Raycast is the best Spotlight replacement for macOS. By connecting DeepSeek V3, you turn it into an instantly accessible AI assistant.
Option 1: DeepSeek Extension (Free, Recommended)
This is the easiest way. No Raycast Pro subscription required, just a DeepSeek API Key.
- Install Extension: Search for and install the "DeepSeek Quick Actions" extension from the Raycast Store.
- Configure Key:
- Open Raycast Settings (
Cmd + ,) -> Extensions. - Find the DeepSeek extension.
- Paste your
sk-xxxxkey into the API Key field.
- Open Raycast Settings (
- Use:
- Toggle Raycast, type "Ask DeepSeek".
- Or select text and run commands like "Translate" or "Fix Grammar".
Option 2: Raycast AI Pro (Native)
If you have a Raycast Pro subscription, you can unlock the native AI chat experience with global hotkeys.
- Open Settings: Go to
Raycast Settings->AI. - Add Model: In the Models list, click "Add Custom Model" (sometimes under Advanced).
- Fill Parameters:
- Provider: OpenAI Compatible
- Name:
DeepSeek V3 - Base URL:
https://api.deepseek.com - API Key: Your DeepSeek Key
- Model:
deepseek-chat
- Set Default: Switch the model dropdown in the AI Chat window to
DeepSeek V3.
Useful AI Commands
Create AI Commands in Raycast to automate tasks with DeepSeek:
- Translate:
Translate the selected text to English. Be natural. - Explain Code:
Explain what this code does concisely: {selection}
FAQ
Q: "Network Error" in extension? A: Double-check your API Key. If you use a proxy, some extensions might require setting a custom proxy URL in their preferences.
Q: Can I use R1 (Reasoning)?
A: Yes, set the Model ID to deepseek-reasoner. Note that R1 takes longer to "think," which might not feel as snappy for a launcher tool.

