Automator vs Hazel

Struggling to choose between Automator and Hazel? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Automator is a Os & Utilities solution with tags like workflow, automation, apple, macos.

It boasts features such as Graphical workflow builder, Built-in actions for file management, data processing, app integration, Ability to record and convert user actions into automatable workflows, Supports variables, conditional logic, loops, Can be triggered manually or on events like file changes, Integrates with other Apple apps like Finder, Photos, Calendar and pros including Simple visual interface, Powerful automation capabilities, No coding required, Free built-in macOS tool, Easy to get started.

On the other hand, Hazel is a File Management product tagged with automation, macos, organization, rules.

Its standout features include Automated file organization based on rules, Supports organizing by file type, date modified, and other metadata, Customizable rules for moving files into designated folders, Monitoring and organizing downloads folder, Available for macOS, and it shines with pros like Keeps computer files tidy and organized, Saves time on manual file organization, Helps declutter downloads and keep them organized, Customizable to specific needs and preferences.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

Automator

Automator

Automator is an automation tool developed by Apple that allows users to create automated workflows and tasks on macOS. It provides a visual interface to construct workflows by connecting actions together that perform tasks like file manipulation, data processing, and interacting with various apps.

Categories:
workflow automation apple macos

Automator Features

  1. Graphical workflow builder
  2. Built-in actions for file management, data processing, app integration
  3. Ability to record and convert user actions into automatable workflows
  4. Supports variables, conditional logic, loops
  5. Can be triggered manually or on events like file changes
  6. Integrates with other Apple apps like Finder, Photos, Calendar

Pricing

  • Free

Pros

Simple visual interface

Powerful automation capabilities

No coding required

Free built-in macOS tool

Easy to get started

Cons

Limited to macOS

Relies on AppleScript for some advanced features

Workflows not sharable/reusable easily

Limited debugging capabilities

Steep learning curve for advanced workflows


Hazel

Hazel

Hazel is an automated organization software for macOS that helps keep your files organized by setting up rules to automatically move files into designated folders based on the file type, date modified, or other metadata. It helps declutter your downloads folder and keep things tidy.

Categories:
automation macos organization rules

Hazel Features

  1. Automated file organization based on rules
  2. Supports organizing by file type, date modified, and other metadata
  3. Customizable rules for moving files into designated folders
  4. Monitoring and organizing downloads folder
  5. Available for macOS

Pricing

  • Free
  • Freemium
  • One-time Purchase

Pros

Keeps computer files tidy and organized

Saves time on manual file organization

Helps declutter downloads and keep them organized

Customizable to specific needs and preferences

Cons

Mac only, not available for Windows or Linux

Can take time to set up optimal rules

Not open source

Requires monitoring to ensure rules are still effective over time