Source: Love Mac | Software download link: Runner3 for Mac

Runner3 is an efficient file and application launcher designed specifically for macOS. It is invoked via a global hotkey, allowing users to quickly locate and open files, launch applications, execute system commands, or run custom scripts by typing keywords, greatly improving workflow efficiency. This article aims to provide a detailed operation guide to help users go from beginner to expert.

I. Detailed Explanation of the Core Interface and Workspace

The interface design of Runner3 is clean and simple, with the input box as the core, and all interactions revolve around it.

Main Input Box: After invoking it via the global hotkey (default ⌥Option + Space), a semi-transparent input box will appear in the center of the screen. This is the starting point for all operations.
Real-time Results List: Below the input box, a list of matching results will be displayed in real time based on the entered keywords, including applications, files, folders, bookmarks, system commands, etc.
Result Category Tabs: At the top or on the right side of the results list, there are usually category tabs (such as “Apps”, “Files”, “Actions”) to help users quickly filter result types.
Preview & Info Panel: When certain results (such as files) are selected, a preview or detailed information may be displayed on the side.
Preferences Panel: Enter “Runner3 Preferences” in the main input box or click the menu bar icon to access in-depth configuration for search scope, shortcuts, appearance, plugins, and more.

II. Complete Workflow: From Launch to Execution

Step 1: Launch Runner3

From any screen, press the default global shortcut ⌥Option + Space. Runner3’s main input box will immediately appear in the center of the screen, with the cursor automatically positioned inside.

Tip: If the shortcut doesn’t work, check System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts > App Shortcuts for conflicts, or go to Runner3 Preferences to reassign it.

Step 2: Input & Search

Type keywords directly into the input box. For example:

Type “chr” to match “Google Chrome”.
Type “Report Q3.pdf” to find a specific file.
Type “shutdown” or “sleep” to find system commands.

Search results refresh in real time as you type. Use the ↑ and ↓ arrow keys to navigate through the results list.

Step 3: Select & Execute Actions

Once you find your target, there are multiple ways to execute:

Open Directly: Press the ↩Return key to directly launch the app or open the file.
Show in Finder: For files or folders, press ⌘Command + ↩Return to locate and select them in Finder.
Perform Advanced Actions: For supported files (such as images and text), after selecting them, you can press ⌘Command + number key to perform preset secondary actions (such as opening with another app, copying the path, etc.).

Step 4: Close Runner3

After performing an action, the Runner3 window will close automatically. To cancel the action, simply press the ⎋Esc key or click anywhere outside the input box.

III. Advanced Tips for Common Features

Fuzzy Search and Abbreviations: Runner3 supports powerful fuzzy matching. For example, “ps” can match “Adobe Photoshop,” and “xl” can match “Microsoft Excel.” Make good use of core letter combinations from app names.
Use Search Operators:
- Add “.” (a period) before a keyword to force a file search.
- Add “>” (a greater-than sign) before a keyword to run system commands or scripts.
- Use the “@” symbol to prioritize searching bookmarks or specific directories.
Quick Calculations and Web Search: Enter a math expression directly in the input box (such as `23*45`), and Runner3 will display the result immediately. After entering search keywords, pressing ⌘Command + L usually lets you perform a web search using your default browser.

Custom Workflows: In “Preferences > Workflows,” you can create complex custom scripts or actions and trigger them with keywords. For example, typing “email project” automatically opens your email client and attaches the specified project folder.

Batch Operations on Multiple Files: In the results list, hold down the ⌘Command key and click multiple files to select them, then press ⌘Command + ↩Return to reveal them all in Finder at once.

IV. Common Issues and Solutions

Issue	Possible Cause	Solution
Keyboard shortcut won’t bring up Runner3	1. The shortcut is being used by the system or another app. 2. Runner3 is not running in the background.	1. Go to Runner3 Preferences > General and change to a non-conflicting shortcut (e.g., `⌃Control + ⌥Option + Space`). 2. Check whether “Launch at login” is enabled, or manually launch Runner3 once.
Can’t find installed apps or files in search	1. The index hasn’t been updated or the scope doesn’t cover them. 2. The files are in an excluded directory.	1. Go to Preferences > Search Scope and make sure “Applications” and the needed folders have been added. Try manually clicking “Rebuild Index.” 2. Check whether Preferences > Ignore List contains paths that shouldn’t be ignored.
Laggy performance or delayed search results	1. The indexed files are too large. 2. The real-time search scope is too broad.	1. Limit the search scope to frequently used folders and exclude large system directories or project build folders (e.g., node_modules). 2. In Preferences, appropriately increase the delay in milliseconds before triggering a search.
How to quickly open the folder containing a file	Unfamiliar with the shortcut.	After selecting a file, remember to use the `⌘Command + ↩Return` key combination—this is the universal shortcut for revealing files in Finder.

V. Runner3 for Mac Keyboard Shortcuts Summary

Function	Shortcut (Mac)	Description
Show/Hide Main Window	`⌥Option + Space` (Default)	Globally summon or close the Runner3 input box.
Navigate Up in Results List	`↑` or `⌃Control + P`	Select the previous result.
Navigate Down in Results List	`↓` or `⌃Control + N`	Select the next result.
Execute Selected Item	`↩Return`	Open an app, file, or execute a command.
Reveal in Finder	`⌘Command + ↩Return`	For files/folders, locate them in Finder.
Copy Path of Selected Item	`⌘Command + C`	Copy the path of the file or folder to the clipboard.
Perform Web Search	`⌘Command + L`	Search the current input box content with the default browser.
Clear Input Box	`⌃Control + U`	Quickly clear the current input content.
Close Runner3 Window	`⎋Esc` or `⌘Command + W`	Cancel the operation and hide the window.
Open Preferences	Type `Runner3 Preferences` in the input box and press Enter	Quickly access the settings interface.
Select Secondary Action	`⌘Command + Number Key (1, 2, 3...)`	Execute the Nth available action in the menu for the selected item.

By mastering the interface, workflows, tips, and shortcuts above, Runner3 is no longer just a simple launcher—it becomes a powerful hub for controlling your Mac system, putting productivity gains right at your fingertips.