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).
• 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.).
• Combinations of the above tasks using a single keyword.
• Clipboard history (list and select). Also includes text formatting stripping and hotkeys for pasting previous items.
• Running applications (manipulate and list).
• 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.
• All recent documents.
• Wildcard and fuzzy logic searches (ffx=firefox) in history etc. (Ctrl+R or enable by default).
• Integrated notes for quick capture, with clipboard integration.
• Quick calculations.
• Option to open web content inside of Executor and options to add integrations with this.
• Simple alarms, timers, and stopwatches.
• Optional features to quickly view content in an internal browser view, 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.
• 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", or short form detection.
• Optionally launch the first suggested item when pressing Enter on non-keyword input.
• 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).
• 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 "dead" keywords (pointing to non-existent files).
• Keyword editor allows full management.

Customization & Options

• Extensive visual customization: skins, colors, fonts, transparency and more.
• Choose between an always-visible list.
• Many behavioral options available in Settings.

Key Bindings

Executor utilizes numerous keyboard shortcuts for efficiency. See the Default Keys section in the documentation for a comprehensive list.

Try It Out!

Executor is freeware. The best way to see if it fits your workflow is to download it and give it a try!

Skins

Executor ships with several built-in skins, and you can also create your own or find community skins. Check the section on skins for more info.

Skins and appearance

Tips for Getting Started

• Breaking Habits: Consciously use the Executor hotkey instead of clicking through menus. 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) is a good start.
• Explore Advanced Features: Learn about multi-commands (||), special parameters ($P$, $U$, $D$, 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?" section for more tips and tricks.