Ray Sidebar Launcher

Ray Sidebar Launcher

Ray Sidebar Launcher is a free, open-source desktop application that provides quick access to files, apps, tools and websites from a sidebar. It helps increase productivity by organizing shortcuts and reducing clutter.
Ray Sidebar Launcher image
launcher sidebar shortcuts productivity

Ray Sidebar Launcher: Free Open-Source Desktop Shortcut Manager

Quickly access your files, apps, tools & websites from a sidebar. Boost productivity with organized shortcuts and a clutter-free workspace.

What is Ray Sidebar Launcher?

Ray Sidebar Launcher is a free, open-source desktop application for Windows that provides quick access to frequently used files, apps, tools and websites from a convenient sidebar interface. It helps boost productivity and organization by eliminating the need to dig through folders or search menus to find the things you need.

Some key features of Ray Sidebar Launcher include:

  • Customizable shortcuts to files, folders, apps, tools, websites and more
  • A clean, unobtrusive sidebar that can be accessed with a hotkey or by hovering the mouse
  • Options for switching between different shortcut sets for work, gaming, etc.
  • Portable mode to run directly from a USB drive
  • Open source code that is transparent, audited and community-driven

By centralizing access to frequently used items, Ray Sidebar Launcher reduces clutter on the desktop and start menu. The sidebar stays accessible but out of the way until needed. Everything is organized neatly in one place for efficiency. Customizable themes allow matching the rest of the desktop aesthetic.

Ray Sidebar Launcher is available as a free download for Windows XP through Windows 11. It can run as a standalone portable app or be installed directly. The open source codebase ensures transparency as well as opportunities for community contributions and customizations.

Ray Sidebar Launcher Features

Features

  1. Provides quick access to files, apps, tools and websites from a sidebar
  2. Allows customization of sidebar with different sections and shortcuts
  3. Supports drag and drop to add items to the sidebar
  4. Search function to quickly launch apps and open files
  5. Support for themes and icon packs
  6. Keyboard shortcuts for navigation
  7. Portable version available
  8. Open source and free

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Increases productivity by reducing clicks to access frequently used items

Reduces desktop/taskbar clutter by moving shortcuts to sidebar

Highly customizable to user preferences

Lightweight and fast

Free and open source

Cons

Limited native integration with Windows 10 features

Less features compared to paid launcher alternatives

Manual process to add new sidebar items

Lacks some customization options of paid launchers


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