Alfred
Alfred is a productivity and automation utility for macOS that replaces and extends the system Spotlight search. It lets users launch applications, search files, browse the web, perform calculations, manage clipboard history, create and expand text snippets, and run custom shell commands — all without lifting their hands from the keyboard. The core app is free; the Powerpack subscription unlocks advanced workflow automation, allowing users to link hotkeys, keywords and actions together to create powerful custom commands. Alfred integrates deeply with macOS system features and third-party apps, and benefits from an active community sharing workflows and themes.
AI Recommendation
1 suggestionAlfred has shipped a native Apple Silicon (Universal Binary) build since late 2020 and is available to all users at no extra cost. If you are still running an older Intel-only version under Rosetta, update to the latest release to get the full performance and battery-life benefits of native Apple Silicon execution. The simplest way is to use Alfred's built-in update mechanism — open Alfred, go to Preferences → Updates and check for the latest version. Alternatively, download directly from alfredapp.com and run the installer; the current build automatically detects your Mac's architecture and installs the appropriate native version. Your existing Alfred settings, shortcuts and Powerpack license will carry over without any manual migration.
Recommended reading