- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Mac OS X 10.2, Mac OS X 10.3
- Date added: December 20, 2004
- Total Downloads: 17,194
- Downloads last week: 4
- See full specifications
A newer version of Butler is available.
(Download doesn't provide access to previous versions of this program.)
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 7 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: CNET Staff
Adding an unparalleled amount of functionality to your desktop, Butler is a file and application launcher, a bookmark manager, a Web-search utility, and a clipboard enhancer. The program adds several items to the menu bar, including an Internet search field, a shortcut to your computer's file system, and a bar that manages bookmarks from every browser you use. We liked the configurable keyboard shortcuts, which make launching files or Web sites a snap. Without a doubt, Butler is the most comprehensive launcher and desktop helper we've seen. Unfortunately, this is both a blessing and a curse, as the app's large number of features can seem overwhelming. As a result, we recommend Butler to advanced and midlevel users, though newbies should proceed with caution.Publisher's description
From Peter Maurer :What is Butler?
A file launcher.
You can access applications and any other kind of document by browsing fully customizable system-wide spring-loaded menus, pressing hot keys, clicking hot corners, or entering abbreviations. Butler will learn from your habits and remember what you want a certain abbreviation to do (e.g., enter "abo" to launch "Address Book").
A bookmark manager.
Butler offers you a way to manage your bookmarks without depending on a certain browser. In contrary to a browser's bookmark collection, Butler's bookmarks are always accessible through its system-wide menus, hot keys, etc. And you'll certainly become addicted to accessing bookmarks by entering abbreviations. Butler also lets you access the bookmarks of every single browser there is for Mac OS X.
Adding files or URLs from your browser to Butler's configuration is stunningly easy: Just drag them to the active screen corner (default: top left), see Butler's main window open, and drop your items somewhere whithin your configuration.
A web search utility.
Butler's predecessor "Another Launcher" was the first application that let you search the web from the menu bar. But if your menu bar is too crowded for an input field, you can also use hot keys to pop up dedicated web search windows. Butler supports a large number of search engines by default, but you are not restricted to those ? you can easily add your own search engines.
A pasteboard extension.
Butler lets you access items you have previously stored in your pasteboard, effectively turning your pasteboard into a stack. You can also take a snapshot of your current pasteboard and keep it for good. This feature is particularly useful for text snippets you need to enter on a regular basis.
And so much more...
You can use Butler to move and copy files, control iTunes, access the system preferences, change the current user, and so on. But Butler really shines when it comes to customizing its behavior. Is your menu bar too crowded? Use Butler's docklet! Do you want a menu for each mounted volume? Do you want a menu to pop up when you press a certain hot key? Do you want all running applications in your menu bar? Or do you prefer doing things with your keyboard only? Whatever kind of interface you prefer, Butler is at your service.
What's new in this version:
- Added support for the iTunes music library. Use the "iTunes: Library" Smart Item to access your library by browsing Butler's menus and to search your library from the abbreviations window. Similar to browsing local folders from the abbreviations window, you can make the items that are associated to an artist/playlist/album pop up by pressing the space bar. (As always, you'll have to add an "iTunes: Library" Smart Item to your configuration to actually be able to search your iTunes libra... see all new features
More popular Launchers downloads
- 148 downloads 1. Quicksilver
- 17 downloads 2. Start Menu for Mac
- 15 downloads 3. Butler
- 12 downloads 4. RapidoStart
- 10 downloads 5. Google Quick Search Box
- See all Launchers downloads
User reviews of Butler 4.0b21
- Average user rating: 0 stars Not yet available
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
-
Showing 3 of 3 user reviewsSee all 3 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
Version: Butler 4.0b21
Pros: I now use the mouse less and less, which is a good thing in my books. I can access any application within three keystrokes, and it learns your preferences really quickly. It integrates with your address book, so you can begin typing in someone's name, or even part of their phone number, and Butler will display their details across the screen until you click on something else. Really useful for going through itemised phone bills when you don't recognise a number. Just type all or part of the number into Butler and it displays the name! Integrates really well with iTunes, and means you don't have to leave the topmost application if you just want to pause a track or even find out what's playing. Butler will pause tracks and display info with only three keystrokes. It is basically my new operating system. I love it so much!!!
Cons: My only grumble is that I have turned off the auto-update, because I'm worried that now and again it interferes with the system (especially when I am recording audio into Logic). But, that's a really small grumble, as it's no big deal to just click on "update" now and again in the drop down menu. Otherwise, a fantastic piece of software. Highly recommended!
-
Version: Butler 4.0b21
Pros: highly customizeable
intuitive
can do all: lounch files, serf, etc.
Stopped using the doc once started to manage my applications using Butler
-
Version: Butler 4.0b21
"sometimes a bit slow, but great!"
Summary: Butler has a lot of features, but the best by far is its search engine feature. You can search google, dictionaries, weather sites, retailers, or pretty much any site that has a search engine...right from your menu bar. Figuring out how to configure... read more >>
- See all 3 user reviews Write review
Submit your review
Previous Versions:
