Add recent files to Dropbox using symbolic links?

I'm new to Hazel, but I think it's the right tool to do something like this.

Objective: I would like to have recent files available in Dropbox, that are outside typical shared folders without duplicating the files.

Example: Files added to my Downloads folder in the past two weeks are available in Dropbox folder, but I'd prefer not to duplicate those files doubling HD usage.

Assumed Rule: Hazel watches Downloads folder for files added in the last 2 weeks, runs a script to create a symbolic link for each file in a "Recent Downloads" folder within my Dropbox folder.

I'm hoping you guys may have insight to the best approach, which I may be completely ignorant of considering my experience with Hazel. This would ideally be modified for other folders as well, such recently modified files on the Desktop and in Documents.

I have a suspicion that I may have to create another rule to delete those symbolic links. So, like I said there may be a much better solution. I noticed I can "sync" folders - but were back to duplicate files - right?

There is a Hazel action to create aliases. I think the problem, though, is that I'm not sure if Dropbox will work the way you want. I believe it copies the files data as it syncing the symbolic link won't work so you won't be saving disk space. Something to look into at least.

Mr_Noodle wrote:There is a Hazel action to create aliases. I think the problem, though, is that I'm not sure if Dropbox will work the way you want. I believe it copies the files data as it syncing the symbolic link won't work so you won't be saving disk space. Something to look into at least.

Thanks for the suggestion, I did notice that it will create aliases. Though, you're right, Dropbox doesn't really know what to do with the aliases. This journey towards a solution started out as a Smart Folder of recent files. That's how I came to trying out Hazel for this. They're just xml files basically on the sync'd side. I have been successful using symbolic links on folders, but I haven't experimented with having Hazel create the symbolic links for me.

Note that Hazel can monitor Smart Folders now so maybe you can figure out a different workflow taking that into account.