Today most of us use social media or messaging services. The most common is to use them from the mobile, since it is what we always have at hand. However, if we have the opportunity to do it from the PC, we always prefer it, since it is more comfortable and faster to write with the keyboard and move with the mouse. Although we can always open each social network or messaging service separately, in the browser or in separate programs, there are much more comfortable options that allow us to unite all our services in one place: this is Ferdi.
Sometimes we have already talked about other similar applications, such as Franz or Rambox. However, although these programs are open source, they have limitations that force us to pay if we want to have certain features. Ferdi is different. This program is a direct fork of Franz that, based on its code, offers users all the functions and features completely free of charge. In this way, we can make use of this program as we want and everything we want.
Ferdi has no restrictions.
Ferdi’s main characteristics
Of course, although this program is based on Franz, it has its own icon and its own characteristic color palette that will allow us to differentiate it from other programs. In addition, as we have said, this program eliminates all Franz limitations , such as, for example, the full screen with the delay that invites us to pay every time we open the program.
All services and all functions of this program are unlocked from the beginning. We will be able to register, to synchronize our settings and services, or use it without an account . Either way, we will not see ads, notices that invite us to pay, or anything. It is a complete program.
By default, this program uses its own API as a backend where we can register. However, it is also compatible with Franz servers to the point of being able to import its configuration without problems. And it even allows us to create our own custom server, something very interesting in companies.
Some of the best functions that we can also find in this program are:
- Universal dark mode. We can activate it in any service, even if it does not support it.
- Allows you to hide the side menu bar with all services.
- Quick shortcuts to switch between services.
- Hibernate function to suspend Ferdi when we do not use it in a while and save memory.
- Do not disturb mode that we can activate or deactivate with a click.
- Things to do. This list can work with Franz, Microsoft To-Do and other services to choose the one we like the most.
In addition, we can use this program in portable mode , so we will not have to install it.
Unite all messaging services in one
When we open the program for the first time we find a window from which the first thing we can do is create a free account, log in with an account that already exists, or continue using the program without an account. If we have our own server, we can upload it here.
Once inside, the first thing we will see is a window like the one below. As we can see, the main interface of the program is very simple. At the top we can see a series of menus from which we can configure the program, while on the left we will see a column where all the services will be placed.
The configuration options of this program are very easy to control. By clicking on the gear-shaped button that appears in the lower left part of the program window, we will be able to access them. From there we will be able to configure everything related to the operation of the program, in addition to customizing the appearance, the language and controlling the updates of Ferdi.
Add services to Ferdi
To add a new service to this program, what we must do is click on the “+” button on the left side, and we will be able to see a list with all the compatible services.
We can search the list for the service we want to add. If we can’t find it, the “Custom” entry allows us to add any web-based service as if it were a more open page in a browser. We select the service we want and, before saving it, we can see its customization.
We can choose the name, if we want to enable notifications or sound, the unread message counter and even if we want to activate the custom dark mode of this program. When it’s ready, we simply click on “Save service” and it will be added to the list. To add another we simply have to repeat the process.
The added services will appear in the left part of the window. Simply by logging into them we can start using them.
Ferdi Todos, your tasks always at hand
One of the also very interesting features of this program are the Ferdi Todos, or to-do lists. If we click on the two ticks that appear in the bar on the left, we can see a drop-down panel where a pending task service will appear.
By default, Ferdi brings the Franz Todos, but from the settings we can choose the service that we like the most.
Without a doubt, a great option to be able to always be up to date, write down everything we have to do and never forget anything.
Download Ferdi
Ferdi is available for Windows, Linux, and macOS. Therefore, we use the operating system that we use we will be able to use it without problems. The latest version of this program is available on its website . We can download and install the program to start using it, or download the portable version that does not need installation (depending on the operating system).
Alternatives
Of course, this is not the only program of its kind that allows us to unite several messaging services. On the web we can find other programs that allow us to do the same. And each has its advantages and disadvantages. Each one of us can choose the one we like the most.
Franz
As we have said, Franz is the original project on which Ferdi is based. This program will allow us to centralize all our messaging services in one place so that we can always have them all at hand. Broadly speaking, it offers the same functions and options as Ferdi, although it is more focused on business use where multiple platforms must be managed and controlled.
We can download Franz for free from this link . Their paid versions range from € 3 per month to € 6 per month, depending on the number of services and the features we want.
Rambox
Rambox is a program similar to Franz, but, although it is not based on his code, it offers us practically the same characteristics as this one. With it we will be able to centralize all kinds of messaging services (and add our own) so that from a single program we can access all of them.
We can download this program from here . As for the paid version, this has a cost of $ 4 per month.