Search Google Docs using LaunchBar 5

I’ll admit it. I’m a bit fickle when it comes to launcher utilities. First there was Quicksilver. Then Google Quick Search Box (now known only as Quick Search Box). I’ve even played with Gnome Do on my Linux boxes. On my Mac though, I’ve moved on to a very uncharacteristic paid application choice, LaunchBar 5. I’ve actually had a family license since version 4 but never really hung in there to learn the features and functions. After the click, I’ll show you how setup a Google Docs search using Launchbar 5. A much needed and glaring omission from the defaults searches provided.

After several bouts of Quicksilver crashes and Quick Search Box quirks (although I’m still going to keep my eye on that one), I’ve decided to give LaunchBar 5 a bit of my time. So far, I’ve been pretty pleased. If nothing else, it is the most stable launcher of the bunch. One thing I missed though was the ability to quickly search my Google Docs files. Quick Search Box was a master at this function (being a Google product and all), but LaunchBar 5 doesn’t contain this function; however, it does allow you to create custom site searches. Let’s add Google Docs search functionality to LaunchBar and perform a search.

Creating a LaunchBar Google Docs Search Template:

• Activate LaunchBar 5 using the keystroke combo you specified during the install and setup – in my case that’s a ⌘+space
• Hit ⌥+⌘+I, to activate the LaunchBar Index pane as shown in the image below

• Select the Search Templates (UTF-8) option as highlighted at the bottom-left in the image above
• Click the Add.. button just below the search template listings - a new search template will be created as shown in the image below ready to receive the name of the new search template

• In the Name area provided, as shown in the image above, type the following:
  
  Google Docs 

• After entering the name, press ⌦ (tab key) and type (or copy and paste) the following search string into the Details area provided:
  
  https://docs.google.com/?pli=1#search/*
  
  
• Hit ⏎ - the item will be added to the list of search templates as shown and highlighted in the image below

• Close the Search Templates pane by clicking the red close button in the top-left corner of the window – a save configuration warning will appear
• Click the Save button – the search template has now been created and is ready for use

Using the Google Docs Search Template:
Before using the new search template you must first log into your Google account using your default browser. I’ll assume you know how to do this. If not, drop me a comment below and I’ll run you through it.

• Activate LaunchBar 5
• Type GD (first two characters of Google Docs) – the Google Docs search template should be listed but probably won’t be the first item
• If the Google Docs search template is not your first item, scroll down the list and selected it – LaunchBar 5 learns from your usage and Google Docs should be the top result the next time you use the template
• Select the Google Docs search template using your mouse or preferably ⏎ – LaunchBar 5 will request the search string as shown in the image below:

• Enter a search string and hit ⏎ – the default browser window will open to a Google Docs search page presenting you with the results of your search
• To view a document, simply select it with your mouse

If you are a LaunchBar 5 user and a Google Docs users, I think you are going to find this tip extremely useful. If you aren’t using LaunchBar 5, I recommend you give it a shot. A free trial is available and as with most launchers on the Mac, it is sure to save you time if you are keyboard pecker like me. Have other LaunchBar 5 tips? I would LOVE to read about them. Drop me a comment below and help me master this thing.