Alfred (software)

Last updated
Alfred
Original author(s) Andrew Pepperrell, Vero Pepperrell [1]
Developer(s) Running with Crayons Ltd
Initial release2010 [1]
Stable release
v5.5.1 / 13 September 2024;4 months ago (2024-09-13) [2]
Operating system macOS
Type Application launcher (utility software)
License Proprietary
Website www.alfredapp.com OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg

Alfred is an application launcher and productivity software for macOS developed by Running with Crayons Ltd. It provides faster access to applications, files, folders, dictionaries, and various system functions. [3] Alfred is similar to macOS's Spotlight function, but offers a higher degree of customizability and extensibility through its action system known as "workflows".

Contents

Features

Alfred comes with following features:

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Accessible only within paid version of Alfred.

Personalization

Alfred's functionality can be extended through "workflows", which are constructed through a visual scripting system based on nodes. [15] Creating workflows does not require programming knowledge, [16] although it does support the execution of scripts written in AppleScript, Bash, Python, and others. [17]

Many of Alfred's features and workflows can be accessed by defining a global keyboard shortcut or a keyword before the query. [18] [19]

Alfred's visual appearance is customizable through themes. [20] It comes with a collection of presets that can be used for free, while creating and importing themes requires paid version.

Alfred Remote

Alfred Remote is a mobile companion application available for iOS. [21] It allows to control various functions on a macOS device where the paid version of Alfred is installed. These functions include adjusting volume, controlling Music, launching applications, and executing workflows. [22]

See also

Related Research Articles

AppleScript is a scripting language created by Apple Inc. that facilitates automated control of Mac applications. First introduced in System 7, it is currently included in macOS in a package of automation tools. The term AppleScript may refer to the scripting language, to a script written in the language, or to the macOS Open Scripting Architecture that underlies the language.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keynote (presentation software)</span> Apple-made presentation software

Keynote is a presentation software application developed as a part of the iWork productivity suite by Apple Inc. Version 10 of Keynote for Mac, the latest major update, was released in March 2020. On January 27, 2010, Apple announced a new version of Keynote for iPad with an all-new touch interface. It is now also available for the iPhone to download from the App Store.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keyboard shortcut</span> Assignments for computer keyboard keys

In computing, a keyboard shortcut is a software-based assignment of an action to one or more keys on a computer keyboard. Most operating systems and applications come with a default set of keyboard shortcuts, some of which may be modified by the user in the settings.

The taskbar is a graphical user interface element that has been part of Microsoft Windows since Windows 95, displaying and facilitating switching between running programs. The taskbar and the associated Start Menu were created and named in 1993 by Daniel Oran, a program manager at Microsoft who had previously collaborated on great ape language research with the behavioral psychologist B.F. Skinner at Harvard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Automator (macOS)</span> macOS automation software

Automator is an application developed by Apple Inc. for macOS, which can be used to automate repetitive tasks through point-and-click or drag and drop.

In computing, a file shortcut is a handle in a user interface that allows the user to find a file or resource located in a different directory or folder from the place where the shortcut is located. Similarly, an Internet shortcut allows the user to open a page, file or resource located at a remote Internet location or Web site.

In computing, a keyboard shortcut is a sequence or combination of keystrokes on a computer keyboard which invokes commands in software.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smultron</span>

Smultron is a text editor for macOS that is designed for both beginners and advanced users, named after the Swedish word for the woodland strawberry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Things (software)</span> Task management software

Things is a task management app for macOS, iPadOS, iOS, watchOS, and visionOS made by Cultured Code, a software startup based in Stuttgart, Germany. It first released for Mac as an alpha that went out in late 2007 to 12,000 people and quickly gained popularity. The following July, when the App Store launched, it was among the first 552 apps available for iPhone. It was then released alongside the iPad in 2010, the Apple Watch in 2015, and the Apple Vision Pro in 2024.

iOS Mobile operating system by Apple

iOS is a mobile operating system developed by Apple exclusively for its mobile devices. It was unveiled in January 2007 for the first-generation iPhone, which launched in June 2007. Major versions of iOS are released annually; the current stable version, iOS 18, was released to the public on September 16, 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">OS X Lion</span> Eighth major release of Mac OS X

OS X Lion, also known as Mac OS X Lion, is the eighth major release of macOS, Apple's desktop and server system for Mac computers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1Password</span> Password management software

1Password is a password manager developed by the Canadian software company AgileBits Inc. It supports multiple platforms such as iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, and macOS. It provides a place for users to store various passwords, software licenses, and other sensitive information in a virtual vault that is locked with a PBKDF2-guarded master password. By default, the user’s encrypted vault is hosted on AgileBits’ servers for a monthly fee.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Notes (Apple)</span> Software application for Apple platforms

Notes is a notetaking app developed by Apple Inc. It is provided on the company's iOS, iPadOS, visionOS, and macOS operating systems, the latter starting with OS X Mountain Lion. It functions as a service for making short text notes, which can be synchronized between devices using Apple's iCloud service. The application uses a similar interface on iOS and macOS, with a non-textured paper background for notes and light yellow icons, suggesting pencil or crayon. Until 2013, both applications used a strongly skeuomorphic interface, with a lined, textured paper design; the Mountain Lion version placed this inside a leather folder. This design was replaced in OS X Mavericks and iOS 7.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Commander One</span> File manager for macOS

Commander One is a dual-pane file manager designed for macOS. Developed by Electronic Team, Inc., the software is created entirely in Swift and aims to provide users with a tool to navigate, manage, and manipulate files and folders on their Mac computers. The application offers a wide range of features for both casual and professional users.

macOS Sierra Thirteenth major release of macOS

macOS Sierra is the thirteenth major release of macOS, Apple Inc.'s desktop and server operating system for Macintosh computers. The name "macOS" stems from the intention to unify the operating system's name with that of iOS, watchOS and tvOS. Sierra is named after the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California and Nevada. Specifically, Lone Pine Peak is the location for macOS Sierra's default wallpaper. Its major new features concern Continuity, iCloud, and windowing, as well as support for Apple Pay and Siri.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shortcuts (Apple)</span> Scripting application by Apple

Shortcuts is a visual scripting application developed by Apple and provided on its iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS operating systems. It allows users to create macros for executing specific tasks and automations on their device(s). These task sequences can be created by the user and shared online through iCloud. A number of curated shortcuts can also be downloaded from the integrated Gallery.

iOS 12 is the twelfth major release of the iOS mobile operating system developed by Apple. Aesthetically similar to its predecessor, iOS 11, it focuses more on performance than on new features, quality improvements and security updates. Announced at the company's Worldwide Developers Conference on June 4, 2018, iOS 12 was released to the public on September 17, 2018. It was succeeded for the iPhone and iPod Touch by iOS 13 on September 19, 2019, and for the iPad by iPadOS 13 on September 24, 2019. Security updates for iOS 12 continued for four years after the releases of iOS 13 and iPadOS 13 for devices unable to run the newer versions. The last update, 12.5.7, was released on January 23, 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Raycast (software)</span> Application launcher and productivity application for macOS

Raycast is an application launcher and productivity software developed for macOS by Raycast Technologies Ltd. It offers fast access to applications, dictionaries, files, text snippets, clipboard, and more. Raycast is an alternative to the macOS's built-in Spotlight function, with a richer interface and the option to install extensions, providing additional ways to display varied content.

References

  1. 1 2 "Behind the App: The Story of Alfred". Lifehacker. 20 August 2014. Retrieved 2021-10-13.
  2. "Alfred Change Log". Running with Crayons. Retrieved 20 Mar 2024.
  3. "Alfred (for Mac)". PCMag UK. 2012-01-23. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
  4. Summers, Nick (2014-01-21). "An In-Depth Guide to Alfred, the Incredible App Launcher for Mac". TNW | Apps. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
  5. Orchard, Rosemary (2019-12-26). "Enhance Your File Search with Alfred". The Sweet Setup. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
  6. "Custom Searches in Alfred". MyProductiveMac. 2021-09-16. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
  7. "The Best Keyboard App Launcher for Mac". The Sweet Setup. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
  8. Ginter, Josh (2022-06-09). "How to Create Text Snippets in Alfred". The Sweet Setup. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
  9. "How To Use Alfred As A Snippet Manager [How-To][liveblog] | Cult of Mac". www.cultofmac.com. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
  10. "Review: Alfred App for Mac OS X". iSource. 2011-01-21. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
  11. "Alfred 1.2 Adds 1Password Support, New Themes, Improved Matching Algorithm". 2012-05-01. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
  12. "Mastering Alfred 2.0 On Your Mac: Directly Command Your System From The Keyboard [OS X Tips] | Cult of Mac". www.cultofmac.com. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
  13. "Alfred 1.3 Improves System Navigation with "File Buffer"". 2012-07-18. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
  14. "Mastering Alfred 2.0 On Your Mac: Send Quick Emails To Your Contacts [OS X Tips] | Cult of Mac". www.cultofmac.com. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
  15. "Alfred 2.0 to Add More Complex Functions Via 'Workflows'". MacRumors. 2012-12-17. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
  16. Miller, Chance (2019-05-29). "Alfred 4 brings Dark Mode, Rich Text expansion, and more to the powerful macOS productivity app". 9to5Mac.
  17. "Alfred launcher app hits version 1.0". Macworld. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
  18. "Mac Gems: Alfred 2 ups the launcher-app ante". Macworld. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
  19. "Alfred 1.0 Now Available With Enhanced Global Hotkeys". 2011-11-29. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
  20. "Alfred 2: Rewritten From The Ground Up, Workflows, Themes, and More". 2013-03-14. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
  21. "'Alfred Remote' Turns iOS Devices Into Remote Controls for Macs". MacRumors. 2015-01-27. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
  22. Bohn, Dieter (2015-01-27). "Alfred turns your iPad or iPhone into a remote control for your Mac". The Verge. Retrieved 2023-09-22.