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Albert
GPL-3.0Albert is an open-source C++ launcher for Linux and macOS that replaces Alfred with local application search, clipboard history, and Python extensions.
Open-source alternative to — compare it against:
Overview
Written in C++ and Qt, Albert has provided an open keyboard launcher for Linux and macOS since 2014. The software indexes applications, files, and system actions into a search bar running on local hardware. By decoupling its interface from specific desktop environments, it offers a unified query prompt across diverse window managers.
Why Albert instead of Alfred
Alfred links directly to macOS system services, relying on AppleScript, accessibility hooks, and a closed visual workflow builder for commercial Mac tools. Albert takes a modular approach built on C++ and an embedded Python runtime. Instead of routing actions through vendor-specific automation pipelines, Albert queries local files, browser bookmarks, and terminal commands directly. Extensions execute as local scripts or native modules, so custom shortcuts or system triggers require no developer accounts, external API keys, or helper utilities.
The operational contrast centers on licensing and platform availability. Alfred locks integrations—such as clipboard history, custom web searches, and script workflows—behind a paid Powerpack license and cannot run on Linux. Albert provides clipboard tracking, calculations, and search triggers at no cost on Linux and macOS. The trade-off is user onboarding: Alfred offers a visual editor where users link actions with drag-and-drop nodes, whereas Albert requires enabling plugins in settings and learning keyword prefixes for specialized queries.
What it does well
- Instant application launching: Typing an application name into the search bar and pressing Enter launches programs immediately, bypassing desktop menus.
- Inline calculations and conversions: Typing math equations or unit conversions directly into the query prompt displays answers without opening a separate calculator app.
- Searchable clipboard history: The built-in clipboard tool stores copied text passages and links, letting users search and paste earlier items without switching windows.
- Browser bookmark navigation: Dedicated modules index bookmarks from Chromium and Firefox, allowing users to open saved web pages without launching the browser first.
- Customizable web shortcuts: Keyword prefixes route queries directly to search engines from the launcher prompt, reducing browser tab clutter.
- Desktop power controls: Built-in commands allow users to lock screens, suspend machines, or log out using hotkeys instead of clicking through system settings.
