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Cerebro
What it is
Cerebro is an open-source desktop launcher for Linux, macOS and Windows. It searches the computer and the internet, and its core plugins cover web search, finding and launching applications, file navigation with previews, calculations and unit conversion. Users can open files in their default application, reveal them in Finder, copy contact details and view Google suggestions. Results can also show maps, translations and files within Cerebro, without opening another application. A plugin manager is included, and users can create and share plugins through its API. The default shortcut for showing the window is Ctrl+Space, which can be changed in Preferences. Search options listed include Google, DuckDuckGo, Ecosia, Brave, MetaGer and StartPage, although the site notes that some are not implemented yet. Cerebro is built with Electron, and its README identifies the license as MIT. The official site links to Windows, Mac and Linux downloads labeled version 0.11.0. The free plan costs nothing, and no paid plans are listed.
For and against
For
- Available for Linux, macOS and Windows.
- Core plugins include file search and a calculator.
- Users can create and share plugins.
- Free and open-source under the MIT license.
Against
- Some listed search engines are not implemented yet.
- The linked downloads are labeled version 0.11.0.
The verdict
Cerebro brings local search, web search and common utilities into a desktop launcher, with support for user-built plugins. It is free and open-source, though some listed search options are not yet implemented.
Who it suits
Cerebro suits desktop users who want keyboard-driven access to files, applications and web search. Its plugin manager may appeal to users who want to build or share extensions.
Plans and prices
Cerebro
Free and open-source; no paid plans listed
Read 11 Oct 2026 · cerebroapp.com
On the record
- Actions
- Users can open files in their default application, reveal them in Finder, copy contact details, and view Google suggestions.cerebroapp.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Core plugins
- The project README lists web search, application search and launch, file navigation with previews, a calculator, and a smart converter as core plugins.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Desktop platforms
- The official site provides download links for Windows, Mac, and Linux.cerebroapp.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- In-app results
- The site says Cerebro can show maps, translations, and files in one place without opening another application.cerebroapp.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Keyboard shortcut
- The default shortcut to show the app window is Ctrl+Space, and users can customize it in Preferences.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- License
- The project README identifies the license as MIT.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Makers
- The site lists Alexandr Subbotin as Owner / Founder, Gustavo Pereira as Owner / Core-commiter, and Christoph Flick as Core-commiter.cerebroapp.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Open source
- The project README identifies the software as open source under the MIT license.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Plugins
- Cerebro includes a plugin manager, and users can build and share plugins using its API.cerebroapp.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Previews
- The site describes viewing maps, translations, and files without opening another application.cerebroapp.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Product
- Cerebro describes itself as an open-source launcher for improving productivity and efficiency.cerebroapp.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Release shown
- The official site links to downloads labeled version 0.11.0 for Windows, Mac, and Linux.cerebroapp.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Search
- It searches on the user’s machine and on the internet, and can open files, reveal them in Finder, copy contact details, and show Google suggestions.cerebroapp.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Search engines
- The search plugin lists Google, DuckDuckGo, Ecosia, Brave, MetaGer, and StartPage as supported options, while noting that not all are implemented yet.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Team
- The site names Alexandr Subbotin as owner and founder, Gustavo Pereira as owner and core committer, and Christoph Flick as a core committer.cerebroapp.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Technology
- The site says Cerebro is a launcher-type application developed in Electron.cerebroapp.com · read 11 Oct 2026
