Search Dialog
The Search Dialog is the command center of Milki Launcher. It is where you search for apps, files, contacts, execute custom actions, and get smart suggestions.
The core of Milki launcher. A central search input that handles almost everything.
Search Layouts
Milki Launcher offers two search layouts in Settings > Search:
- Classic: A traditional top-aligned layout. The search bar sits at the top of the screen with results flowing top-to-bottom.
- One-Handed: An ergonomic, bottom-anchored layout that intentionally breaks standard top-down visual conventions to prioritize single-hand reachability:
- Search Input Bar: Positioned at the top of the search dialog container, as text input is controlled via the soft keyboard rather than direct thumb taps.
- Results & Apps: The most relevant search result (and top app match) is pinned to the bottom—and bottom-right in grid view—closest to your thumb. Scrolling up reveals secondary results.
- Action Suggestion Chips: Placed directly above the keyboard and arranged from right-to-left, placing primary action pills within effortless one-thumb reach.
Recent Apps
When you open the Search Dialog, it immediately shows your recently accessed apps for quick return.
- Pressing Enter opens the latest app
- Recent apps are those opened from the drawer or search dialog. Apps launched from home screen icons are not added to recent apps since they are already one tap away.
Clipboard Actions
Milki automatically detects content on your clipboard and surfaces relevant suggested actions the moment you open the dialog.
- Web Search: If it looks like a query, search the web directly.
- Open in App: If it is a link to YouTube, Instagram, or another service, open it in the corresponding installed app.
Searching for Apps
Start typing with no prefix and Milki will search your installed apps. Partial matches and initials both work.
Drag to Home Screen
Any item from the Search Dialog—app, file, or contact—can be dragged directly onto your home screen for quick access.
URL Detection
When you type or paste a URL into the search input, Milki detects it and gives you options:
- Open in Default Browser
- Open in an Installed App that can handle that URL scheme
System Prefixes
Prefixes let you narrow your search scope or trigger custom actions. Milki ships with two built-in prefixes:
| Prefix | Scope | Description |
|---|---|---|
f | Files | Shows your recent files and lets you search all files on your device |
c | Contacts | Shows your recent contacts and lets you search all contacts. You can call someone directly from the results |
Custom Prefixes
You can create your own prefixes for anything you want to search. Examples:
- Search Wikipedia (
w) - Search an image engine (
i) - Search a specific website or API
Add and manage custom prefixes in Settings. Each prefix maps to a search URL or handler of your choice.
Multiple Prefixes for the Same Target
You can map more than one prefix to the same search target or URL. This is especially useful for bilingual users.
For example, if you use both English and Arabic, you can create two prefixes that both search Wikipedia. One triggered by w (for English) and another by و (for Arabic). This way you can switch languages naturally without changing any settings mid-search.