Every so often, I learn about a new Linux app that seems like it would be interesting and help streamline my work. It’s never a bad idea to expand your software horizons. So I checked out an app called Albert to see if it could improve my workflow.
I’m a diehard terminal user, but it’s good to have an open mind
Trying different tools only expands your skills
Credit: David J. Buck / How-To Geek
A few weeks ago, I was experimenting with playing video through the Linux terminal. I was having a blast with it and I love using the terminal for different things. But a reader made a comment that struck a chord with me that basically asked, “Why use the terminal when you don’t have to?”
They had a good point. Now, I’m a firm believer in knowing and using the command line. But I also teach Linux to new users sometimes, so it’s never a bad idea to find alternative ways to help users (especially Linux beginners).
Albert is a fascinating idea. When I first read about it, I immediately thought hey, I should try this out. So I took it for a spin on Mint.
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What is Albert, anyway?
A Swiss Army knife app
Albert is a keyboard launcher. And it’s faster than Wally West after three cups of dark roast coffee. It was built in C++/Qt, and it’s so fast because it’s plugin-based.
I installed via a downloaded package. I can work with that, but it’s not my usual method of installing apps. Albert supports several Ubuntu-based distros (Mint, Elementary OS 7 and 8, Pop OS 22.04 and 24.04). It can also be installed on Debian-based Mint or several distros based on Arch.
I chose the xUbuntu 24.04 version since I’m installing it on the most recent version of Mint.
Credit: David J. Buck / How-To Geek
Once installed, I configured Albert for my workflow. I changed the hotkey for launching to CTRL + ALT + A. Under the plugins tab, I enabled Albert and Applications, so the app would work. I just went down the list and chose the ones that felt most appropriate for me.
Caffeine was a good one, since it stops the screen from timing out. Chromium, which opens bookmarks in Chromium-based browsers, seemed helpful. I also activated Clipboard, Command line, Files, Obsidian search, Remote Media Player, and custom Web Search.
For the Files plugin, I added my /home folder as an index, so it would actually have something to search. You can add or remove folders as you see fit.
That Web Search is pretty interesting. The defaults, like Google and YouTube, are kind of expected. But it also lists Wolfram Alpha as an option, which I will definitely use. I also added a few custom search engines: Mojeek, Brave Search, and Kagi. And then I deleted ChatGPT because I’ll never use it.
Following the quick setup and some customization, I headed to the Query tab and made sure everything was enabled. I also enabled fuzzy search for the files search just to be on the safe side. With the setup out of the way, I spent some time testing the different features.
I can find any app without opening the terminal
It can do calculations and find websites or files, too
Credit: David J. Buck / How-To Geek
My first impression of using Albert for actual work is how impressive it is. It finds things very fast. I searched for some files, did a web search, searched for an app, and did a calculation.
Working in the terminal is great, but sometimes it’s okay to work outside of it. That goes for both new and older Linux users. I like launching apps from the terminal and using my custom keyboard shortcuts in Linux, but Albert has significantly streamlined that for me lately.
Credit: David J. Buck / How-To Geek
When I trigger Albert, it brings up a search bar. I can enter an app’s name or a search term, and (based on the plugins I enabled), it will search for the term. Then it displays the results. It’s honestly that simple.
So if I search for Pinta, it’ll show me not only a link to open the app but also my saved bookmark of Pinta keyboard shortcuts. It’s surprisingly convenient.
Credit: David J. Buck / How-To Geek
Albert can also be used as a calculator. Just punch in an equation and see what it does. I checked to see what 3.14 x 42 was. It accessed the system calculator and provided an answer in a second. Finally, I did an Obsidian search. I use it all the time, so it made sense. I did a quick search for “Android Auto,” and it brought up three notes, including one I had completely forgotten about.
Every query I made convinced me that this app is going to work very well for me. Even though navigation is deceptively easy, I still recommend learning and using the keyboard shortcuts. It’ll make navigation easier.
Credit: David J. Buck / How-To Geek
I like Albert and will definitely use it in the future
Albert turned out to be a pretty cool app and a great addition to my system. I can’t stand searching in the menu or through folders when a simple query will work. I also don’t like to clutter my workspace with a bunch of shortcuts, so it helps there. But that search engine integration is so useful, I’d recommend it on that alone. When I first heard about it, I didn’t realize how well it would actually work. I’ve already incorporated it into my daily workflow, and I probably won’t stop using it (or talking about it to anyone within earshot) for a long while.
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