Hazel is a powerful tool for macOS that automates file organization and cleanup. It allows users to define rules that automatically sort, rename, and manage files based on various criteria. This article will guide you through setting up Hazel to streamline your file management tasks on your Apple device.

Getting Started with Hazel

1. Installation:

   • Download Hazel from the official website (www.noodlesoft.com) and install it on your macOS device.
   • Once installed, Hazel will appear in your System Preferences.

2. Creating a Rule:

   • Open Hazel from System Preferences.
   • Select the folder you want Hazel to monitor. For example, choose "Downloads" to manage files downloaded from the internet.
   • Click the "+" button to add a new rule.

3. Defining Rule Conditions:

   • Name your rule descriptively, such as "Organize PDFs".
   • Set the conditions for the rule. For example, if you want Hazel to move all PDF files to a specific folder:
     • Condition: "Kind is PDF".

4. Setting Rule Actions:

   • Define what action Hazel should take when the conditions are met. For example:
     • Action: "Move" to "Documents/Sorted PDFs".
   • You can add multiple actions, like renaming the file or adding a color label.

5. Testing Your Rule:

   • Use the "Preview" button to test your rule without making actual changes. This helps ensure your rule works as expected.

Examples

Example 1: Automatically Move Images to a Pictures Folder

• Condition: Kind is Image
• Action: Move to "Pictures"

Example 2: Delete Old Files from Downloads

• Condition: Date Last Opened is not in the last 30 days
• Action: Move to Trash

Advanced Features

• App Sweep: Hazel can detect when you delete an application and offer to remove its associated files, keeping your system clean.
• AppleScript and Automator Integration: For advanced users, Hazel can execute AppleScripts or Automator workflows as part of a rule, allowing for even more complex automation.

Hazel is a robust tool for macOS users looking to automate file management tasks. If you're using Windows, a similar tool would be File Juggler, which provides comparable automation capabilities.