rubickCenter/rubick
Rubick
Rubick is a cross-platform desktop launcher built on Electron that provides a keyboard-activated search interface for quickly finding and launching local applications, files, and folders. It functions as a plugin-based desktop utility, treating each plugin as an npm package that can be installed, removed, and managed through standard npm tooling, with a built-in marketplace for discovery and lifecycle management.
The project distinguishes itself through its support for self-hosted and intranet-only deployment, enabling enterprise environments to run the toolbox entirely within an internal network without external dependencies. It offers private npm registry deployment for hosting plugins offline, and uses WebDAV data synchronization to keep user data and settings consistent across devices while keeping all data under user control. The application also supports desktop theme customization, allowing changes to appearance, welcome messages, and avatars without requiring a paid subscription.
The platform provides system-wide global hotkey activation to trigger the main search interface and plugin commands, along with the ability to find and launch local apps, files, and folders by typing names or abbreviations. Plugin activation can be configured through hotkeys or keywords, with installation available from either the built-in marketplace or an npm registry.
Features
- Desktop Application Launchers - A cross-platform app launcher that searches local files and apps, and activates plugins via hotkeys or keywords.
- Hotkey-Activated Launcher Panels - Activating a search interface with a keyboard shortcut to quickly find and launch apps, plugins, and files.
- Plugin-Based - A modular desktop utility that installs and manages plugins from npm or a private registry for intranet deployment.
- Global Hotkey Triggers - Registers system-wide keyboard shortcuts to trigger the main search interface and plugin commands without focus.
- Private Plugin Registry Hosting - Configure a private npm registry and data store to host and manage plugins without public internet access.
- Intranet Deployments - Run the toolbox entirely within an internal network without external dependencies for enterprise use.
- Zero-Cost - Deploy the toolbox on an internal network at zero cost, enabling private use without external service fees.
- Intranet Application Deployments - Running a desktop toolbox entirely within an intranet without external dependencies for enterprise or offline use.
- Self-Hosted Plugin Platforms - A plugin platform that supports private npm registries and WebDAV sync for enterprise intranet use without external dependencies.
- Local App Search Launches - Find and launch local apps, files, and folders by typing names, pinyin, or abbreviations.
- Chromium-Based Desktop Shells - Runs as a native desktop application using Chromium and Node.js, providing system-level integration and window management.
- Plugin Package Models - Treats each plugin as an npm package, allowing installation, removal, and dependency resolution via standard npm tooling.
- Plugin Marketplaces - Manages plugins through a centralized registry, enabling discovery, installation, and lifecycle management from a built-in store.
- Marketplace Plugin Installers - Browse and install plugins from a built-in marketplace to extend the toolbox's functionality.
- Plugin Ecosystems - Installing and managing plugins from a marketplace or npm registry to extend a desktop application's functionality.
- Plugin-Based Desktop Launchers - A desktop launcher built on Electron that runs plugins from npm or a marketplace to extend system search and automation.
- npm Registry Deployments - Supports hosting plugins on a private npm registry and data store, enabling offline or intranet-only operation.
- Intranet Deployment Modes - Operates entirely within an internal network with no external dependencies, suitable for enterprise environments.
- WebDAV Configuration Synchronization - Synchronizes user data across devices by reading and writing to a remote WebDAV server, keeping all data under user control.
- NPM-Based Plugin Installers - Download and manage plugins from an integrated marketplace using the npm package pattern for easy installation and removal.
- Application Appearance Customizations - Changing the application's appearance including themes, welcome messages, and avatars without requiring a paid subscription.
- Theme Customization - Change the application's appearance including themes, welcome messages, and avatars without requiring a paid subscription.
