Alfred Updated to Version 2.0 with Improved Customization and Workflows

MacRumors · Mar 14, 2013

After a beta period that began in December, productivity and search app Alfred was today updated to version 2.0. Alfred, which is a Mac replacement for Spotlight, is now equipped with a new feature called Workflows.

Workflows are designed to allow users to automate and execute multi-step tasks with a single keystroke, using a simple visual editor. The app offers support for launching AppleScript actions in addition to opening files, executing system commands, and accessing the iTunes library. Here's a full rundown on available templates:

-Essentials to connect hotkeys and keywords to script and AppleScript actions
-Show Alfred with pre-filled content
-Launch files and apps with hotkeys or keywords
-Web and URL templates to launch your favourite websites
-System Commands
-Clipboard templates
-iTunes Commands

The new version of the app also includes enhanced customization support via themes and improved contact search capabilities.

Themes are now more flexible to allow you to make Alfred as big or small as you need. Create a new theme, then choose the fonts, sizes, colours, corner shape and spacing you prefer. Make your theme as beautiful (or as wacky!) as you want.

Alfred 2.0 is not yet available through the Mac App Store, but Alfred users can get it immediately from the website.

Article Link: Alfred Updated to Version 2.0 with Improved Customization and Workflows

Jamo12 · Mar 14, 2013

This is news about Mac related stuff??? What is this crap doing on macrumors? It is all about iOS!!!
/sarcasm

Seriously though, very happy for this update

Jessica Lares · Mar 14, 2013

Can't wait for the update on the MAS.

The new workflows sound great.

domness · Mar 14, 2013

Been enjoying Alfred v2 for a couple of months now. Great load of updates to the app and really loving the workflows.

CGagnon · Mar 14, 2013

Such a great app! I've been using the PowerPack version for months and it's great. Way better than spotlight.

James_C · Mar 14, 2013

Excellent App, just downloaded and upgrading the Power pack licence.

numbersyx · Mar 14, 2013

Alfred replaced Launch Bar for me a year or so ago. This new workflow system looks interesting although the support web page could be a little easier to follow...

Weaselboy · Mar 14, 2013

numbersyx said:
Alfred replaced Launch Bar for me a year or so ago. This new workflow system looks interesting although the support web page could be a little easier to follow...

If you look over some examples in the workflows section of their forums, it will become more clear. There are some really slick workflows posted there already from the beta.

kolax · Mar 14, 2013

I use this app all the time at work. Being able to load bookmarks, search various things as well as the most robust keyboard mapping tool makes this my top app.

I've gotten so accustomed to it in my workflow I'd be lost if they stopped making it.

Michaelgtrusa · Mar 14, 2013

I hear you can have this new version and the old one installed at the same time.

3282868 · Mar 14, 2013

I got this a while back for free during a promotion, have never used it. I've tried, but I might be missing the point (?)

My bad, it is currently free. I could have sworn there was a time when it wasn't. Oh well.

kristoffer4 · Mar 14, 2013

So is it better than version 1 ? Does it take up less ram?

I have the power pack and I am wondering if I should upgrade.

Weaselboy · Mar 14, 2013

bedifferent said:
I got this a while back for free during a promotion, have never used it. I've tried, but I might be missing the point (?)

My bad, it is currently free. I could have sworn there was a time when it wasn't. Oh well.

The basic version has always been free, but the Powerpack is not free.

kristoffer4 said:
So is it better than version 1 ? Does it take up less ram?

I have the power pack and I am wondering if I should upgrade.

I don't recall Alfred 1 using a lot or RAM, but here is Alfred 2 on my system.

IMO the new workflows available alone make it worthwhile.

mjcharlton71 · Mar 14, 2013

Hands down one of the most useful apps I've ever had the pleasure of using... makes work and play on my Macs a joy, even more so with some of the amazing workflows available and the ability to craft your own.

parish · Mar 14, 2013

Is v2 a free u/g from v1.x? Just asking as "Check For Update" in the app still says I'm on the latest version.

Jessica Lares said:
Can't wait for the update on the MAS.

Not sure if it will be. The current version on MAS is 1.2, but the latest v1.x version is 1.3.3 - so why isn't that on the MAS? Perhaps they aren't distributing via MAS any more?

Weaselboy · Mar 14, 2013

parish said:
Is v2 a free u/g from v1.x? Just asking as "Check For Update" in the app still says I'm on the latest version.

I saw a Twitter post from the dev saying it was free is you bought V1 since December 2012.

Stella · Mar 14, 2013

Weaselboy said:
I saw a Twitter post from the dev saying it was free is you bought V1 since December 2012.

They sent out new license numbers today for those eligible.

James_C · Mar 14, 2013

parish said:
Is v2 a free u/g from v1.x? Just asking as "Check For Update" in the app still says I'm on the latest version.

Not sure if it will be. The current version on MAS is 1.2, but the latest v1.x version is 1.3.3 - so why isn't that on the MAS? Perhaps they aren't distributing via MAS any more?

The basic App is free, but if you have the power pack installed, you will need to buy the upgrade to enable the power pack features in V2, unless you qualify for a free power pack upgrade. It was £10 for me to upgrade my Power pack 1 to Power Pack 2 Licence.

nsfw · Mar 14, 2013

Anyone who's followed this app for a while, does it ever go on sale?

Nevermind.. I bought it. Couldn't resist looking at the workflows. Pretty cool and powerful.

kristoffer4 · Mar 15, 2013

I also upgraded and got the Mega Support pack.

GIZBUG · Mar 15, 2013

Nice update to Alfred, impressed. $22 dollars a bit pricey for the powerpack though

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Michaelgtrusa said:
I hear you can have this new version and the old one installed at the same time.

This is true, V2 is rewritten and a completely new app

lakshwadeep · Mar 15, 2013

GIZBUG said:
Nice update to Alfred, impressed. $22 dollars a bit pricey for the powerpack though

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This is true, V2 is rewritten and a completely new app

You might check out Quicksilver. It's completely free and very powerful.

turtlez · Mar 15, 2013

how did I not even know about the power pack, I've been using alfred for years.. Mac App Store has dumbed me down haha

GIZBUG · Mar 19, 2013

lakshwadeep said:
You might check out Quicksilver. It's completely free and very powerful.

Thanks Ill take a look at it

MacFly123 · Mar 21, 2013

How does this compare to Automator?

Alfred Updated to Version 2.0 with Improved Customization and Workflows

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