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Hazel

Rule-based automatic file organization for the Mac

Free trial · from $42 one-timeUtilitiesChecked Oct 6, 2026
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What is Hazel?

Hazel is a Mac utility from Noodlesoft that watches the folders you choose and files their contents according to rules you write. Rules match items by name, date, type, contents and other attributes, then move, rename, tag, archive or upload them, or hand them to a script. It also manages the Trash and offers to remove an app's leftover support files. Hazel is sold as a one-time license per major version.

Hazel is a paid product with a free trial, starting at $42 one-time purchase (single-user license). See every plan

Good for

  • Mac users whose Downloads and Desktop folders fill up with unsorted files
  • Filing scanned bills and statements by the text inside them
  • People who want file automation bought once instead of by subscription

Worth knowing

  • macOS only; Hazel 6 requires macOS 13.0 (Ventura) or later.
  • After the 14-day evaluation, an unlicensed copy drops to Demo mode: one monitored folder, two active rules and no import or export.
  • A license covers one major version. Moving from any earlier version to Hazel 6 is a $20 paid upgrade.
  • Rule sync works per folder and cannot merge rule sets: a second Mac's existing rules for that folder are overwritten.

Key features

Folder rules
Hazel monitors the folders you pick and applies rules, much like those in Apple Mail, that match items by name, size, date, type, source website and other attributes.
File actions
A matching item can be moved, copied, renamed, sorted into subfolders, tagged, commented, archived or synced, with patterns that build names and tags from its attributes.
Reading file contents
Hazel 6 uses on-the-fly text recognition to read text in PDFs without OCR and in image files, and reads encrypted PDFs when you supply a password.
Trash management and App Sweep
Deletes items from the Trash by age or when it grows too large. App Sweep notices a discarded application and offers to remove its support files as well.
Scripts, Shortcuts and uploads
Rules can run Shortcuts, AppleScript or JavaScript, Automator workflows and shell scripts, and can upload files to FTP, SFTP or WebDAV servers.
Revert and rule sync
Revert returns a file to its original place and name, with its tags and comments. A folder's rules can sync through a shared file to other Macs or user accounts.

Hazel pricing

Starts at
$42 one-time purchase (single-user license)
Free plan
None
Free trial
14-day Evaluation mode with every feature except rule export, then Demo mode: 1 folder and 2 active rules
Hazel 6$42one-time purchase, single-user licenseIncludes free upgrades within version 6. The license keeps unlocking the version you bought after a new major version ships.
Hazel 6 Family Pack$65one-time purchase, up to 5 household membersOne license for up to 5 members of your household. For private households only.

Read from store.noodlesoft.com on Oct 6, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with Hazel before you buy.

Pricing in detail

Ways to pay less

  • Other savings$20 upgrade from any previous version

    Owners of any earlier Hazel version can upgrade to Hazel 6 for $20. The price is the same for single-user and family pack licenses.

    Stated on noodlesoft.com
  • Other savingsVolume pricing on request

    The store page asks buyers interested in volume pricing or with other special pricing needs to contact Noodlesoft.

    Stated on store.noodlesoft.com

Works with

Hazel alternatives

All Hazel alternatives comparedAll desktop utilities

Common questions

Is Hazel free?

No, Hazel is a paid product, but you can try it first. 14-day Evaluation mode with every feature except rule export, then Demo mode: 1 folder and 2 active rules.

How much does Hazel cost?

Hazel lists 2 plans. Hazel 6: $42 one-time purchase, single-user license. Hazel 6 Family Pack: $65 one-time purchase, up to 5 household members. Prices were read from store.noodlesoft.com on Oct 6, 2026.

What platforms does Hazel work on?

Hazel is available on macOS.

Does Hazel offer any discounts?

Hazel publicly lists the following: $20 upgrade from any previous version; Volume pricing on request.

Does Hazel have an Android app?

No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 6, 2026. Hazel is listed for macOS.

Does Hazel have an iPhone app?

No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 6, 2026. Hazel is listed for macOS.

Is Hazel open source?

Hazel is not described as open source on its own site, as read on Oct 6, 2026.

What does Hazel integrate with?

Hazel's listing names Apple Shortcuts, AppleScript, Automator, Photos, Music and Spotlight. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.

Who makes Hazel?

Hazel is made by Noodlesoft, LLC. It dates from 2006.

What are the alternatives to Hazel?

The closest alternatives to Hazel in our directory are Keyboard Maestro, Hammerspoon, Apple Shortcuts and AppCleaner. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Hazel.

Sources for this page

The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 6, 2026.