Kempt
In short
macOS can find files automatically with Smart Folders, and since macOS 26 Tahoe, Shortcuts can run an automation when files are added to a folder.Both work by name, kind or date, which means writing rules. Hazel is the classic rules app. Kempt reads what each document says, names it and files it, and asks you when it isn’t sure.
Without any app
Smart Folders: find without moving
Finder › File › New Smart Folder, add criteria (Kind is PDF, Last opened date…), Save, and tick Add To Sidebar. Files stay where they are; the folder always shows matches.
Shortcuts folder automation (Tahoe and later)
In Shortcuts, create a Folder automation that runs when files are added to, say, Downloads, then add actions such as Move File. It follows the rule you build; it doesn’t read what a PDF is.
Folder Actions
Older and still there: attach an Automator workflow to a folder from Folder Actions Setup. Powerful, but fiddly to maintain.
Write rules in an app
Hazel moves, renames and tags files from conditions you set (name contains, date, kind). Good if you enjoy building rules.
| Tool | How it decides | Moves files? | Effort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Folders | Search criteria | No, it gathers views | Low |
| Shortcuts automation | Your actions on a folder | Yes | Medium: build each shortcut |
| Folder Actions + Automator | A workflow you build | Yes | High |
| Hazel | Rules you write | Yes | Medium to high |
| Kempt | What the document says, on device | Yes, with Undo; unsure files wait | Low: correct it when it’s wrong |
With Kempt
- 1
No rules to start
New supported files in Downloads are named and filed after a short countdown you can stop; files Kempt isn’t sure about wait in “Needs a look” instead of moving.
- 2
Rules in a sentence, when you want them
Type a rule the way you’d say it: “Put Free Mobile invoices in Finances/Telecom”. Kempt shows the rule before saving it. After three matching corrections, it offers “Make it a rule?”.
- 3
Works with Shortcuts
Kempt adds Shortcuts actions (Tidy Downloads, Find Files, Ask Kempt, Prepare What They Asked For, Open Clean Up), so a Tahoe automation can run Tidy Downloads for you.
$27 once, 14 days freeRuns on every Apple silicon MacA question? Ask a person
Questions people ask
Can a Mac automatically sort files into folders?
With rules, yes: a Shortcuts folder automation (macOS 26 Tahoe and later), Folder Actions or Hazel. By what the file says, Kempt does it on your Mac.
How do I sort files by date on a Mac?
In Finder, View › Show View Options › Sort By Date Modified or Date Created, or start names with the date so they sort by name.
Is there a free way to organize files automatically?
Smart Folders and Shortcuts automations are free and built in. Kempt has a 14-day free trial.
Do Shortcuts automations run on their own on a Mac?
They can be triggered by a folder; Apple’s list of automations that run without asking doesn’t include folder triggers, so expect a confirmation.
How do I automatically sort files into folders by date on a Mac?
Without an app, name files starting with the date and sort by name, or build a Shortcuts folder automation that moves files into a dated folder. Kempt files papers by what they are and puts the month in the name.
How do I sort Downloads by date on a Mac?
Open Downloads, choose View › Show View Options, and set Sort By to Date Added.
Can I organize files automatically without paying?
Yes, with Smart Folders and Shortcuts automations. They follow rules you build rather than reading files.