// hazel alternative
Looking for a Hazel alternative? AutoShelf is a simpler, more affordable Mac file organizer. Built-in templates, download source detection, and App Store convenience, all for $19.99 one-time.
Download from App Store// the comparison
Hazel by Noodlesoft has been the go-to Mac file organizer since 2006. It's powerful and deeply customizable with scripting support, pattern matching, and App Sweep for uninstalling apps. But that power comes with complexity and a $42 price tag. AutoShelf takes a different approach: built-in templates get you started in seconds, download source detection knows which app downloaded a file, and image optimization is built in. All for $19.99, on the App Store.
// feature comparison
| Feature | AutoShelf | Hazel |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $19.99 one-time | $42 one-time ($65 family pack, $20 upgrade) |
| Free tier | Yes (1 rule) | 14-day trial |
| App Store | Yes | No (direct download) |
| Built-in templates | 9 ready-made templates | No (rules from scratch) |
| File type detection | Yes | Yes |
| Download source detection | Yes (URL and app) | Yes (URL only) |
| App download detection | Yes (which app downloaded) | No |
| Move / Copy / Rename / Tag / Trash | Yes | Yes |
| Image optimization | Yes (built-in) | No |
| Photos integration | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-condition rules | Yes (AND logic, negation) | Yes (AND, OR, negation) |
| Activity log | Yes (with undo) | Yes |
| Import / Export rules | Yes (JSON) | Yes |
| Confirmation before actions | Yes | Yes |
| Delay execution | Yes | Yes |
| App Sweep | No | Yes |
| Pattern matching / regex | No | Yes |
| AppleScript / Shortcuts | No | Yes |
| Sandbox security | Yes (App Store sandboxed) | No (full system access) |
// why autoshelf
AutoShelf comes with 9 built-in templates for common tasks: auto-delete DMGs, organize downloads, clean your desktop, sort by source, auto-trash installers, organize screenshots, tag large files, and more. Pick a template, choose a folder, and you're running. No rule building from scratch needed.
AutoShelf Pro is $19.99 one-time. Hazel is $42 for a single license, $65 for a family pack, and $20 to upgrade from a previous version. AutoShelf gives you unlimited rules, templates, activity log with undo, import/export as JSON, confirmation before actions, delay execution, multi-condition AND logic, image optimization, and Photos integration for less than half the cost.
Hazel can match files by download source URL, but AutoShelf goes further with "downloaded by" detection. Know whether a file came from Safari, Chrome, Slack, or any other app. Create rules like "tag files downloaded by Slack" or "move files downloaded by Firefox to a project folder."
AutoShelf is on the Mac App Store, which means automatic updates, a single purchase tied to your Apple ID, and sandbox security. Hazel is a direct download that requires manual updates and has full system access. AutoShelf's sandboxing means your files are handled more safely.
AutoShelf includes image optimization that compresses PNG, JPEG, and other image formats without visible quality loss. Hazel has no built-in image optimization. If you regularly download or save images, AutoShelf saves disk space automatically.
AutoShelf's activity log tracks every action taken and lets you undo mistakes directly. See exactly what was moved, tagged, or trashed and reverse it if needed. Hazel logs actions but undo is not a built-in feature.
// why hazel
Hazel has been around since 2006 and has had nearly two decades of refinement. It may be the right choice for you if: