Everything happens locally
No accounts, no telemetry, no remote processing. Rules and history are stored in a local SQLite database.
Free and open source for macOS
Forel
The Hazel alternative for macOS. Watch folders, match files with clear rules, and move, rename, tag, or label them automatically on your Mac.
macOS 14+ · 100% on-device · MIT licensed
No cloud
Your files never leave your Mac.
Rule-based
Match by name, extension, kind, size, tags, color label, or content.
Menu bar native
Runs quietly in the background after setup.
Folder automation
Set up rules once. Let Forel handle the repetitive work.
Forel watches selected folders and applies actions when files match your rules. Keep Downloads, screenshots, invoices, and work folders organized without dragging files around by hand.
Downloads before
invoice_march_2026.pdf
photo_2026-03-14.jpg
contract_draft_v3.docx
bank_statement_march.pdf
screenshot_09-42.png
Forel rules
Sorted automatically
Work/Invoices/2026
invoice_march_2026.pdf
Photos/2026/March
photo_2026-03-14.jpg, screenshot_09-42.png
Work/Legal/Pending
contract_draft_v3.docx
Finance/2026
bank_statement_march.pdf
Rules that stay understandable
Conditions on one side. Actions on the other.
Forel keeps automation visible: choose what should match, then choose what should happen. Preview changes before running them.
Menu bar first
Modern, glanceable, and always there.
Forel keeps the menu bar front and center with a translucent popover that shows what is active right away. You can see the current state in one glance, without opening the main window.
Built around Finder workflows
Use Finder tags, color labels, folders, scripts, and the menu bar patterns that feel native on macOS.
Free and MIT licensed
Forel is built in the open with Tauri, Rust, React, and SQLite. Contributions and feedback are welcome.
Open source
Built in the open for macOS automation.
Forel is free, MIT licensed, and community-driven. Download the app, inspect the source, suggest improvements, or contribute to the next version.