Hazel, a Mac automation assistant, joins David and Katie on this episode to discuss the power and usefulness of the Hazel app for Mac. They explore topics such as automating file management tasks, using cloud services with Hazel, and integrating Hazel with external services for home automation and life hacking. The hosts also touch on the release of Hazel version 4.0 and changes to their feedback show.
Hazel is a powerful tool for managing and organizing documents on your Mac.
Hazel can automate file-related tasks and help organize files in folders.
Hazel can be used to manage files on iOS devices through cloud storage folders.
Hazel 4.0 introduces smart folders and the ability to sync rules, expanding its reach and simplifying rule management across multiple Macs.
Deep dives
Document Management with Hazel
Hazel is an application that helps manage and organize documents on your Mac. You can use it to rename, move, and tag files based on specific criteria. For example, you can set up a rule to rename bank statements based on criteria like the bank's name and the word 'statement'. Hazel can also look inside documents to find specific dates or patterns and use that information to perform actions. It's a powerful tool for keeping your documents organized and automating repetitive tasks.
File-based Automation with Hazel
Hazel goes beyond document management and can also help automate file-related tasks. You can create rules to organize files in folders like downloads, desktop, or cloud storage. For example, you can set up a rule to move downloaded disk images older than a week to an archive folder. Hazel can also watch your desktop folder and take actions like tagging or moving files. It can even integrate with other apps like iTunes or Photos to automatically import or sort files. With file-based automation, Hazel makes managing and organizing files a breeze.
Using Hazel for iOS Workflow
Although Hazel is a macOS app, you can still harness its power to manage files on iOS devices. By using cloud storage folders, you can have Hazel watch and take actions on files uploaded or saved from iOS apps. For example, you can have Hazel import Vcards from a shared Dropbox folder into your contacts app. You can also set up rules to manage files downloaded on iOS devices, like saving receipts from scanning apps to specific folders. Hazel's file-based automation can extend to iOS, making it an invaluable tool for managing files and automating tasks across all your devices.
Maximizing Productivity with Hazel
Hazel is a versatile and powerful tool for managing and automating tasks related to documents and files. By setting up rules based on specific criteria, you can streamline your workflow, keep your files organized, and automate time-consuming tasks. Whether you're using Hazel for document management, file-based automation, or integrating it with iOS workflows, you can maximize your productivity and spend more time on what matters most.
Smart folders and expanded possibilities in Hazel 4.0
Hazel 4.0 introduces smart folders, allowing for more powerful and flexible rule-based automation. Smart folders enable Hazel to monitor and act on files from anywhere on your computer, greatly expanding its reach. This means you can now set up rules that apply to your entire computer, not just specific folders. With smart folders, you can tag files in any folder and have Hazel take actions based on those tags, making it easier to organize and process your files.
Syncing rules and automatic backups in Hazel 4.0
Hazel 4.0 introduces the ability to sync your rules, making it easier to maintain consistent rule sets across multiple Macs. You can now sync specific rules folders to a storage service like Dropbox, ensuring that your rules are the same on every Mac you use. This solves the problem of having to manually restore Hazel rules when setting up a new Mac or after a system restore. Additionally, the new version of Hazel offers automatic rule backups, saving your rules to a designated sync folder. This allows you to easily restore your rules from any computer and facilitates smooth transitions to new versions of Hazel.
Additional features of Hazel 4.0: Trash management and App Sweep
In addition to the major updates mentioned above, Hazel offers some extra features to enhance your Mac automation experience. With built-in trash management, Hazel can automatically empty your trash based on time or size conditions, preventing your trash from getting overloaded. Furthermore, Hazel provides an App Sweep feature that helps you uninstall applications more thoroughly. App Sweep identifies and removes associated files and resources that go beyond just dragging an app to the trash. With these additional features, Hazel becomes even more versatile and efficient in managing your files, keeping your Mac clean, and enhancing your overall automation workflow.
David and Katie dive deep on Mac automation assistant Hazel, discuss how to get started and ideas for file and document based automation and give ideas of how they're using the program. David also announces a new MacSparky Video Field Guide.
Thanks to MPU listener Jigar Talati for help with the shownotes this week!
AppleScript is a scripting language created by Apple Inc. and built into Macintosh operating systems since System 7. The term "AppleScript" may refer to the scripting system itself, or to an individual script written in the AppleScript language.
