Table of Contents
Is Raycast the ultimate free tool to replace your Mac clipboard manager and notes app?
Streamlining Workflow Efficiency
Productivity relies on minimizing friction. Every time you switch between applications to perform a simple utility task, you break your concentration. This micro-interruption, known as context switching, accumulates throughout the day and drains mental energy. Rather than cluttering your machine with single-purpose utilities, I recommend consolidating these functions into a single, keyboard-centric command bar. Raycast serves this purpose effectively, replacing standalone tools with a unified interface that keeps your hands on the keyboard and your focus on your work.
Advanced Clipboard Management
Standard operating systems often lack robust clipboard history features. While recent macOS updates have attempted to integrate this functionality, they often require cumbersome key combinations or specific navigation steps. A native clipboard manager usually limits you to the most recently copied item, which restricts complex editing tasks.
Raycast solves this by retaining a searchable history of your copied text, images, and links. By assigning a global hotkey—such as a double-tap of the Control key—you gain instant access to your clipboard history from the last 90 days. This function operates as an overlay, meaning you never leave your active window. You simply invoke the command, select the required snippet, and paste it directly. This method builds muscle memory, allowing you to retrieve historical data in milliseconds without breaking your visual focus on the document you are editing.
The Floating Notes Advantage
Apple provides a native Quick Note feature, but it suffers from a significant usability flaw: visibility. When you switch focus to a different application, the Quick Note often disappears behind the active window. This behavior disrupts workflows that require constant reference material, such as comparing data or transcribing meeting points.
Raycast Notes offers a superior solution through its “Floating Window” capability. This feature ensures the notepad remains pinned on top of all other applications, regardless of where you click. You can resize this window and position it strategically on your screen to monitor your notes while working simultaneously in another program. Furthermore, you can toggle this floating window with a dedicated toggle shortcut (e.g., Shift+Option+N). This allows you to summon your scratchpad for immediate thought capture and dismiss it just as quickly, keeping your workspace clean yet accessible.