Alfred is a keyboard-first Mac launcher that can search applications, files, web searches, and selected system features from one command window. The free core is useful when you mainly want quicker app launches and file lookup without committing to a complicated automation setup. Its Powerpack is the paid layer: it adds workflow creation, clipboard history, snippets, richer search controls, themes, and other advanced tools that turn a launcher into a personal command surface. Workflows are a particularly good fit for repeatable local actions because they can connect hotkeys, keywords, actions, and script-driven results without requiring a custom Mac app. The trade-off is that the richer setup rewards deliberate configuration. Clipboard history can contain material that was copied from elsewhere, and a workflow that calls scripts, contacts, files, or online services should be inspected before use. The current official Alfred 5 page lists a free download, a 64-bit build for Intel and Apple Silicon Macs, and macOS 10.14 or later. If Powerpack features are central to your work, confirm the current license type and upgrade terms on the vendor's shop before buying rather than treating the free launcher as the whole product.
Launch apps, find local files, search the web, and invoke actions from a keyboard-driven Alfred window.
Use Clipboard History and Snippets in the Powerpack to find copied text, images, and file paths or expand short abbreviations into reusable text.
Create or import Powerpack workflows that connect hotkeys, keywords, actions, and scriptable results for repeated Mac tasks.
Run the current official Alfred 5 build on macOS 10.14 or later on either 64-bit Intel or Apple Silicon hardware.
Ways to use it
Use a short keyword to launch an app, locate a file, or send a query to a chosen web search without moving through Finder or a browser first.
Build a Powerpack workflow for a repeated local task by connecting a keyword or hotkey to the action or script that should run.
Retrieve a previously copied text clip, image, or file path from Clipboard History when the Powerpack is enabled, then paste it into the current task.
Before you download
The core launcher is free, but workflows, clipboard history, snippets, themes, and many other advanced controls require the paid Powerpack.
The official shop lists a £34 single-user Alfred 5 Powerpack license and a £59 Mega Supporter option with free lifetime upgrades; verify current price and license terms before purchase.
Clipboard History and powerful workflows can expose or act on copied content, scripts, contacts, files, and web services, so inspect what a workflow records or runs before relying on it.
Sources and last checked
This overview uses official or authorized sources, not hands-on testing. Each link shows what was checked and when. Prices, compatibility, and availability can change.
Raycast is a keyboard-first command surface for Mac users who want to launch apps, find files, run built-in utilities, and reach smaller workflow tools without opening a chain of separate windows.
By Raycast · raycast.com
Task
Launch apps and find files from the keyboard.
Why it may fit
Try Raycast if you prefer ready-made commands and extensions for everyday shortcuts.
Limitation
Check whether your existing Workflows can be recreated. The guide compares Alfred 5.8.1 with Raycast v2, which requires Apple Silicon and macOS Tahoe; check your Mac and any paid features.
Developer website · alfredapp.com
Pricing · alfredapp.com
