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SPECIFICTION
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Rofi

davatorium.github.io

Free plan macOSLinux
Visit davatorium.github.io
Spec score 7.8 #16 of 40 in App Launchers

What it is

Rofi is a free utility for Linux and macOS that combines window switching, application launching, SSH access, and menu workflows. It can move between open windows, start applications, or provide a dialog for connecting to a remote machine. Its modes include window, windowcd, run, drun, ssh, keys, script, and combi. Navigation supports keyboard and mouse input, filtering by typing, and tokenized search. A dedicated script mode can replace dmenu. Configuration can come from a system configuration file, a Rasi theme file, or command-line options. Rofi builds with X11 and Wayland backends when available, and either can be disabled. Installation guidance covers Debian or Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch Linux, Gentoo, openSUSE, and FreeBSD; macOS installation is through MacPorts. The downloads page lists release archives, with version 1.7.9 as its newest listed release. Development versions have no tarball release; the installation instructions explain how to obtain and compile one. Support links lead to GitHub issues and discussions.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Rofi is a window switcher, application launcher, SSH dialog, dmenu replacement, and more.Read 4 Oct 2026 · davatorium.github.io
Support
The documentation links to a GitHub issue tracker and a GitHub discussions forum.Read 4 Oct 2026 · davatorium.github.io
Backends
Rofi builds with X11 and Wayland backends when available, and the build can disable either backend.Read 4 Oct 2026 · davatorium.github.io
Customization
Configuration can be set through a system configuration file, a Rasi theme file, or command-line options.Read 4 Oct 2026 · davatorium.github.io
Development downloads
The downloads page says no tarball is released for development versions and directs users to the installation instructions to obtain and compile one.Read 4 Oct 2026 · davatorium.github.io
Linux installation
The installation guide lists packages or install commands for Debian or Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch Linux, Gentoo, openSUSE, and FreeBSD.Read 4 Oct 2026 · davatorium.github.io
macOS installation
The installation guide says Rofi can be installed on macOS via MacPorts.Read 4 Oct 2026 · davatorium.github.io
Modes
Available modes include window, windowcd, run, drun, ssh, keys, script, and combi.Read 4 Oct 2026 · davatorium.github.io
Release downloads
The downloads page lists release archives, with version 1.7.9 as its newest listed release.Read 4 Oct 2026 · davatorium.github.io
Script integration
For script integration, Rofi provides a special mode that works as a drop-in replacement for dmenu.Read 4 Oct 2026 · davatorium.github.io
Search and navigation
It supports keyboard and mouse navigation, type to filter, and tokenized search.Read 4 Oct 2026 · davatorium.github.io
Security and compliance
The opened official documentation pages do not state security certifications or compliance claims.Read 4 Oct 2026 · davatorium.github.io
Workflow
Rofi can switch between windows, start applications, or log in to a remote machine via SSH.Read 4 Oct 2026 · davatorium.github.io

Plans and prices

Rofi Free No paid plans listed; development version has no tarball release Read 4 Oct 2026 · davatorium.github.io

Every Rofi plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Combines window switching, launching, and SSH access
  • Supports keyboard and mouse navigation
  • Script mode can replace dmenu
  • Configuration supports files, themes, and command-line options

Limits

  • The newest listed release is version 1.7.9
  • Development versions have no tarball release
  • macOS installation is via MacPorts

Who it suits

Rofi suits Linux or macOS users who want keyboard- or mouse-driven access to windows, applications, SSH, or script menus. It may also fit users who want to customize configuration or integrate scripts.

Verdict

Rofi brings several menu and launch workflows together, with multiple configuration routes and Linux backend options. Check the installation path for your platform and note that development versions must be obtained and compiled without a tarball.

Where Specifiction places it

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