Hazel

Hazel is a powerful file automation tool for macOS that watches designated folders and automatically organizes files based on customizable rules. The app can move files to appropriate locations, rename them systematically, add tags and colors, execute scripts, and trigger complex workflows - all happening in the background without manual intervention.

Best For: Mac users drowning in file organization who want intelligent automation to keep Downloads, Desktop, and project folders organized without constant manual sorting.

Key Features

How do Hazel's automation rules work?
Define rules with conditions (file type, name pattern, date, size, content, metadata) and actions (move, rename, tag, color, run script, send notification). Multiple conditions combine with AND/OR logic. Actions execute in sequence when conditions match. Rules run continuously in background monitoring folders.

What file operations can Hazel automate?
Move files to folders based on type, project, or any criteria. Rename using patterns, dates, or extracted metadata. Add Finder tags and colors for visual organization. Archive old files automatically. Delete temporary files after timeframe. Upload to cloud services. Run AppleScripts or shell scripts for custom processing.

Can Hazel work with application-specific files?
Extract attachments from Mail.app and process them. Watch app trash folders and delete old items. Organize Photos library exports. Process Logic or Final Cut Pro project files. Monitor web browser download locations. Specific rules for Adobe, Microsoft Office, or any app that saves files.

What makes Hazel powerful for workflows?
Embedded AppleScript and shell script support for unlimited automation. Regular expression matching for complex pattern detection. Metadata and content-based conditions (read PDF text, check image dimensions). Chained rules where one rule's output triggers another. Hazel Sync keeps rules consistent across multiple Macs.

Pricing & Plans

Hazel: $42 one-time purchase - Lifetime license, all features, free minor updates
Upgrade: $21 for major version upgrades (infrequent, not required)

Single purchase model with no subscription. 14-day free trial to test automation. Works on all your personal Macs.

Limitations

• macOS only (no Windows equivalent)
• Requires learning rule syntax for complex automation
• Can accidentally move/delete important files if misconfigured
• Rules run locally (not cloud-based sync of actual files)

Getting Started

1. Download Hazel and start free trial
2. Select folders to monitor (Downloads, Desktop)
3. Create simple rule: move PDFs to Documents/PDFs
4. Test rule works as expected
5. Build more sophisticated rules gradually

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