Cross-app workspace search
Search across connected workspace apps from one place instead of switching between separate tabs or tools.
Contrive
Contrive is a desktop search and command-bar app for Slack, Notion and more—find answers or take actions on macOS and Windows from one place.
Overview
Contrive is a desktop app for searching across connected workspace apps from a single command bar. The site positions it as a way to search Slack, Notion, Google Drive, and related tools without moving between multiple browser tabs or app-specific search boxes.
It combines search, AI answers, and workspace actions in one interface. The sources show the app running on macOS and Windows, with command search as the main interaction model and backend indexing designed to keep searchable workspace content current.
Features
AI answers with context
Ask questions in natural language and get AI answers grounded in permitted workspace sources and related context.
Command search and navigation
Use the command bar to open the app, run queries, and navigate quickly with keyboard-driven interactions.
Desktop-first workflow
Stay in a standalone desktop app on macOS and Windows so workspace search remains outside the browser.
Workspace actions from search
Run supported write actions from search, including Notion item creation and appending text, with backend handling for those actions.
Real-time indexing status
Track indexing status in the app while sources are being processed and updated.
Use Cases
Cross-workspace information lookup
Find information that may live across Slack threads and Notion pages without checking each app separately. Contrive is positioned for users who need one place to search across connected workspace sources.
Context-aware Q&A
Ask a natural-language question and use the returned context to move from discovery to an answer more quickly than manual browsing. This is useful when you know the topic but not the exact location of the source material.
Keyboard-first daily work
Open the app, search, and navigate with keyboard shortcuts from a desktop command bar. The product is designed for people who prefer command-palette style workflows over mouse-driven tab switching.
Search then act on content
Trigger supported write actions, such as creating a Notion item or appending text, after finding the right context. This fits workflows that need both search and follow-up edits from the same interface.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Brings search for multiple workspace apps into one desktop command bar.
- Supports natural-language AI answers based on permitted workspace content.
- Runs as a standalone app on macOS and Windows.
- Includes keyboard-oriented command search and navigation for quick access.
- Supports backend-driven write actions, not just read-only search.
Cons
- The public sources do not show pricing details, so plan structure and cost are unclear from the site text provided.
- The integration list is only partially documented in the collected sources, so the full set of supported apps is not confirmed.
FAQ
What is Contrive used for?
Contrive is a desktop app that lets you search across connected workspace apps such as Slack and Notion, then use AI to get answers or take actions from the same command bar.
Which platforms does Contrive support?
The source shows Contrive available for macOS and Windows. The download page lists macOS support for Apple silicon and Intel, and a separate Windows download.
Which workspace apps can Contrive connect to?
The homepage and changelog show Contrive connecting Slack and Notion, and the site description also mentions Google Drive and other workspace apps. The available sources do not provide a complete integration list.
Can Contrive take actions, or is it only for search?
The product is centered on a desktop command bar and command search. From the sources, the app opens with a shortcut, supports search and AI answers, and can trigger write actions such as creating items in Notion or appending text.
Quick Facts
- Category
- AI search and command bar
- Platforms
- macOS and Windows
- Desktop app
- Yes
- Primary sources
- Slack, Notion, Google Drive, and other workspace apps mentioned on the site
- Product domain
- contrive.app
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