Alfred
About
Alfred is a macOS productivity app for launching apps, finding files and web results, and controlling a Mac through hotkeys, keywords, and custom actions. Its search adjusts to how someone uses the Mac and prioritizes results accordingly. The free core app covers app launching and file searching. Powerpack adds Clipboard History for copied text, images, and file paths, plus Snippets that expand short keywords into saved text. Workflows connect objects to automate tasks and can start from a hotkey, keyword, or Alfred Remote button; they can also connect to apps and services through APIs. Powerpack file actions let users navigate and preview the file system, then email, move, copy, or reveal files in Finder. Preferences can sync between Macs using Dropbox or a similar file-sync service. The maker says preferences, usage, and settings stay on the Mac, though workflows may contact servers or APIs. Alfred 5.8.1 is listed for macOS 10.14 or later on Intel and Apple Silicon. Alfred Remote is an iOS companion, and its core actions require both devices on the same network. The Single License is 34.00 USD per once for one user on two of their own Macs for the current version.
Who it is for
Alfred suits Mac users who want keyboard-driven app launching, file search, and customizable task automation. Powerpack is relevant for users who need workflows, clipboard history, snippets, or file actions.
What is good
- Free core app includes app launching and file search
- Workflows can connect to apps' APIs
- Preferences and usage settings stay stored locally
- Supports Intel and Apple Silicon Macs
What to know first
- Powerpack features require a paid license
- Alfred Remote core actions need both devices on one network
- Single License covers one user on two of their own Macs
Verdict
Alfred’s free core covers common launch and search tasks, while Powerpack extends it with automation and file-management features. Mac users should account for the license scope and the network requirement for Alfred Remote’s core actions.
Compared on app launcher software
- Free plan
- Yesalfredapp.com
- Supported platforms
- macosalfredapp.com
- File search
- Yesalfredapp.com
- Command launching
- Yesalfredapp.com
- Workflow support
- Yesalfredapp.com
- Plugin support
- Yesalfredapp.com
- Cloud sync
- Yesalfredapp.com
Facts
- Purpose
- Alfred is a macOS productivity app for launching apps, searching files and the web, and controlling a Mac with hotkeys, keywords, and custom actions.alfredapp.com · 29 Sept 2026
- Search
- Alfred learns how the user uses their Mac and prioritizes search results.alfredapp.com · 29 Sept 2026
- Clipboard and snippets
- Powerpack Clipboard History saves copied text, images, and file paths, while Snippets can expand short keywords into saved text.alfredapp.com · 29 Sept 2026
- Workflows
- Powerpack workflows connect objects to automate tasks and can be launched with a hotkey, keyword, or button in Alfred Remote.alfredapp.com · 29 Sept 2026
- Integrations
- The maker lists workflows for apps and services including Dash, Twitter, Spotify, and YouTube, and workflows can connect to apps' APIs.alfredapp.com · 29 Sept 2026
- File actions
- Powerpack users can navigate the Mac file system, preview files, and perform actions such as emailing, moving, copying, and revealing files in Finder.alfredapp.com · 29 Sept 2026
- Sync
- Powerpack users can sync Alfred preferences between Macs using Dropbox or a similar file syncing service.alfredapp.com · 29 Sept 2026
- Privacy
- The maker says preferences, usage, and settings are stored locally on the Mac and are not sent to it or third parties.alfredapp.com · 29 Sept 2026
- Security
- Alfred runs as a user-level process, and lower-level access such as Accessibility for text expansion is isolated in a separate process; workflows may contact servers or APIs.alfredapp.com · 29 Sept 2026
- Compatibility
- The site lists Alfred 5.8.1 as requiring macOS 10.14 or later and supporting 64-bit Intel and Apple Silicon.alfredapp.com · 29 Sept 2026
- Remote app
- Alfred Remote is an iOS app for controlling Alfred on a Mac, and its core actions require the Mac and iOS device to share a network.alfredapp.com · 29 Sept 2026
- License limits
- Personal Powerpack licenses are for individual use; the Single User license covers one user on two of their own Macs for the current version.alfredapp.com · 29 Sept 2026
- Support
- The maker offers help through preference help icons, in-app search, its forum, Twitter, and email for license-related or private questions.alfredapp.com · 29 Sept 2026
- Company
- Running with Crayons Ltd was founded in 2010 by Andrew Pepperrell and Vero Pepperrell.alfredapp.com · 29 Sept 2026
Company
- Headquarters
- United Kingdom and Portugalalfredapp.com · 28 Sept 2026
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Sources
- alfredapp.com· checked 29 Sept 2026
- alfredapp.com/powerpack/· checked 29 Sept 2026
- alfredapp.com/workflows/· checked 29 Sept 2026
- alfredapp.com/terms/· checked 29 Sept 2026
- alfredapp.com/remote/· checked 29 Sept 2026
- alfredapp.com/help/powerpack/license-types/· checked 29 Sept 2026
- alfredapp.com/help/· checked 29 Sept 2026
- alfredapp.com/about/· checked 29 Sept 2026


