Hazel

Name: Hazel
Brand: Hazel

Automated file organization for your Mac that cleans up folders based on rules you set.

softwareAutomation ToolsFile AutomationmacOS UtilityOrganization

What is Hazel?

Hazel watches folders like Downloads or Desktop and automatically files, renames, tags, or deletes items based on rules the user defines, from sorting invoices by date to archiving old screenshots. It also includes App Sweep, which detects when an application has been deleted and offers to clean up its leftover support files, and integrates with macOS features like Spotlight, Photos, and AppleScript for more advanced automations. Aimed at Mac users who accumulate clutter in their Downloads folder or want consistent file organization without doing it by hand, Hazel runs quietly in the background and only asks for input when a rule genuinely needs clarification, making it one of the longest-running utilities in the Mac automation space.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

deploymentDesktop App

open source❌ No

Key Features of Hazel

Watches designated folders and automatically moves, renames, or organizes files matching user-defined rules.

Detects when an app is deleted and offers to remove its leftover preference and support files via App Sweep.

Supports rules based on file name, type, date, source, and even file content via pattern matching.

Integrates with macOS Spotlight metadata to trigger rules based on things like where a file was downloaded from.

Can trigger AppleScript actions for advanced, custom automations beyond simple file moves.

Runs quietly in the background with minimal system resource usage.

Use Cases for Hazel

Downloads folder cleanup

Automatically sort downloaded files into the right folders by type or source as soon as they land.

Invoice and receipt filing

Rename and move PDF invoices into dated folders automatically based on file content.

Leftover app cleanup

Get prompted to remove an app's support files right after uninstalling it.

Screenshot management

Automatically move and rename screenshots into an organized archive folder.

Pros & Cons of Hazel

Pros

Saves significant manual folder cleanup time
App Sweep helps keep a Mac free of orphaned files
Deep AppleScript support for advanced users
Long track record of reliability

Cons

Mac only, no Windows version
One-time purchase rather than a subscription some prefer for smaller commitment
Rule setup has a learning curve for complex automations

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Hazel work on Windows?

No, Hazel is a macOS-only utility.

Is Hazel a subscription?

Hazel is sold as a one-time license purchase rather than a recurring subscription.

What is App Sweep?

App Sweep is a Hazel feature that detects deleted applications and offers to remove their leftover support files.

Can Hazel run custom scripts?

Yes, Hazel rules can trigger AppleScript actions for more advanced automations.

Pricing Overview

View full pricing →

Paid (One-time)

Detailed plans are not listed. Visit the official website for pricing information.

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