Tofi

At a glance

• Editor score
  6.9 / 10
• Pricing
  Open source
• Best for
  Minimal Wayland launcher users
• Paid from
  Free
• Supported platforms
  Linux
• Facts checked
  19 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Launches executables from PATH and apps defined by desktop files.
  • Offers normal, prefix, and fuzzy matching plus usage-history sorting.
  • Lets users customize themes, layouts, positioning, and configuration files.

• Where it doesn't

  • Focused on Linux systems using Wayland compositors.
  • Does not provide file search or cloud sync.
  • Its feature set centers on launching and presentation rather than broader app discovery.

Our verdict on Tofi

Tofi is an open-source application launcher for Linux desktops using Wayland compositors that support the layer-shell protocol. It suits users who want a minimal way to find and launch commands or desktop applications, particularly in Sway and wlroots-based environments. Rather than searching files or syncing a launcher across devices, it concentrates on presenting selectable items and starting the chosen application.

Its input and launch options give it flexibility within that narrow role. Tofi can read newline-separated items from standard input, list executables available in the user’s PATH, or build application lists from desktop files. In drun mode, it can launch selected applications directly. Matching can be normal, prefix-based, or fuzzy, while usage history sorts run and drun results. These options make it useful both as a command launcher and as a compact desktop-app menu, without extending into file search.

Presentation is configurable through themes, colors, borders, layouts, positioning, and custom configuration files. That gives users control over how the launcher appears and fits into a Wayland desktop, but the platform scope is specific: Tofi is for Linux and Wayland compositor setups, not a cross-platform launcher. The published product details describe it as open-source software and do not set out paid tiers. Choose Tofi if you want a configurable, focused launcher for commands and desktop applications in a compatible Wayland environment; consider another tool if you need file search, cloud sync, or a broader discovery feature set.

Your product? Our editors can test Tofi in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Tofi pricing

Tofi fact sheet

Tofi integrations

Tofi lists 3 integrations on its own site.

• Sway
• Wayland
• wlroots

Alternatives to Tofi

• RaycastRaycast combines app and file search with commands, extensions, and optional AI.9.4
• WoxWox combines app launching, search, commands, plugins, and cloud sync in an open-source launcher.9.2
• AlfredA capable Mac launcher whose Powerpack adds automation and productivity tools.8.9

See all Tofi alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

Tofi is listed in our App Launcher Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/tofi/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/tofi.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update