Alfred is an indispensable assistant (Mac). Alfred. Another way to quickly launch Alfred mac os applications is to use

Alfred Is an Old English name literally meaning "Kind advisor", and also this universal app launcher for Mac OS X, besides the program itself, it can do a lot of other things. For Mac, enough applications have been released that facilitate or accelerate the launch of programs using various approaches to organizing their launch. Some create catalogs of programs, with a division into groups, some still somehow, and Alfred, like some other alternative launchers, uses the principle used in the Spotlight search engine, based on lightning-fast program search. by the first letters of their name.

STARTING THE PROGRAMS

Launching this or that program in Alfred is not easy, but very simple: just press the Option + Space key combination and type the first 2-3 letters of the program name in the appeared window with a field for entering information. Alfred will display a list of programs with these letters in their names and the user will only have to press the Enter key if the program is the first in the list, or Cmd + the ordinal number of the list line in which the program is located. Basically, you don't even need to rack your brains and count the lines in the list of programs - to the right of the name of each search result, there is a keyboard combination for launching it. Considering the time elapsed from the moment the request input window was opened and until, in fact, the launch of the found application, we can say that the launch is almost instantaneous. However, if the user does not remember a single letter from the name of the desired program, then such an instant launch may not work.

SEARCH

except quick launch Alfred programs can search among applications, settings panels, folders, archives, images, etc. If you wish, you can disable the search in a particular group, which will increase the search speed in other groups and a more accurate result. For those who want to be able to find almost any file, Mac OS X provides the option "Search all file types" , but even the developers themselves warn that enabling this option will entail a decrease in the search speed and accuracy of the displayed result, which, in principle, turned out to be the case.

By default, Alfred searches for by the user's home folder, folders with programs and setting remotes... If you want to organize a search not only in these folders, but also in others, then the new search paths should be specified in the program settings section Preferences-> Features-> Default Results-> Search Scope. So, if the user has second hard the disc on which he stores his entire collection of music and Alfred does not know about the existence of this disc, then the search for this or that artist or musical composition will not give anything.

Alfred's search speed, albeit not much, but still faster than Spotlight, but, nevertheless, it does not oppose Spotlight, but rather complements it. So, if after entering the request, press the key combination Ctrl + Enter, then the request will be sent to Spotlight, but if you click Alt + Enter, then the request is sent to a web search engine.

If nothing was found for the specified request, then the program will offer to search for given request on the Internet, or go to the developers' site for a solution possible problem with search.

USE OF KEYWORDS

The use of keywords greatly expands the functionality of Alfred.

SEARCHING OR OPENING A FILE

In normal mode, Alfred searches not only among files, but also among folders, bookmarks, etc. If the user needs to find or open specific file, then to quickly search for it in the window with an input field, before the request, type find, and to quickly open a file - open... Alfred will search only among files without taking into account the presence of folders, bookmarks and other items of the same name, even if the settings allow searching among them. In the first case, the required file will open in a Finder window, and in the second case, it will open in the program associated with it.

Alfred (like Spotlight) can be used not only for searching or launching applications, but also for computing. As a calculator, the application can operate in simple and advanced modes. Simple mode is for performing basic arithmetic operations. To do this, just enter the required operation in the request field and Alfred will immediately return the result.

In advanced mode, trigonometric functions, logarithms, etc. are added to simple arithmetic operations. To perform operations in advanced mode, you must enter an equal sign before the query. Available functions: sin, cos, tan, log, log2, ln, exp, abs, sqrt, asin, acos, atan, sinh, cosh, tanh, asinh, acosh, atanh, ceil, floor, round, trunc, rint, near, dtor, rtod.

SUPPORT FOR SYSTEM COMMANDS

This feature greatly reduces the time spent on running a command. In just a few keystrokes, you can launch the screensaver, view the contents of the recycle bin or empty it, end the current session, lock the screen, restart the operating system, put the computer to sleep, or simply turn it off.

DETERMINING THE MEANING OF A WORD AND CHECKING ITS SPELLING

Not the most requested feature, but, nevertheless, Alfred has the ability to find the definition of the meaning of a word or to clarify its spelling using the app Dictionary. To determine the value, you must enter before the request keyword define, and to check spelling - the keyword spell.

These are, in fact, all the main functions of Alfred. There are also so-called experimental features related to keyboard settings, indexing metadata, etc., but that is why they are experimental, that their stable work not guaranteed.

However, the capabilities of the application can be extended by such functions as working with file system and clipboard, iTunes library management, work with by e-mail and so on, but for this you already have to purchase a PowerPack worth $ 19.

In addition to the icon in the Dock, at the request of the user, in the menu bar, you can also enable the display of the application icon, which provides access to the application settings.

Among other features of Alfred, I would also like to note the possibility of reassigning all used shortcuts, including the shortcut for invoking a window with a field for entering a request; storing the last dialed request and the position of the program window; keeping statistics on the use of the application.

Alfred is easy to set up and easy to use, has an attractive design, works very quickly and without errors. The application will be useful to anyone who needs an application launcher with rich local and web search functions and support for system commands for quick control of the computer. Who will be missing features? free version can buy a paid add-on to the program, further expanding its capabilities.

ATTENTION! If, after familiarizing yourself with the program, you plan to buy a paid add-on to it, then you should download the program from the developer's website. Mac version of the program App Store does not provide for the inclusion of additional functions.

I did not find detailed articles on such a wonderful automation tool for OSX as Alfred on Habré.
I would like to tell you a little about simplifying routine queries, and list several interesting extensions (in the original workflows) for this program.

Most of them are of interest primarily to developers and designers, but some are also suitable for ordinary users.

Description

Alfred's program was recently updated to the second version. It is free, but the fun begins after buying a Powerpack for a little more than 900 rubles.
In the free delivery Alfred is able to:

search for installed programs,
carry out an advanced search on Internet resources,
count like a calculator
search in system contacts
run system commands (sleep, empty trash, enable screensaver, etc.)

In general, the list is pretty standard, and in the free version it is difficult for Alfred to compete with the standard Spotlight built into the system.

However, Powerpack greatly expands standard set... Added:

file navigation straight from the search bar
iTunes management
viewing recent documents
function on the fly to attach files to messages created in many email clients
integration with 1Password
sync Alfred's settings between macs via Dropbox
customizable search panels, as well as workflows - add-ons that you can create yourself

It is on the additions that I would like to concentrate the main part of the article.

Themes

I would also like to note the possibility of changing the design of the application, and earlier for the first version there was a huge database of themes, and even tools for creating themes online. (the author promises to soon release an update for Alfred v2)
The list of topics for the second version is still smaller, but continues to grow. My favorite of all is the light minimalist theme by Hannes Egler, which is featured in all the screenshots.

Interesting examples of add-ons (workflows)

Below are just some of the add-ons I use, some of the triggers I installed for myself, do not be alarmed. They can always be spied on / changed in the Workflow settings (we call Alfred - go to the settings and there in workflows - select the WF we are interested in and change the leftmost block with the keyword "ohm)
All screenshots lead to the download of the workflow file!

Converting colors from RGB to HSL and more

Domain availability check

Google Music Management

So far only works in the Chrome browser

Alfred's add-on search add-on:

The most important add-on - without it, I wouldn't have found half of my favorite add-ons.

useful links

Developers can find many more add-ons for themselves in various thematic workflow collections, here are some of those that I used:

There is a fairly large group of users who find frequent use of a mouse or trackpad unfavorable for overall productivity and productivity. Simply put, these people love to do everything on the keyboard. They know most of the function keys and shortcuts in the used operating system and applications, which allows them to perform relevant actions objectively faster. We all use keys to one degree or another. At least it's hard to find someone who doesn't use the canonical copy / paste.

OS X, like Windows, does a great job with the keys. Any experienced Mac user will also add that in OS X the combinations are much more convenient and intuitive, however, a seasoned Windows user will immediately object. But the point is not who is more convenient - this only confirms that the work with the keyboard is well represented both there and there. Good, but not perfect.

Today we are going to tell you about an OS X application called Alfred. In general and initial understanding, this tool is a tool for quickly working with applications, but its capabilities, in fact, are much wider. Alfred is not the only instrument of its kind. It has several counterparts, including LaunchBar, Quicksilver, and Butler. To choose the most optimal product among them means to try everything, thus finding the most suitable solution specifically for yourself. At the same time, Alfred has objective advantages - the absolute majority of the basic functionality in it is available completely free of charge. You can install and try Alfred without risking your wallet, then either get acquainted with premium chips and buy them, or demolish the application and immediately forget about it.

Application management

One of the main features of Alfred is to replace the usual ways of launching, hiding and exiting applications. The only problem here is that you have to retrain your brain to perform such frequent operations in a different way, but, in the long term, this will give its result.

Once installed, Alfred is invoked by the user-selected keyboard shortcut. As you enter the beginning of the name in its search box desired application, a list of likely eligible applications will appear. Almost as if it were alive google search. Regular user it is unlikely to keep hundreds of applications on the computer, which makes it possible to find what you need literally from the first letter entered.

When forming the issued list, each application is assigned keyboard shortcut for a quick call. The first option in the list is called via Return, and the rest by the combination Command + number in the list. This numbering allows you to instantly call any application from the list without the need to move arrows through unnecessary elements. In the process, Alfred remembers custom choice, bringing the most frequently launched applications to the first lines of the list.

After work with specific application completed, it can be quickly closed via Alfred by adding the "quit" command after the application name. The "hide" command will hide the interface of the desired application from the user's eyes, without stopping the operation of this software. You can close all running applications using the "quitall" command, or kill the hung application using "forcequit"

Search the web

Alfred's expertise goes far beyond the applications installed on the computer. Instead of launching a browser and typing in the next query through your preferred search engine, you just need to drive in the keyword + query into Alfred. To contact Google, write "google [request]".

The corresponding keywords are provided for other services of the Corporation of Good: "maps" for maps and "images" for pictures. Any of these operations will entail opening the default browser and opening in it the page of the called web service with the results of the request.

At the same time, as in the case of applications, Alfred learns, and after a couple of trips to the search, for the subsequent appeal to Google, it will be enough to enter one letter "g".

When entering a search term without a keyword, Alfred offers options search engines, the list of which is customizable by the user.

Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, LinkedIn and others are available as search areas. The services in which the search should be carried out are specified by the user through the application settings.

Gmail and Google Drive

Google services are extremely popular, including among Mac users. Most likely you are using google mail in combination with Disk for more comfortable work with files. V this case Alfred implements the basic functionality, allowing you to access the web version of the mailer. Work in user preferred mail client he doesn't know how. Typing "gmail" will automatically redirect the user to the inbox, and adding a specific request will additionally search for emails.

Google Drive can be accessed and searched by the "drive" command.

As side effect the user may feel an increased attachment specifically to the Google cloud, since tight integration with the more popular Dropbox, as well as with SkyDrive, is not provided in Alfred.

Custom queries

We each have our favorite corners of the Internet. The beauty of Alfred is that it allows you to define your own keywords, which you enter will trigger user-defined actions. The example below shows a way to quickly navigate to the TNW site, where the original of these instructions for using Alfred was posted.

By analogy with this example, you can create a request "LH" by linking it to your favorite site, after which it will become even easier and faster to visit us :)

Adding a custom query is carried out in the application settings via the "Add Custom Search" option. Likewise, you can set a deeper path to a specific page on the site by simply adding its full link to the "Search URL" field.

In addition to creating a custom request, Alfred allows you to add a unique visual identifier for the request - this is a simple site icon that can be dragged into the appropriate field when creating a request.

It so happens that it is necessary to create not a specific transition to a particular page, but to simulate search query right inside the given site. To do this, you have to go to the site itself through a browser, enter a request (for example, the output of all posts on Lifehacker related to the iPhone will look like "// site /? S = iPhone"), then copy the resulting link to Alfred and set for her your keyword.

Files and folders

Despite the increasing popularity cloud storage Many of us still prefer to store important files locally on our computer. Fast access to the necessary files through Alfred is carried out by direct input of a part of the file name, without any keywords. Adding "open" before the command name will open the selected file, and "find" will point to the full path to it.

If you know a word or a set of characters in the required file, but cannot remember the name and location of the file itself, then you should turn to the "in" command. The text entered after it will be searched inside documents on the computer.

Clipboard and presets

You know this wonderful feeling when you copied something to the clipboard, and then copied something else, and the previous piece important information, which is so needed now, is lost?

Alfred automatically saves the entire copy history to the clipboard and makes it accessible with the ⌥⌘C keyboard shortcut, which can be reassigned to your liking.

After calling the history of copying, the user is also equipped with a search tool to quickly find the desired piece once copied.

Templates are simple stubs of text with a call for a given keyword. For example, any frequently used link, phrase or phrase in e-mail correspondence can be such a template.

Complex teams

If you look at all our work as a whole, then absolutely all actions can be linked in certain sequences of operations.

Are you looking for a movie? Your search might consist of typing the name of the movie + the word "trailer" on YouTube, viewing the movie details on IMDb, and reading reviews. In Alfred, this combination of actions can be assigned to one keyword (for example, "movie"), and the most relevant combinations are already preset in it. The above sequence is called "Should I watch this movie?" and is available in the application settings.

If desired, any actions and their combinations can be easily changed, or you can create your own complex commands. The trigger on which the command is launched is also set. It could be a keyword, a search term, and so on. It turns out such a simple analogue of IFTTT.

iTunes and more

Alfred supports iTunes through a miniature text-controlled player (play, pause, next, prev, random commands).

Some users will find it convenient to use short prompts for system commands. A quick shutdown and restart of the Mac is carried out by the "shutdown" and "restart" commands, respectively. "Eject" is added here for safe shutdown peripheral devices, as well as "emptytrash" - emptying the trash.

Sadly, the sweetest features like complex commands and iTunes controls aren't available in the free version of Alfred. However, not every user wants to master this product so deeply, and the simplest and most basic functions work perfectly in the free version of Alfred.

There is a fairly large group of users who find frequent use of a mouse or trackpad unfavorable for overall productivity and productivity. Simply put, these people love to do everything on the keyboard. They know most of the function keys and shortcuts in their operating system and applications, which allows them to perform actual actions objectively faster. We all use keys to one degree or another. At least it's hard to find someone who doesn't use the canonical copy / paste.

Application management

Once installed, Alfred is invoked with a user-selected keyboard shortcut. As you enter the beginning of the name of the desired application in its search box, a list of likely suitable applications will appear. Almost like a live Google search. An ordinary user is unlikely to keep hundreds of applications on the computer, which makes it possible to find the right one literally from the first letter entered.

When forming the displayed list, each application is assigned a keyboard shortcut for shortcuts. The first option in the list is called via Return, and the rest by the combination Command + number in the list. This numbering allows you to instantly call any application from the list without the need to move arrows through unnecessary elements. In the process, Alfred remembers the user's choice, bringing the most frequently launched applications to the first lines of the list.

After the work with a particular application is completed, it can be quickly closed through Alfred by adding the command "quit" after the name of the application. The "hide" command will hide the interface of the desired application from the user's eyes, without stopping the operation of this software. You can close all running applications using the "quitall" command, or kill the hung application using "forcequit"

Search the web

At the same time, as in the case of applications, Alfred learns, and after a couple of trips to the search, for the subsequent appeal to Google, it will be enough to enter one letter "g".

When you enter a search term without a keyword, Alfred offers search engine options, a list of which is customizable by the user.

Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, LinkedIn and others are available as search areas. The services in which the search should be carried out are specified by the user through the application settings.

Gmail and Google Drive

Google services are extremely popular, including among Mac users. Chances are, you're using Google Mail in conjunction with Drive to make it easier to work with files. In this case, Alfred implements the basic functionality, allowing you to access the web version of the mailer. He does not know how to work in the mail client preferred by the user. Typing "gmail" will automatically redirect the user to the inbox, and adding a specific request will additionally search for emails.

Google Drive can be accessed and searched by the "drive" command.

As a side effect, the user may feel an increased attachment to the Google cloud, since tight integration with the more popular Dropbox, as well as with SkyDrive, is not provided in Alfred.

Custom queries

By analogy with this example, you can create a request "LH" by linking it to your favorite site, after which it will become even easier and faster to visit us :)

It so happens that you need to create not a specific transition to a particular page, but simulate a search query right inside a given site. To do this, you have to go to the site itself through a browser, enter a request (for example, the output of all posts on Lifehacker related to the iPhone will look like "// site /? S = iPhone"), then copy the resulting link to Alfred and set for her your keyword.

Files and folders

Despite the growing popularity of cloud storage, many of us still prefer to store important files locally on our computer. Quick access to the necessary files through Alfred is carried out by directly entering part of the file name, without any keywords. Adding "open" before the command name will open the selected file, and "find" will point to the full path to it.

Clipboard and presets

Do you know this wonderful feeling when you copied something to the clipboard, and then copied something else, and the previous piece of important information, which is so needed now, is lost?

Alfred automatically saves the entire copy history to the clipboard and makes it accessible with the ⌥⌘C keyboard shortcut, which can be reassigned to your liking.

After calling the history of copying, the user is also equipped with a search tool to quickly find the desired piece once copied.

Templates are simple stubs of text with a call for a given keyword. For example, any frequently used link, phrase or phrase in e-mail correspondence can be such a template.

Complex teams

If you look at all our work as a whole, then absolutely all actions can be linked in certain sequences of operations.

iTunes and more

Alfred supports iTunes through a miniature text-controlled player (play, pause, next, prev, random commands).

Some users will find it convenient to use short prompts for system commands. A quick shutdown and restart of the Mac is carried out by the "shutdown" and "restart" commands, respectively. This adds "eject" to safely disconnect peripherals, and "emptytrash" to empty the trash.

Oldfags and power users alike will love it.

Honestly, I rarely use Spotlight on macOS. On an iPhone - all the time, but on a MacBook for some reason I haven’t got used to referring to a corporate search engine every time for many years. With every update, Spotlight is getting smarter and more advanced, but still quite backward in the background specialized programs, for many years successfully replacing and complementing it. Let's talk about one of them now. What it can do It's easier to say what this program can't do, but we'd better try to understand all its functions. Let's start with features that duplicate, enhance, or surpass similar Spotlight capabilities. Internet search functions, calculator, dictionary, contacts, clipboard, iTunes library, 1Password bookmarks and terminal have been added to the basic search capabilities for files and folders within the system. Some of this is included in the so-called Powerpack and is available only after purchasing a license. It's nice that the function of executing system commands by simply entering a word in the search bar is available for free. TO free opportunities programs can still be attributed to support remote control computer from an iPhone, but for this you need to buy the actual program for iOS itself. One of the main advantages of Alfred in comparison with Spotlight is the support for various scripts, plugins and work algorithms, united under the name Workflow. The official website contains the most popular recipes that automate and simplify many actions. For example, search for TV shows or music on Spotify, support third-party programs, smart technology and so on. It's worth buying a license for that. How much it costs The license comes in three flavors: one user and two devices for 19 pounds, a family license for 29 pounds for five devices, and a lifetime license for all future versions of the software for one person with one device for 35 pounds. If you just need a more nimble Spotlight analog, then buying a license does not make sense, the program can be used for free. But if you need functions that a standard search engine never dreamed of, feel free to bring money to the developers. Why and for whom This program not only speeds up and simplifies the search, but also makes life easier for those people who do not take their fingers off the keyboard and are not used to being distracted by various graphic whistles in the operating system, to look for something with a mouse or trackpad, remember in what folders what lies and so on.

It's all useless when you can just enter what you want from the keyboard and get the result instantly. In general, to increase productivity, it is difficult to come up with something more useful and convenient. Are there any downsides? Here are a few unpleasant features programs that I have selected for myself: - does not find video without including all formats in the settings, and this slows down the search speed;

Doesn't convert currency without additional extensions;

All the coolest functions require a license, and there was nothing stopping the developers from adding a couple of workflows to the basic set to let users understand how useful and convenient it is. I liked that the program works very fast and finds instantly required files for the first two or three letters, unlike Spotlight. A huge number of extensions is an undeniable plus. Well, executing system commands from the keyboard is an ingenious thing. Output

A great replacement for the standard macOS search and a great addition to it. After all, nothing prevents you from using both options at the same time, sharpening them for different actions and habits. Ideal for increasing productivity, especially if you are a hardcore keyboard user. Must-have.

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