How do I automatically delete ZIP files on Mac?

AutoShelf includes a built-in template called Auto-trash ZIPs that automatically moves .zip, .rar, and .7z files to the Trash as soon as they appear in your Downloads folder. Enable it with one click.

Can I delete archive files after extraction on Mac?

Yes. AutoShelf can watch your Downloads folder and trash .zip, .rar, and .7z files the moment they arrive. Use the Auto-trash ZIPs template or create a custom rule for any archive format.

Is it safe to delete ZIP files after extracting them?

Yes. Once you extract the contents of a ZIP file, the archive itself is no longer needed unless you plan to share it again. AutoShelf moves these files to the Trash, so you can recover them if you change your mind.

Can I move archive files to a folder instead of deleting them?

Yes. Instead of the Trash action, create a rule that uses the Move To action and send archive files to a dedicated folder. You can also add a delay so files are only moved after a set time.

// archive cleanup

Auto-Delete ZIP and Archive Files on Mac

You download a ZIP, extract it, and the archive sits there forever. RAR and 7Z files pile up the same way. AutoShelf watches your Downloads folder and trashes archive files the second they arrive. No manual cleanup needed.

Download from App Store Free with one rule. Unlock everything for $19.99 one-time. macOS 13+

// the problem

Archive files pile up after extraction

You download a ZIP, extract the contents, and forget about the archive. Months later you have dozens of compressed files taking up space for no reason.
RAR and 7Z archives from email attachments and downloads stack up alongside ZIP files, multiplying the clutter.
Manually hunting for .zip, .rar, and .7z files in a crowded Downloads folder is tedious and easy to forget.
Archive files can be hundreds of megabytes. Over time they waste significant storage, especially on smaller SSDs.
Finder has no built-in way to automatically clean up archive files after extraction. You're left doing it by hand.

// templates

Built-in template, one-click setup

AutoShelf includes a ready-made template for archive cleanup. Pick it, choose your folder, and you're done.

Auto-trash ZIPs Moves .zip, .rar, and .7z files to the Trash the moment they appear in your Downloads folder. Covers all common archive formats.

// how it works

Set it once. Never think about it again.

Pick the template

Choose Auto-trash ZIPs from the built-in templates. It covers .zip, .rar, and .7z files out of the box.

Choose your folder

Select Downloads or any other folder. AutoShelf starts watching immediately.

Forget about it

Every archive file gets trashed automatically. No alerts, no drag-and-drop, no manual cleanup.

// more options

Go beyond the basics

Match by file extension

Create custom rules for any archive format. Target .zip, .rar, .7z, .tar, .gz, or any other extension. You're not limited to the template.

Trash or move

Send archives to the Trash for safety, or move them to a dedicated archive folder so you can retrieve them later without digging through the Trash.

Combine with age rules

With Pro, stack extension and age conditions together. Only trash .zip files older than 7 days, so you have time to extract before deletion. The free tier gives you one rule with a single condition.

Delay before action

Set a delay so archive files are only trashed after a few seconds or minutes. Useful if you need time to extract the contents before the archive disappears.

// faq

Frequently asked questions

How do I automatically delete ZIP files on Mac?

AutoShelf includes a built-in template called Auto-trash ZIPs that automatically moves .zip, .rar, and .7z files to the Trash as soon as they appear in your Downloads folder. Enable it with one click.
Can I delete archive files after extraction on Mac?

Yes. AutoShelf can watch your Downloads folder and trash .zip, .rar, and .7z files the moment they arrive. Use the Auto-trash ZIPs template or create a custom rule for any archive format.
Is it safe to delete ZIP files after extracting them?

Yes. Once you extract the contents of a ZIP file, the archive itself is no longer needed unless you plan to share it again. AutoShelf moves these files to the Trash, so you can recover them if you change your mind.
Can I move archive files to a folder instead of deleting them?

Yes. Instead of the Trash action, create a rule that uses the Move To action and send archive files to a dedicated folder. You can also add a delay so files are only moved after a set time.