Rofi review
A customizable launcher for Linux and macOS, with modes for apps, windows, SSH, and files.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Rofi is an open-source desktop utility for people who want a keyboard-driven way to launch applications and switch windows on Linux or macOS. Its built-in modes also cover SSH host launching and basic file browsing and opening, while dmenu-compatible input makes it relevant to users seeking that style of launcher. It suits people who value configurable, mode-based workflows more than a standalone, polished app catalog.
The main strength is the breadth within a compact launcher: Rofi can launch executables in PATH and desktop-file applications, switch windows, connect to SSH hosts, and combine multiple modes with Combi mode. Fuzzy, regex, prefix, and glob matching offer different ways to filter results. Users can adjust themes and configuration, then extend behavior with custom script-based modes or compiled plugins. That makes it a fit for users who want to shape the launcher around their own commands and routine tasks, rather than rely only on a fixed set of actions.
Rofi is open source and free, with no paid tier to weigh against those capabilities. The trade-off is scope: file handling is basic browsing and opening, not a broader file-search workflow, and the feature set may feel like unnecessary configuration for someone who only wants a simple application picker. Linux users seeking a customizable launcher with window and SSH modes are a natural fit; macOS users should note that installation is documented via MacPorts. Choose another tool if dedicated file search or a simpler, app-focused experience is central to the decision.
Rofi pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Launches executables and desktop-file applications, and switches windows
- Combines launcher modes and supports fuzzy, regex, prefix, and glob matching
- Extends through custom scripts, compiled plugins, themes, and configuration
- Where it doesn't
- File browsing and opening are basic rather than a dedicated file-search workflow
- Its modes, matching, and customization may be more than users need for simple launching
- macOS installation is documented via MacPorts, unlike a native-app-first workflow
Rofi fact sheet, pricing and score →
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