How to Automate Your Downloads Folder on Mac with Ornix (Full Setup Guide)
Your Downloads folder already has too many files in it. Here's how to set Ornix up once,…
Files land.
Ornix files them.
Point it at Downloads, Desktop, or any folder and every file is sorted by type the moment it arrives. The simple Hazel alternative for Mac.
Ornix is a macOS app that automatically organizes messy folders. It watches Downloads, Desktop, and any folder you choose, sorting files by type (Documents, Images, Videos, Archives, and more) the moment they arrive. Ornix is the simplest Hazel alternative: no rules to write, no scripting, zero setup. Just point it at a folder and it works. Free to use with a one-time Pro upgrade, no subscription, no telemetry, and no account required. Built for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.
Download on the App StoreFree. Pro is a one-time purchase.
images
documents
videos
archives
watching ~/Downloads
No rules. No scripts.
Just a tidy Mac.
Point it at any folder.
Downloads, Desktop, or a project directory. Ornix watches them all and files what lands, with no rules to write.
Ornix Settings
Project Q3Watching~/Documents/Project Q3
How to Organize
By CategoryGroup files by what they ARE: Images, Documents, Code, ArchivesBest for: general downloads cleanup
By TaskPROGroup files by the job they belong to: Acme-Redesign, Q2-ReportBest for: project-driven work
You can switch later. Existing files stay put.
When to organize
How aggressively Ornix moves new files.
Instantlyas files appear
Scheduleon a schedule
Notifications
System notifications
Banner when files are organized.
Advanced SettingsCategorization, conflicts, and more
Filed before you notice.
A file arrives, Ornix reads its type and moves it. A quiet notification confirms the move, with one-click Undo.
File Organized1 file moved4
vacation-photo.jpgDownloads / Images
Preview before anything moves.
Review every planned move, then approve or cancel. Full control when you want it, hands-off when you don't.
Organize Preview5 file(s) will be moved in “Downloads”
Image2
photo.jpgImage
screenshot.pngImage
Video1
video.mp4Video
Document1
document.pdfDocument
Compressed1
archive.zipCompressed
CancelOrganize 5 Item(s)
Watch the clutter drop.
Files organized, time saved, which categories fill up fastest. Tracked locally, never uploaded.
847
files organized
7h 3m
time saved
41
day streak
CATEGORY BREAKDOWN
Images312
Documents240
Videos128
Archives88
Audio44
You organized 28 files this week
Every type has a home.
Five categories out of the box. Add your own extensions to any of them, or build a new one.
ImagesDocumentsVideosArchivesAudio+ Custom
Nothing leaves your Mac.
No telemetry, no analytics, no account. Ornix works entirely offline, and every move is reversible.
Runs offlineNo network calls, ever
Undo any moveOne click, from the notification
Native SwiftUIApple Silicon and Intel
Free forever.
Pro when you need it.
One download. Pro unlocks in-app with a one-time purchase, no subscription.
FEATUREFreeProone-time
Watched folders1 folderUnlimited
Organize NowRoot levelDeep scan
Conflict resolutionManual each timeAutomatic default action
Move timingAuto onlyAuto, Ask Me First, Notify Only
Date subfolders
Custom categories, numbering, date-prefix rename
Task-based filing
Scheduled cleanupfree since v1.6.0
Every tier: offline, no telemetry, no account.
Questions,
answered.
9 questions
What is Ornix?+
Ornix is a macOS app that automatically organizes messy folders. Point it at Downloads, Desktop, or any folder and every file gets sorted by type (Images, Documents, Videos, Archives, and more) the moment it arrives. No rules to write, no setup, no manual effort. Ornix runs natively from your Mac's menu bar and works entirely offline with zero telemetry.
How is Ornix different from Hazel or AI-based organizers?+
Compared to Hazel, Ornix requires no complex rule-building or scripting: just pick a folder and it handles the rest. Compared to AI-powered organizers that process files slowly and unpredictably, Ornix sorts instantly and deterministically based on file type. It is designed for anyone who wants fast, predictable file organization without the complexity of Hazel or the opacity of AI-driven solutions.
Is Ornix free?+
Yes. The free version watches 1 folder and includes auto-filing, smart categories, the action window, history log, conflict resolution, and launch at login. Pro unlocks unlimited folders, date subfolders, task-based filing, scheduled cleanup, confirm mode, and Organize Now.
What does Pro cost?+
Pro is a one-time purchase. No subscription. Once you buy it, you own it forever with lifetime updates.
What organization modes does Ornix support?+
Ornix supports multiple modes: category-based sorting by file extension, date-based subfolders, and project-based grouping. You can assign different modes to different folders, so Downloads sorts by category while a project folder groups by task.
What happens when a duplicate file arrives?+
Ornix detects the conflict and lets you choose: Keep Both, Replace, or Skip. With Pro, you can set a default action so duplicates are handled automatically.
Can I undo a file move?+
Yes. The Action Window shows exactly what moved, with one-click Undo, Open File, and Open Folder buttons.
Does Ornix collect data or require an account?+
No. Ornix works entirely offline with no telemetry, no analytics, and no account requirement. All data stays on your Mac. Nothing is sent to any server.
What are the system requirements?+
Ornix is a native SwiftUI app for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. Check the App Store listing for the current minimum macOS version.
Blog
From the blog
Tips, guides, and updates about Ornix.
No telemetry. No analytics. No account required. All data stays on your Mac.