Cerebro review
A free desktop launcher with file previews, useful search tools, and plugin support.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Cerebro is a free, open-source desktop launcher for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its keyboard-driven interface is aimed at people who want one place to search for and launch applications, browse local files, and reach a few everyday tools. File previews, web search, a calculator, and unit and currency conversion broaden it beyond a simple app list, while customizable global shortcuts and light or dark themes let users adjust how they access it. It is a practical fit for someone seeking a no-cost launcher across desktop platforms, rather than a broader workflow system.
The feature set is strongest when quick access to different kinds of information matters. Users can navigate the local file system with previews, search the web, calculate values, convert units or currencies, and install and manage plugins from the launcher. Plugins provide a way to extend its capabilities, though the usefulness of that approach depends on the plugins available. Cerebro is built with Electron, so its cross-platform reach comes with an application built on that framework. Its focus remains on launching, searching, and utility tasks rather than a general-purpose productivity suite.
Cerebro is distributed free of charge under the MIT license, with downloadable releases and source code published through its official website and GitHub repository. That makes the published offering straightforward for people who want an open-source option without choosing among paid tiers. The project’s latest listed release is v0.11.0, from February 2023, while its website remains live with downloads for the three desktop platforms. Choose Cerebro if free cross-platform app and file launching plus built-in search utilities cover your needs; look elsewhere if you need a launcher centered on broader workflow support.
Cerebro pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Searches and launches apps and navigates local files with previews.
- Includes web search, a calculator, and unit and currency conversion.
- Free, open-source releases are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Where it doesn't
- Its scope centers on desktop launching and related search tools.
- It is built with Electron rather than being a native-only desktop app.
- Plugin support means its extensibility depends on the available plugins.
Cerebro fact sheet, pricing and score →
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