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Quicksilver: Setup & Troubleshooting

[n.b.: this post has been updated to reflect the release of version B32r2. --2004-11-06 15:35 PST]

Since there's new folks moving to Quicksilver all the time, I thought I'd post some more starter tips if you're following along here. If you have questions about stuff not working as described, doublecheck your setup and the tips below.

  • Read the Quickstart Guide
  • Always use the latest version of Quicksilver, available here
  • Read Dan Dickinson's really great tutorial on setting up and orienting yourself with Quicksilver.
    • This is the post that got me to try Quicksilver, and it's excellent.
    • Note that some of the items discussed in the tutorial (including some Appearance prefs) have moved around in recent releases
    • Update 2005-02-23 07:11:33 - Dan also has created an excellent intermediate tutorial I can highly recommend.
  • Get comfortable with all your options in the Prefrences box.
    • As of v. B32r2, most of the configuration options (including catalogs and triggers) have been consolidated into the tabbed Preferences box
    • To get to Preferences:
      1. Invoke Quicksilver (Control-Spacebar, by default)
      2. Type Command-, (that's a comma)
  • To use many of the tips metioned on 43 Folders, you need to run in "Beta mode"
    • While slightly more adventurous than "Stable" mode, Beta shouldn't give you much worse problems than an occasional crash. YMMV.
    • Beta mode can be enabled under "Preferences > Application > Feature Mode" where you select "Enable Advanced Features > Beta"
  • Load up on plug-ins, which are all here
    • Quicksilver's main application provides a core of basic functionality; the plug-ins are the sexy bits that let you integrate with other applications and services
    • Browse the list for any apps or services that you use, and install any others that look interesting to you
    • If you're running in Beta mode, note that extra plug-ins may be available (but are filtered out of the standard plug-in page).
      1. Go to "Preferences > Plug-ins"
      2. Click the little gear menu
      3. Select "Download More Plug-ins"
        • This will take you to the plug-ins web page, with extra, beta-compatible plug-ins revealed
      4. Install or download the plug-ins you want
    • Important: If something is not working the way it's described in a post, chances are good you're missing a necessary plug-in
  • Make sure you've set up and enabled the right Catalogs for what you want to do
    • View and add to Catalogs by going to "Preferences > Catalog"
  • For more on getting started or to learn more about Quicksilver, check out other resources:

About Merlin

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Bio

Merlin Mann is an independent writer, speaker, and broadcaster. He’s best known for being the guy who created the website you’re reading right now. He lives in San Francisco, does lots of public speaking, and helps make cool things like You Look Nice Today, Back to Work, and Kung Fu Grippe. Also? He’s writing this book, he lives with this face, he suffers from this hair, he answers these questions, and he’s had this life. So far.

Merlin’s favorite thing he’s written in the past few years is an essay entitled, “Cranking.”

 
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