After years of relying on the Everything app for file searches, I have discovered a superior tool—Listary. This application not only helps you find files and apps effortlessly but also enhances Windows Explorer’s functionality in ways that truly impress. Switching to Listary has been a revelation, and I wish I had done it sooner.
Listary: A Comprehensive File and App Launcher
Initially, I used PowerToys Run for launching applications and Everything for file searches. While this combination worked well, toggling between two separate tools felt somewhat cumbersome. I explored various alternatives to File Explorer, but they often addressed different needs.Listary seamlessly combines quick app launching with instant file searching, offering a unified and efficient solution.
From the very first search, you’ll notice a significant improvement. Simply double-tap the Ctrl key after installing the app, and a sleek search bar appears immediately. As you begin typing, results surface before you’re even finished with your first word. You can launch apps, find files and folders, conduct basic calculations, and execute system commands—all from a single interface.
In addition to its quick launcher, clicking the Listary icon in your system tray or accessing it via the Start menu presents you with the full File Search Window. This powerful interface comes equipped with filtering options on the left sidebar, enabling you to filter results by file type (documents, images, videos, etc.), modify sorting criteria based on date, and activate advanced options for sifting through seldom-used files.
Unlike Windows Search, which can take considerable time to yield useful information, Listary adapts to your usage patterns. It prioritizes results based on your habits—type ch, and Chrome will appear at the top, reflecting your usage preferences.
Designed for efficient keyboard workflows, Listary assigns shortcuts to search results, enabling you to press Ctrl + 1 for the first result, Ctrl + 2 for the second, and so forth, facilitating instant access. This feature significantly accelerates your workflow by minimizing mouse reliance during routine tasks.
Another compelling feature is Listary’s fuzzy matching capability, allowing you to search without needing the exact file name. By typing a few scattered letters from any part of the filename, Listary accurately retrieves what you’re looking for. If you’re searching for a folder named “Articles, ”just type atcls, and it will appear right away.
This functionality extends seamlessly to apps. For instance, as I frequently use LocalSend to transfer files between my desktop and mobile device, typing lclsnd is sufficient for Listary to locate and launch the application quickly.
Find Anything at Lightning Speed
For those migrating from Everything, you’ll be pleased to discover that Listary offers comparable speed. Both applications provide nearly instantaneous file search capabilities by reading internal NTFS tables—like the Master File Table (MFT)—directly, avoiding the slow folder scanning and reliance on the Windows Search index. However, Listary enhances this basic functionality with additional helpful features.
The File Search window encapsulates Everything’s speed but presents it through a cleaner, modern interface. Using the sidebar filters, you can effortlessly refine your search results—with a single click to view only documents, images, or videos. The Recently modified section allows for instant sorting by modification date for quick access to recent files.
The full search window is always accessible via the system tray icon or Start menu, retaining your last search and filter settings, so you can pick up right where you left off. Additionally, the File Search window includes a preview pane displaying essential file details such as size, creation date, and modification date.
Path-based searches are intuitive in Listary. By adding a backslash (\), you can search within specific directories—type docs to limit results to folders containing docs in their path.
Deep Integration with File Explorer and Third-Party Apps
Listary’s integration with File Explorer surpasses that of Everything. While navigating File Explorer, just start typing the name of a file or folder, and Listary’s search interface appears promptly, aiding your search without interrupting your workflow.
The “Quick Switch”feature enhances user experience further, functioning flawlessly with all file dialogs on Windows. Whenever you open a Save As dialogue in any program, Listary’s smart toolbar appears, featuring a star icon for bookmarking folders, a clock icon for recent folder access, and a dropdown showing your current folder hierarchy.
For example, if you need to import a file in Microsoft Word, there’s no need to navigate through countless folders. Simply start typing the folder name, and Listary takes you directly there.
This integration is not limited to native Windows apps; it works effortlessly with third-party File Explorer alternatives like Directory Opus and Total Commander. Furthermore, it extends to compression tools such as WinRAR and 7-Zip, ensuring a cohesive experience across various applications.
Customization, Web Search, and Usability Features
Much like PowerToys Run, Listary provides web search capabilities and supports custom commands for frequent tasks. For instance, input g (space) pytorch tutorial followed by Enter to initiate a Google search, or simply type shutdown to turn off your computer.
When you find a file, the Actions menu allows you to execute additional tasks without leaving the search interface. With any result highlighted, press Ctrl + O or right-click to access options such as copying the file path, navigating to its folder, opening it in your preferred editor, executing scripts, and utilizing standard context menu actions.
To expedite everyday tasks, built-in commands are available. Simply type cmd inside any folder to launch Command Prompt in that directory, or use mkdir foldername to create a new folder. Note that correct directory positioning is crucial when executing these commands.
A particularly useful feature is the pop-up menu, which can be accessed by double-clicking any empty space in Explorer or on your desktop. This opens a customizable quick-access menu where you can pin your favorite folders, commands, and submenus for easy access from anywhere in File Explorer.
Listary also offers extensive customization options through its Options dialog, where you can configure commands and actions, set hotkeys tailored to your workflow, adjust search priorities, and apply custom filters for more elaborate searches. Additionally, users can choose between a basic light theme in the free version and a sleek dark mode for Pro users.
Free and Lightweight
You can download Listary and begin using it immediately. The free version includes essential services like the launcher, file search, Quick Switch, File Explorer integration, and basic commands—covering the needs of most users.
The Pro version, available for $19.95, adds capabilities suited for commercial use, such as network drive indexing, custom filters, and dark mode options. However, I found the free version satisfactory and felt no pressure to upgrade.
A noteworthy advantage is Listary’s lightweight design; despite indexing millions of files, its CPU usage stays near zero unless actively searching, and it occupies approximately 100MB of memory while the File Search launcher is in operation.
Download: Listary (Free, $19.95 Pro)
Transitioning from Everything to Listary has transformed my file searching and app launching experience. Although Everything is undoubtedly a remarkable file search tool, Listary excels as a versatile file search app that also serves as an efficient app launcher. Its enhanced integration with File Explorer resolves many of its shortcomings. With its no-cost option, Listary is an even more appealing choice.
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