Convert
An Alfred workflow for offline unit and currency conversions with custom unit support.
What is Convert?
Alfred-Convert is a workflow for Alfred that allows users to convert between different units and currencies directly from the Alfred launcher. It solves the problem of needing quick, accurate conversions without switching to a browser or separate app, offering offline functionality for most units and configurable currency updates. The workflow supports a vast range of built-in units and enables custom unit definitions for specialized needs.
Alfred users on macOS who frequently need unit or currency conversions, including developers, scientists, engineers, and finance professionals seeking a fast, keyboard-driven workflow.
Developers choose Alfred-Convert for its offline capabilities, extensibility via custom units, and seamless integration into Alfred, providing a more efficient alternative to web-based converters or standalone apps.
Overview
Convert between different units in Alfred
Use Cases
Best For
- Converting units like length, speed, or pressure while coding or analyzing data
- Quick currency conversions for international transactions or travel planning
- Adding custom units for specialized scientific or engineering calculations
- Performing offline conversions in environments with limited internet access
- Streamlining workflows with Alfred keyboard shortcuts for frequent conversions
- Configuring active currencies and decimal precision for financial accuracy
Not Ideal For
- Teams needing a cross-platform or web-based converter for collaborative use across different operating systems
- Users who prefer graphical interfaces over command-line syntax for quick conversions
- Projects requiring always-up-to-date currency rates without manual API key setup and maintenance
- Individuals on non-macOS systems, as it requires Alfred which is exclusive to macOS
Pros & Cons
Pros
Uses the built-in Pint library to perform most unit conversions without an internet connection, making it reliable in offline environments or for quick calculations.
Supports a wide range of built-in units from Pint, plus custom definitions, covering everything from everyday measurements to specialized scientific units.
Integrates directly into Alfred workflows, allowing fast conversions via keyboard shortcuts like 'conv 100 eur gbp' without switching apps.
Enables users to define custom units by editing a text file with Pint's syntax, ideal for niche scientific or engineering needs not covered by defaults.
Cons
Full currency conversion requires setting up and maintaining an API key from openexchangerates.org, with rates needing periodic updates, adding complexity and external reliance.
The last release was in February 2020, indicating potential incompatibility with newer Alfred versions and a lack of recent updates, bug fixes, or feature additions.
Adding custom units involves editing a text file with specific Pint syntax, which can be error-prone and daunting for users unfamiliar with the format or programming.
Frequently Asked Questions
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