Hazel 6 Mac Automated File Management
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Hazel is an automated file management software for Mac. It can monitor specified folders and automatically organize files according to user set rules, such as moving files by name, date, type, etc. In addition, Hazel can also open, archive, tag files, and even upload files. It can clean up expired files and residual application files, support functions such as Spotlight, photos, music, TV import, and also provides deep integration of macOS technologies such as notifications, tags, shortcuts, AppleScript, and Automator.
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Hazel 6 is a powerful automated file management tool for Mac that watches specified folders and applies user-defined rules to keep your files organized. It can automatically sort, rename, tag, archive, and even upload files based on criteria like name, date, or type. Beyond organization, Hazel cleans up clutter like expired downloads and leftover app files, and integrates deeply with macOS features such as Spotlight, tags, shortcuts, and AppleScript. This makes it an essential utility for anyone looking to save time and maintain a tidy digital workspace.
Key Features
- Automated folder rules: Create custom rules to sort files by name, type, date, or other metadata, and automatically move, copy, or rename them to designated folders.
- File cleanup and archiving: Automatically delete or archive old files, such as expired downloads or outdated documents, and remove leftover application support files to free up disk space.
- Advanced tagging and metadata: Apply color tags and custom metadata to files automatically, making them easier to find with Spotlight and other search tools.
- Deep macOS integration: Works with AppleScript, Automator, Shortcuts, and notifications, allowing you to build complex workflows that trigger on file changes.
- Smart import support: Handles files for Photos, Music, and TV apps, automatically importing or organizing media files according to your preferences.
Who Should Use It
- Busy professionals who deal with a high volume of downloads, documents, and email attachments and need automatic sorting to keep their Desktop and Downloads folders clean.
- Photographers and media creators who want to automatically organize and tag photos and videos as they are imported, saving time on manual filing.
- Mac power users who rely on automation and scripting and want to integrate file management with AppleScript, Automator, or Shortcuts for complex workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Hazel differ from Smart Folders or Finder tags?
Hazel goes beyond static Smart Folders by actively monitoring folders and performing actions on files as they appear or change. While Smart Folders just display filtered results, Hazel can move, rename, delete, or tag files automatically, and even trigger AppleScripts or other workflows. It also handles cleanup tasks like deleting old files and removing app leftovers.
Can Hazel work with external drives or network folders?
Yes, Hazel can monitor folders on external drives and network volumes, provided they are mounted and accessible. You can set up rules for any folder your Mac can access, which is useful for organizing files on portable drives or shared storage.
Is Hazel safe to use? Can I preview rules before they run?
Hazel is designed with safety in mind. It includes a 'Preview' feature that shows which files would be affected by a rule before you apply it. Additionally, you can set up rules to move files to Trash or an Archive folder instead of permanently deleting, and you can disable or adjust rules at any time.
Does Hazel work with iCloud Drive or cloud storage services?
Hazel can monitor folders that are synced with iCloud Drive or other cloud services like Dropbox, as long as they are local folders. However, be cautious with cloud-synced folders because automated moves or deletions will sync across devices. Hazel also supports uploading files to certain services via AppleScript or Shortcuts, but it does not natively connect to cloud services like Dropbox for direct uploads.
What are the system requirements for Hazel 6?
Hazel 6 requires macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or later. It is compatible with both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. For the latest features, such as Shortcuts integration, macOS Monterey or newer is recommended.
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