14 DAY TRIAL // File launchers are nothing new, and have been in use for some time now. There are many kinds, from dock like ones that keep items in folders, to command prompt ones that search for possible items to launch based on the text you give them. Most of them are geared towards launching individual files, be they documents, folders or applications, however, there are some that focus on launching many things at the same time. The premise is to simply push one button, and have it open everything you need in order to get a certain job done. FLaunch is one such multi launcher.
What it does FLaunch is a file launcher that focuses on launching many files at once, with one single command. It's a small application that stays out of sight and out of mind, until you use the appropriate commend, at which point it will open all items associated with that command.
F focus As the name implies, the application is centered around the function or 'F' keys present on all keyboards. These keys have lots of various functions, depending on what application you are in. Unlike the other keys that all adhere to certain guidelines, these keys are open game, and developers use them in whichever way they like.
FLaunch lets you assign a number of items to each F key, opening those items when you press the corresponding key. The approach is not half bad, considering that there are a total of 15 such keys on the standard keyboard. Also, the fact that the keys themselves are naturally grouped in 'clusters' of three or four, makes it pretty easy to also group items by 'clusters'.
At this point, you might be thinking of some application you currently use that already make use of the F keys. Don't threat, FLaunch can be configured only to launch the items when certain modifier keys are also pressed, meaning it will not interfere with the normal functionality of the F keys in those applications.
Four the magic number The program lets you assign a maximum of four items per F key. This number is strange, and an unnecessary limitation. One should be able to assign as many items as they wish to each key.
Granted, four items per key and 15 keys makes for a total of 60 items in total, a lot more than you are likely to need, however, the issue is that if you need two applications to get a job done, and you also add the three documents you need to work on, that makes five, and you can only have four. So you must break up the group into two smaller ones, which is a silly unnecessary step.
Keys or menus Besides the F keys, you can also use the program as a menu, by right clicking on its dock icon. At this point, you can launch any of the individual items assigned to an F key by going to the respective submenu. This is not half bad, especially for those who prefer menus. On the other side, F1 is not exactly a clear indication of what is inside, and the program does not let you assign a label of some sort to be displayed instead of the F key number. Also, quite annoying is the fact that you cannot launch the entire group associated to a key by clicking on the key's name from the menu, which is again a silly limitation.
The Good A simple and straightforward way to launch multiple items. Very easy to set up and easy to use.
The Bad The hard limitation of a maximum of four items per F key is the biggest problem with this program. It forces you to split up large groups of items over multiple keys and cuts down on your flexibility.
The Truth If you want a simple way to launch up to four items at a time, then you can go with FLaunch and be up and ready in a few minutes. If you need a little more flexibility, than other programs are recommended, sure, they may take a little longer to set up and start using, but they give you a lot more choices.
Here are some screenshots, click to enlarge:
