Utility
Forel
Forel is a lightweight, local-first folder automation tool designed specifically for macOS as an open-source alternative to Hazel. Built using a modern stack of Tauri, Rust, React, and SQLite, it runs quietly in the menu bar to monitor specified folders. Whenever a file lands in a watched directory, Forel applies custom rules to sort, rename, tag, or label your data instantly without relying on any external cloud processing.
Key Features:- Granular Rule-Based Matching — evaluate and trigger actions on files using specific criteria including name, file extension, kind, size, native tags, color labels, or file content
- 100% Local & Private Processing — operates entirely on-device with no mandatory user accounts, tracking cookies, telemetry, or remote servers; all automation logs are stored safely in a local SQLite database
- Menu Bar Native UI — features a beautiful, translucent native popover accessible straight from your macOS menu bar for rapid, glanceable status checks without cluttering your workspace
- Native Finder Integration — built directly around core macOS workflows, seamlessly manipulating Finder tags, system color labels, directories, and custom terminal scripts
- Clean Visual Rule Builder — features an intuitive two-column dashboard with conditions structured on one side and actions on the other, alongside a preview mode to test changes safely before execution
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Forel a direct replacement for Hazel on macOS?
Yes. Forel acts as an open-source alternative to Hazel for users who need automated folder cleanup, custom file-sorting pipelines, and rule-based workflow management without buying a proprietary license. It covers the core automation needs—like managing your Downloads or Desktop folders—completely free of charge.
Does Forel send any of my files or data to the cloud?
No. Forel is built with strict privacy guardrails. All file analysis, rule matching, and organization steps happen locally on your Mac hardware. Your configuration data and file history stay within an offline SQLite database, ensuring zero tracking or data leaks.
What are the system requirements for running Forel?
Forel requires macOS 14 (Sonoma) or newer. Because it is compiled using a lightweight Tauri and Rust architecture, it operates with minimal memory and CPU overhead while running continuously in the background of your system.
