Spotlight Launcher for XFCE

A lightweight application launcher with autocomplete, styled for Adwaita-dark theme.

Requirements

• Python 3.6+
• GTK 3
• PyGObject

On Debian/Ubuntu:

sudo apt install python3-gi gir1.2-gtk-3.0

Installation

1. Make the launcher executable:

chmod +x ~/spotlight-launcher/spotlight_launcher.py

2. Install the desktop entry for autostart (optional):

cp ~/.local/share/applications/spotlight-launcher.desktop ~/.config/autostart/

Usage

Systemd Service (Recommended)

The launcher runs as a systemd user service:

# Start the service
systemctl --user start spotlight-launcher

# Stop the service
systemctl --user stop spotlight-launcher

# Check status
systemctl --user status spotlight-launcher

# View logs
journalctl --user -u spotlight-launcher

The service is enabled by default and will start automatically on login.

Manual Start (Alternative)

python3 ~/spotlight-launcher/spotlight_launcher.py --daemon

Toggle the window

python3 ~/spotlight-launcher/spotlight_launcher.py --toggle

XFCE Keyboard Shortcut Setup

1. Open Settings Manager > Keyboard > Application Shortcuts
2. Click Add
3. Enter command: python3 /home/YOUR_USER/spotlight-launcher/spotlight_launcher.py --toggle
4. Click OK and press Super_L (left Super/Windows key)

Note: You may need to remove existing Super key bindings first (like whisker menu).

Features

• Case-insensitive search across application names and keywords
• Results sorted by most recently used
• Keyboard navigation (Up/Down arrows, Enter to launch, Escape to close)
• Semi-transparent window matching Adwaita-dark theme
• Single instance via DBus (multiple --toggle calls work correctly)
• Click outside to dismiss

Files

• ~/spotlight-launcher/spotlight_launcher.py - Main application
• ~/.config/systemd/user/spotlight-launcher.service - Systemd user service
• ~/.config/spotlight-launcher/history.json - Usage history (auto-created)
• ~/.local/share/applications/spotlight-launcher.desktop - Desktop entry

Troubleshooting

Window doesn't appear

• Ensure GTK 3 and PyGObject are installed
• Check if another instance is running: pgrep -f spotlight_launcher

Transparency not working

• Requires a compositor (XFCE's built-in compositor or compton/picom)
• Enable in Settings > Window Manager Tweaks > Compositor

Super key doesn't work

• Remove existing Super key bindings from XFCE panel/whisker menu
• Check Settings > Keyboard > Application Shortcuts for conflicts