[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:
  • Good introductions to Quicksilver
  • The Apple Blog » Quicksilver Changes Everything
  • quicksilver:what_is_quicksilver [docs]
  • This 43f post introducing QS to new users
  • All posts in our 43F Quicksilver category
  • Quicksilver Documentation Wiki
  • Quicksilver Forums
  • Quicksilver IRC channel