu, Control Panel, user-defined paths, etc., so manually creating keywords isn't strictly necessary.
• However, keywords offer more control (custom names, parameters, icons, launch options like run as admin, hotkeys, running multiple command).
• Add keywords easily: drag-and-drop, use "Find target", import from Start Menu or files, use the "Send To" menu.
• Organize keywords using tags for better management and listing.
• Import/export keywords, including auto-import from a URL.
• Scan for invalid keywords.
• The Keyword Editor allows full management.

Customization & Options

• Extensive visual customization: skins, colors, fonts, transparency and more.
• Many behavioral options available in Settings.

Tips for Getting Started

• Breaking Habits: Consciously use the Executor hotkey and/or change the Win key behavior, instead of clicking through menus or using the start menu, or the Windows key search. Consistency is key.
• Building Keywords / Using Indexing: Initially, you might miss keywords. Add them promptly (drag-drop, -a command) or rely on Executor's automatic indexing (enable in Settings -> Indexing). Importing from the Start Menu (Keyword Editor -> Right-click -> Import or type "-is") is a good start.
• Building up keywords and learning. might feel a bit time consuming to start with, but eventually you will appreciate the full control you have over your PC, and the extra dimensions of this control.
• Explore more keywords by typing "imports".
• Explore Advanced Features: Learn about multi-commands (||), special parameters ($P$, $U$, $PSE$, etc.), built-in commands (?shutdown, apps, time, etc.), the calculator (#), window management, and organizing keywords using tags.
• Find Your Settings: Experiment with options in the Settings dialog to tailor Executor's appearance and behavior to your preference.
• Learn More: Check out the "Did you know?" and "Videos" sections for more tips and tricks.

Key Bindings

Executor utilizes numerous keyboard shortcuts for efficiency. See the Default Keys section in the documentation for a comprehensive list, or check out the Cheatsheet.

Try It Out

Executor is free. Try it out, see if it fits your workflow.