Hazel can flag files, show system notifications, move things around, and even run AppleScripts to extend things even further. If you aren’t familiar with Hazel, the general idea of the app is that you can set it up to watch specific folders on your Mac and perform actions based on what files are in those folders. I’ve personally just started using it regularly, and wanted to share some of the things that make it an essential part of my Mac workflows. Released in 2006, this Mac automation tool is still consistently updated and is insanely useful. ![]() Hazel is one of those all-time great apps, though. But few apps elevate themselves to “all time great” status, to the point where they feel almost like they’re a core part of macOS. It’s a rich and vibrant ecosystem unique to the Mac, and we’re lucky to have it. I hope it can do the same for you.There is no shortage of productivity software on the Mac, and we do our best job to cover as many of them as possible here. I've been using it since v1.0 and can't even begin to guess at how much time it's saved me. ![]() Is that a good deal for the ability to make your Mac do half your work for you, or what?Īs I've said numerous times in this post and before, I honestly believe Hazel is a killer - nay: essential - app for everyone who has more than one or two files to manage on their Mac. Since Hazel 2.0 will be a free update for 1.0 users, however, you can buy now, save money and still get the free upgrade once 2.0 goes gold. Of course a demo of the beta is available, but if Hazel helps you get stuff done faster, you might want to buy soon: now that Hazel is in a feature-complete beta phase, Kim has announced that will increase v2.0's price from its present $16. To help get you started, a set of example rules is even included with the Hazel download which offers a glimpse into just how powerful this tool can get, without you having to do any of the legwork right off the bat. Much better detection of files that are busy meaning that Hazel should work better with downloading apps and browsers even if it doesn't have specific support for it. Rewritten to use internal task scheduler instead of launchd. Growl support including a Growl action where you can have Hazel send custom Growl messages. New sorting action that can sort your files into a set of subfolders. New rename action to rename files and folders. Menubar icon for quick access to Hazel's functions including the ability to start and stop Hazel's operation.Ĭan now write rules to match against any Spotlight metadata. There's plenty more good stuff in this new version of Hazel though, so here's a quick rundown of all the other new ways you can start managing your files: This helps avoid any unfortunate mishaps due to a rule that wasn't built quite right, and it gives you a nice birds-eye view of what will happen once you give the green light. My other favorite new feature is the ability to preview rule matches before setting them in motion. Read on for details on these killer new features and more. At the top of my personal list is full-blown support for uninstalling an application and the ability to preview rule matches so you can polish your criteria before flipping the switch. Have I piqued your interest? Good, because Paul Kim at Noodlesoft has just released a much-anticipated Hazel 2.0 update in beta with some significant new features. All this is done completely and transparently in the background, allowing you to get things done while Hazel works its magic. ![]() ![]() Hazel can even manage your Trash for you by setting a specific time frame after which older (but not all) files should be deleted, or even a size limit that the Trash should be kept under (say, 2 GB). Hazel can automatically import image files into iPhoto, music into iTunes, add Spotlight comments, organize files into folders and even subfolders, add Finder color labels to files, run AppleScripts and so much more. Hazel's abilities don't stop there, however not by a long shot. SIT, etc., and automatically move them to a Software folder once they're a day old. For a basic example, you could create a rule that watches your Desktop for downloaded files types like. If you haven't seen our previous coverage, Hazel is - in a nutshell - your "personal housecleaner," allowing you to specify rules for moving and organizing your files just like you would with Mail messages. Hazel is one of those truly clever, useful apps that I think could make the Mac computing world a better place if everyone bought a license (and used it, of course).
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