Flow-Launcher / Flow-Launcher/Flow.Launcher

[Feature Request] Deep Shell Integration: "Type-to-Search" in Explorer & "Quick Access Popup Menu"

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#4,226 3 comments 1 reaction 0 assignees View on GitHub
enhancement keep-fresh
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C#
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Description

**Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.**

Yes. Currently, Flow Launcher works as a distinct "layer" above the OS. To use it, I must press the hotkey (Alt+Space) first. While efficient, this creates a separation between the user's current context (e.g., looking at a folder) and the search tool.

**Competitor Analysis**

Listary offers a seamless integration that feels like part of Windows Explorer itself. It provides two highly practical features that I miss in Flow Launcher:
1. Direct Type-to-Search : In Explorer, Desktop, or File Dialogs, users can simply start typing without pressing any activation hotkey. The search bar appears automatically.
> Image
> Image

2. Quick Access Popup Menu: Double-clicking empty space or Middle-clicking brings up a context menu containing Favorites, History, Currently Opened Folders, and Commands. This is a godsend for mouse users.
**Describe the solution you'd like**

I suggest adding a "Shell Integration" or "Explorer Integration" module to Flow Launcher with the following features:

1. Feature A: Type-to-Search (Focus-Aware Activation)
- Logic: When the Windows Focus is on explorer.exe (Desktop/Folder) or a generic File Dialog, hook the keyboard input. If the user types a recognizable character, automatically summon Flow Launcher and populate the search box.

2. Feature B: Context Popup Menu
- Trigger: Customizable mouse actions (e.g., Double-Click on empty space, Middle-Click).
- Content: A compact menu listing:
- Smart Context: "Currently Opened Folders" (Allows quick jumping between active windows).
- Favorites: Pinned paths/apps.
- History: Recently accessed files.
- Commands: E.g., "Open Command Prompt Here", "Show Hidden Files".

**Describe the value / Why is this important?**

1. Zero Friction: Eliminating the hotkey step when already focused on a folder makes the workflow indistinguishable from native OS navigation.
2. Mouse Workflow: Not everyone uses the keyboard 100% of the time. The Popup Menu bridges the gap for mouse-heavy operations, especially for navigating between open paths.

**Additional context**
Reference Screenshots
1. Listary Settings (Showing support for various apps & Direct Search): Image
2. Listary Popup Menu (Showing Favorites, History, etc.): Image

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