Alfred is one of the most powerful productivity tools available for macOS. It acts as a supercharged version of Spotlight, allowing you to search, launch apps, control your Mac, and automate tasks—all from your keyboard.
Whether you’re a casual user looking for a better way to open files, or a power user automating entire workflows, Alfred has something for you. This article covers how to install Alfred and shares 10 must-know features to unlock your Mac’s full potential.
✅ How to Install Alfred on macOS
1. Download the App
- Go to the official site: https://www.alfredapp.com
- Click “Download Alfred”
- Choose the version for your macOS and download the
.dmg file
2. Install Alfred
- Open the downloaded
.dmg file and drag Alfred into your Applications folder
- Launch Alfred and follow the setup prompts
3. Set Alfred Hotkey
- Default hotkey:
Option (⌥) + Space
- You can change it under Alfred Preferences > General > Alfred Hotkey
4. Optional: Purchase the Powerpack
- The Powerpack unlocks advanced features like:
- Workflows
- Clipboard History
- Snippets
- File Navigation
- Custom Themes
- You can purchase it at https://www.alfredapp.com/powerpack
🧠 10 Must-Know Alfred Features
🚀 1. Blazing-Fast App & File Launching
Type the name of any app, contact, or file and press Enter to open it instantly. Alfred learns your habits and prioritizes frequent items.
🔎 2. Web Search Shortcuts
Type google keyword, wiki topic, or amazon product to search the web directly from Alfred. You can customize or create your own search filters too.
🧠 3. Clipboard History (Powerpack)
Enable Clipboard History to access copied items from the past—text, images, links—using a simple shortcut (Cmd + Option + C by default).
🧾 4. Snippets & Text Expansion (Powerpack)
Save frequently used text (like email replies, templates, or signatures) and trigger them with short keywords. Great for saving time and avoiding repetitive typing.
🔄 5. Custom Workflows (Powerpack)
Build or download workflows that automate tasks:
- Launch multiple apps at once
- Resize images
- Search bookmarks or notes
- Control Spotify or system volume
- Thousands of community-made workflows are available online.
🗂 6. File Navigation & Actions (Powerpack)
Browse files right from Alfred using the open, find, or browse commands. Once selected, use Cmd + Return to see file actions (like move, copy, email, delete).
⌨️ 7. System Commands
Quickly control your Mac:
sleepshutdownlockemptytrash- No need to use the mouse or search menus.
📅 8. Search Contacts and Calendar
Access macOS contacts and appointments directly. Type a contact name to call, email, or find their info instantly.
🔌 9. Integrate with Apps and Services
Alfred can integrate with apps like:
- 1Password for secure logins
- Fantastical for calendar entries
- Spotify for media control
- Scriptable apps via AppleScript or shell scripts
🎨 10. Custom Themes
Design your own Alfred theme or download from the community. Make Alfred match your dark mode aesthetic or high-contrast needs.
💡 Bonus Tip: Use Alfred for Calculations and Definitions
Alfred can do quick math, convert currencies, and define words (e.g., define productivity) right from the launcher—no extra apps required.
🚀 Final Thoughts
Alfred is much more than a Spotlight replacement—it’s a productivity Swiss Army knife. Whether you're looking to save time with quick actions or automate entire workflows, Alfred adapts to your needs.
If you're serious about working efficiently on macOS, investing in the Powerpack is a game-changer. Combine Alfred with custom workflows, snippets, and clipboard history, and you’ll be shaving hours off your weekly workflow.