LaunchDesk

LaunchDesk is a Python and Tkinter-based application launcher framework designed with a modern and premium aesthetic. This launcher allows users to group their favorite applications into categories and run them simultaneously with just one click.

Key Features

• Layout Customization: Modern dashboard design with a responsive grid system.
• Group Launching: Run all applications in a group simultaneously (e.g., open Chrome, VS Code, and RStudio together to start working).
• Easy Management: Add, edit, or delete categories and applications via a graphical interface.
• Premium Themes: Elegant Dark Mode theme options (Slate & Emerald).
• Persistence: Automatically saves all configurations (app paths, icons, groups) to a JSON file.

File Structure

LaunchDesk/
├── app/               # Internal application files
│   ├── launcher.py    # Main application logic
│   ├── config.json    # Configuration and group data
│   └── layout.css     # Layout reference (archive)
├── run.bat            # Batch script to run the launcher
├── run_silent.vbs     # VBS script to run silently
└── README.md          # Project documentation

System Requirements

• Python 3.x
• Tkinter (Usually pre-installed with Python on Windows)
• Segoe UI Emoji (For optimal emoji icon display on Windows)

No external libraries required (No external dependencies).

How to Run

There are several ways to run LaunchDesk:

1. Using Python Directly:

   python app/launcher.py

2. Using Batch File (run.bat): Double-click the run.bat file. This will open a CMD window and run the application.
3. Silent Mode (run_silent.vbs): Double-click the run_silent.vbs file. This will run the application without displaying a CMD window (perfect for Desktop or Startup shortcuts).

How to Use

1. Select Category: Click on the list of categories in the left sidebar.
2. Launch Application: Click the Launch button on an application card, or click LAUNCH ALL in the right sidebar to run everything at once.
3. Add Application:
   • Select the desired category.
   • Click + Add Application.
   • Enter the name, emoji (optional), and browse for your application's .exe file path.
4. Add Category: Click + Add Category and enter the new group name.
5. Change Theme: Click Toggle Theme to switch the application's color scheme.

Notes

This application uses threading to ensure the UI does not freeze when launching heavy applications. Ensure the application paths entered are valid for proper execution.

---