Two powerful workflow tools for macOS, but they solve different problems in very different ways.
What is each tool?
- Alfred is a keyboard-first launcher that replaces Spotlight with powerful search, clipboard management, and automation workflows.
- Pie Menu is a visual radial menu that appears on gesture, giving you instant access to app-specific shortcuts without typing.
Key Differences
| Feature | Alfred | Pie Menu |
|---|---|---|
| Primary interaction | Type to search | Gesture to reveal |
| Clipboard manager | ✅ Built-in | ❌ Not included |
| Per-app shortcuts | Limited | ✅ Context-aware |
| Visual approach | List-based search | Radial menu |
| Workflows/Automation | ✅ Powerful | Basic triggers |
Who should choose Pie Menu?
- You think visually and prefer gestures over typing
- You use a mouse or trackpad heavily throughout your day
- You want muscle memory for app-specific actions
- You need different shortcuts depending on which app you're using
- You want something beautiful that feels natural to use
Who should choose Alfred?
- You live in the keyboard and want to minimize hand movement
- You need a powerful clipboard manager
- You want to build complex automations with workflows
- You prefer searching over gesturing
- You're already comfortable with Alfred's ecosystem
Can you use both?
Yes! Pie Menu and Alfred solve different problems. Alfred is your keyboard-powered command center for launching apps, searching files, and managing clipboards. Pie Menu is your visual shortcut palette for actions within apps.
Many power users run both side by side — Alfred for navigation and launching, Pie Menu for app-specific actions like toggling layers, running builds, or switching tools.
