Hazel can be defined as a program that monitor and keep our folders organized. It is quite normal that when we buy a new Mac, at the beginning we have everything in order. However, with the passage of time and many downloads later, we have messy files spread over several folders. With Hazel, that lack of control ends automatically.
The program allows you to create smart filters to automatically manage any file. For example, if you want all the image files that are created on the desktop and begin with IMG to go to the My photos folder, just tell the program the relevant rules.
Hazel helps us keep control of our files on the Mac
Hazel works quietly, making the new files that we are incorporating to our Mac, stay in folders that we have previously created and chosen. In this way the organization is guaranteed, saving a lot of work in the later search of any of those files. But it is capable of much more.
The program It is based on three large functions or blocks of functionalities:
Folders
Here we will choose and We will mark Hazel which folders she should work on. We will establish the folders in which we want automate tasks with the files that they contain.
For it to work well, we must open the program window by clicking on the "+" symbol. In the unfolding window We will select the folder we want to add and that way we can include it in the list that Hazel will monitor.
Rules
Once the folders to monitor have been chosen, we must indicate the rules to follow. For example, we can say to move all the files that contain the word "RAW" or with a certain extension (that of the images taken by the camera in that format) and move them to a folder that we have previously called, for example, "to process".
We can create the rules we need. We just have to go giving the symbol "+" to add a new rule.
New Rules
This is the section where we must put all our attention if we want the program to work correctly. We will configure all the previously created rules so that Hazel works automatically.
We must configure two parts, the requirements that the file must meet, and the action that the program must take if a file meets them. There are two lines with drop down menus:
- We establish the requirements of the files that we want to be automated. That it has a certain extension, name, size ... etc;
- We create the actions. When the first of the requirements is met, Hazel will execute the latter. “If it contains the name“ beach ”, move the file to the“ vacation ”folder. Assign a label, open it ... etc;
It is a software with many possibilities and we will have to work with it for a while to become well acquainted. But when we are clear about the rules and actions, the workflow will be easy. Imagine being able to have organized folders, without spending hours doing it manually.
Although that is not only his only virtue. We can say that programs with certain files are executed; Send to the trash those we do not want ... multiple possible combinations, which make this program quite attractive and functional.
Hazel is not free, although it incorporates a trial period of 14 days. Something that is good enough to know how to use it and especially to know if it works as we want. After that trial period, it costs about $ 32 (about € 29).
It has other pricing plans. A family plan, he only lacks a plan for students, for private use only. In this mode, it can be used by up to 5 members at a price of $ 49. Quite an interesting offer, really.
I think it is not an excessive price. But of course always from the perspective that you are going to use it. If you are not one of those who download a lot of files on your Mac, it may be expensive. Nevertheless if you are always downloading email attachments, camera or iPhone photos, movies ... etc; the price is not high at all.
You can download the program from its official page, that It also has a forum for questions and tips about the program.