Alfred is a productivity application for macOS that replaces Spotlight as a fast application launcher, file finder, and web search tool controlled entirely from the keyboard. The free core version lets users launch apps, search files, run web searches with custom keywords, use a calculator and dictionary, manage clipboard history, and trigger system commands, all via a global hotkey.
The optional Powerpack add-on unlocks Alfred's automation layer: custom Workflows that chain triggers and actions without code, text-expansion Snippets, a File Buffer for batch file actions, Contacts and 1Password integration, Music.app control, and settings sync across multiple Macs. A large library of community-built workflows extends Alfred to control third-party apps and services.
Alfred is built by Running with Crayons Ltd, a UK company, and has been actively developed and updated for macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon) for over a decade, with the current major version being Alfred 5.
Key Features
App & File Launcher — Launch applications and find files, folders, and documents instantly from the keyboard, learning your usage to prioritize results.
Custom Web Search — Search the web and specific sites using configurable keyword shortcuts.
Clipboard History — Automatically stores and lets you search and reuse previously copied text and files.
Workflows (Powerpack) — Build no-code automations that chain triggers, actions, and third-party app integrations.
Snippets (Powerpack) — Expand short keywords into pre-defined blocks of text to speed up repetitive typing.
Calculator & Dictionary — Perform quick calculations and look up word definitions and spelling directly from the search bar.
Settings Sync (Powerpack) — Keep Alfred preferences, workflows, and snippets in sync across multiple Macs.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Free core version with no time limit
Powerful keyboard-driven workflow automation
Large library of community workflows
One-time purchase, not a subscription
Cons
macOS only, no Windows or Linux version
Automation features require paying for the Powerpack