# Hazel Published January 1, 2026 · Updated August 10, 2026 Automated organisation Category: System Utilities · Paid · [Official website](https://www.noodlesoft.com/) ## Install with Homebrew `brew install --cask hazel` ## Quick take Still a top-tier one-time Mac utility; Hazel 6.1.2 with Tahoe fixes; $42/$65/$20 upgrade pricing. ## What is Hazel? August 2026 status: **Hazel 6.1.2** (18 February 2026) is current, with macOS Tahoe UI fixes. Hazel 6.1 (6 November 2025) added Tahoe glass look and cloud-only file options. Current 6.1.x requires **macOS 13+** and supports Apple Silicon. Pricing remains one-time: **$42** single user, **$65** family pack, **$20** upgrades from prior versions per Noodlesoft's Hazel 6 FAQ. Hazel is an intelligent file automation utility for macOS that watches designated folders and automatically organizes files according to rules you define. Developed by Noodlesoft and first released in 2006, Hazel has evolved into the definitive solution for Mac users who want their files to sort themselves without manual intervention. Unlike simple file organizers, Hazel operates as a persistent background agent, monitoring folders continuously and executing actions the moment conditions are met. Hazel eliminates the tedious busywork of file management. Download folders automatically sort by file type; screenshots move to dated subfolders; PDFs get renamed based on content and filed appropriately; duplicate files are flagged for review. All of this happens silently in the background while you work. The current Hazel 6 release (version 6.1.2 as of 2026) brings significant enhancements including on-the-fly text recognition for non-OCRed PDFs and images, the ability to revert file changes when rules misfire, encrypted PDF support and custom list attributes for advanced tag management. Hazel runs natively on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs, requiring macOS 12 (Monterey) or later. It integrates deeply with macOS technologies including Spotlight, Photos and TV app importing, Finder tags and Notifications. For power users, Hazel supports AppleScript, Automator and Shortcuts integration, allowing file organization to trigger broader automation workflows. At $42 for a single license or $65 for a family pack, Hazel represents a one-time investment that pays dividends through hours of reclaimed productivity. ## Features - **Hazel 6.1 Tahoe-Ready Updates.** Hazel 6.1 brought glass styling and menu icons for macOS Tahoe plus folder options for cloud-only files; 6.1.2 fixed tag colors on Tahoe, polished the remote server browser and fixed assorted UI issues. Combined with Hazel 6's on-the-fly text recognition, it remains the dedicated paid-once folder automation tool for Mac power users. - **Rule-Based File Organization.** Hazel's foundation is its capable rule system. You define conditions (file name contains 'invoice', file type is PDF, date created is older than 30 days) and actions (move to 'Archive/Invoices', rename with current date, tag as 'processed'). Rules can match multiple conditions using AND/OR logic and actions can be chained sequentially. A single rule can move a file, rename it, convert it, upload it and notify you, all automatically. Rules are scoped to specific folders, allowing different organization logic for Downloads, Desktop, Documents, or any custom location. - **On-the-Fly Text Recognition (Hazel 6).** One of Hazel 6's flagship features is real-time OCR capabilities. Hazel can now extract text from image files and non-OCRed PDFs without requiring pre-processing. This means a scanned receipt dropped into your Downloads folder can be automatically renamed with the merchant name and total amount that Hazel reads directly from the image. For encrypted PDFs, Hazel can now read content when you supply a password, securely stored in your macOS keychain. This transforms Hazel from a file mover into an intelligent document processor. - **Revert Files.** Mistakes happen, rules can misfire or edge cases emerge. Hazel 6 introduces the ability to revert files to their original state. Right-click any file in Finder that Hazel processed and select 'Revert' to return it to its original location, name and even restore original tags and comments. This safety net encourages experimentation with complex automation rules, knowing you can undo changes if something goes wrong. After reverting, you'll want to adjust your rules to prevent the same misfire from recurring. - **App Sweep.** When you delete an application by dragging it to the Trash, Hazel's App Sweep detects this action and searches for associated support files, preferences, caches, logs and application data scattered across your Library folders. Hazel presents these findings and offers to move them to the Trash alongside the app. This ensures complete application removal, reclaiming disk space and preventing the accumulation of orphaned files that typically linger after standard uninstallation. - **Trash Management.** Hazel can actively manage your Trash folder, automatically deleting files that have been trashed for a specified duration (e.g., delete items older than 30 days) or clearing files when the Trash reaches a size threshold. This prevents the Trash from becoming a forgotten dumping ground that consumes gigabytes of storage. You can also exempt specific file types or folders from automatic deletion. This ensures important items receive manual review before permanent removal. - **Custom List Attributes.** Hazel 6 introduces custom list attributes that enable sophisticated tag and metadata workflows. You can capture lists of items, such as Finder tags and propagate them across related files. For example, when a file is moved into a tagged folder, Hazel can copy those tags to the file itself, maintaining consistent metadata throughout your file hierarchy. This feature bridges the gap between folder-based organization and tag-based organization, allowing both systems to work in harmony. - **Pattern Matching and Regular Expressions.** For advanced users, Hazel supports regular expressions and custom pattern matching in filenames and content. Extract dates from filenames, parse invoice numbers, identify project codes, or match complex naming conventions. Patterns can capture specific segments of text and use them in renaming operations. Combined with Hazel's ability to read file contents, this enables sophisticated workflows like automatically filing expense reports based on amounts detected in receipt PDFs. ## How to Install Hazel on Mac Hazel can be installed via direct download from Noodlesoft or through Homebrew. The app requires macOS 12 (Monterey) or later and runs natively on Apple Silicon. 1. **Download Hazel.** Visit https://www.noodlesoft.com/Products/Hazel/download to download the latest disk image. Open the DMG and drag Hazel to your Applications folder, or run 'brew install --cask hazel' if you prefer Homebrew. 2. **Launch and Grant Permissions.** Open Hazel from Applications. Grant Accessibility and Full Disk Access permissions when prompted in System Settings > Privacy & Security. These permissions allow Hazel to move files and interact with the system. 3. **Purchase and Activate License.** Click 'Buy Hazel' in the app or visit https://store.noodlesoft.com/store. Single license is $42, Family Pack (5 users) is $65. Enter your license key in Hazel > Preferences > License to activate full functionality. ## Pros - Capable rule system handles complex file organization scenarios without programming - Runs silently in the background with minimal CPU and memory usage - Revert feature in Hazel 6 provides safety net for rule mistakes - Deep macOS integration with Spotlight, Tags, Photos and Notifications - One-time purchase model, no recurring subscription fees - On-the-fly OCR in Hazel 6 extracts text from images and scanned PDFs - App Sweep ensures complete application uninstallation - Active development with consistent updates since 2006 ## Cons - $42 price point may seem high compared to free alternatives - Steep learning curve for complex rule creation and pattern matching - Requires macOS 12+, older Macs cannot run Hazel 6 - No built-in cloud sync for rules across multiple Macs - Preview feature doesn't catch all edge cases in complex multi-condition rules - Customer support is email-only with no live chat option ## Closer look: Hazel's Rule Engine and Automation Philosophy Hazel represents a specific philosophy in Mac automation: invisible, continuous and rule-governed organization that requires minimal user intervention once configured. ## FAQ ### How much is Hazel 6 in 2026? Single license $42, family pack $65, upgrades $20, according to Noodlesoft's Hazel 6 FAQ. It is a one-time purchase, not a subscription. ### Does Hazel support macOS Tahoe? Yes. Release notes for 6.1 and 6.1.2 specifically address Tahoe appearance and tag color issues. Use current 6.1.x on macOS 13+. ### How much does Hazel cost? Hazel 6 costs $42 for a single-user license or $65 for a Family Pack covering up to 5 household members. Upgrades from any previous Hazel version cost $20. All licenses are one-time purchases with no subscription fees and include all updates within the Hazel 6.x series. ### Is Hazel a subscription? No, Hazel uses a traditional one-time purchase model. When you buy a license, you receive free upgrades for that major version (e.g., all Hazel 6.x updates). Your license never expires and you can continue using the version you purchased indefinitely, even after newer major versions are released. ### What are the system requirements for Hazel 6? Hazel 6 requires macOS 12 (Monterey) or later. It runs natively on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. Earlier versions of macOS are not supported by Hazel 6, though users on older systems can continue using previous Hazel versions they have licensed. ### Can Hazel read text from scanned documents? Yes, Hazel 6 introduced on-the-fly text recognition that can extract text from non-OCRed PDFs and image files without pre-processing. This enables rules that rename files based on detected content or sort documents by keywords found within images. ### What happens if a rule moves a file to the wrong place? Hazel 6 introduces the Revert feature. Right-click any file in Finder that Hazel processed and select 'Revert' to return it to its original location, name and metadata. This provides a safety net for experimenting with new rules. Always test complex rules with the preview feature before activating them. ### Does Hazel work with iCloud Drive and external drives? Yes, Hazel can monitor and organize files on iCloud Drive, external drives and network volumes. However, the Hazel application and its support files must reside on your local Mac. Rules targeting cloud or external locations only execute when those volumes are mounted and accessible. ### Can I sync my Hazel rules across multiple Macs? Hazel does not include built-in rule synchronization. However, you can manually export rules from one Mac and import them to another via Hazel's File menu. Some users store their exported rule files in cloud storage like Dropbox or iCloud Drive for manual syncing between personal and work Macs. ### How does App Sweep work? When you drag an application to the Trash, Hazel detects this action and searches your Library folders for associated support files, preferences, caches, application data and logs. Hazel presents these findings and offers to move them to the Trash as well. This ensures complete application removal. ### Can Hazel automatically delete old files? Yes, Hazel can manage the Trash folder by automatically deleting files that have been trashed for a specified duration (e.g., 30 days) or clearing items when the Trash exceeds a size threshold. You can also create rules that move specific old files from active folders to archive locations. ### Is there a Hazel trial available? Yes, Hazel offers a free trial available from the Noodlesoft website. The trial allows you to test all features before purchasing. When the trial expires, you must purchase a license to continue using Hazel, though your configured rules are preserved and will resume functioning once activated. ## Sources - [Noodlesoft Hazel](https://www.noodlesoft.com/) - [Hazel 6 FAQ](https://www.noodlesoft.com/kb/hazel-6-faq/) - [Release notes](https://www.noodlesoft.com/release_notes) - [Store](https://www.noodlesoft.com/store) - [Hazel 2026 guide](https://www.asianefficiency.com/technology/hazel-intro/) - [Support](https://www.noodlesoft.com/support) - [Hazel for Mac guide, Asian Efficiency](https://www.asianefficiency.com/technology/hazel-intro/) - [Is Hazel worth it, r/macapps](https://www.reddit.com/r/macapps/comments/1fn6k8f/is_hazel_worth_it/) ## Related - [Maccy](https://bundl.run/apps/maccy) - [Stats](https://bundl.run/apps/stats) - [SuperWhisper](https://bundl.run/apps/superwhisper) - [MacWhisper](https://bundl.run/apps/macwhisper) - [HyperWhisper](https://bundl.run/apps/hyperwhisper) - [Aqua Voice](https://bundl.run/apps/aqua-voice) - [Hazel vs Dropzone](https://bundl.run/compare/hazel-vs-dropzone) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://bundl.run/#organization", "name": "Bundl.run", "url": "https://bundl.run", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://bundl.run/og-image.png", "width": 1200, "height": 630 }, "description": "The Ninite for Mac. 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