Can Hazel accomplish this workflow?

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Moderator: Mr_Noodle

Can Hazel accomplish this workflow? Mon Nov 19, 2012 5:46 pm • by JustDoors
Hi,

I would like to set up the following folder structure:

Starting with a sorting folder for jobs.

If I drop a file in the sorting folder that begins with a 4 digit number I would like to:
a) search that folder for another folder beginning with that same 4 digit number and place the file in it if it exists.
b) create a new folder with that 4 digit number in the sorting folder and then place that file in it if it doesn't already exist.

Note: the "begins with" part is important because I have numerous files related to a job such as 1111 report, 1111 proposal, 1111 invoice. etc. and I want them all sorted into the proper folders.

Is this possible?

Thanks.

Jeff
JustDoors
 
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Re: Can Hazel accomplish this workflow? Mon Nov 19, 2012 6:12 pm • by Mr_Noodle
Search the help for match patterns. You can match those first 4 digits into a custom token which you can then use in a Sort into Subfolder action.
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Re: Can Hazel accomplish this workflow? Tue Nov 20, 2012 12:34 pm • by a_freyer
JustDoors wrote:Hi,

I would like to set up the following folder structure:

Starting with a sorting folder for jobs.

If I drop a file in the sorting folder that begins with a 4 digit number I would like to:
a) search that folder for another folder beginning with that same 4 digit number and place the file in it if it exists.
b) create a new folder with that 4 digit number in the sorting folder and then place that file in it if it doesn't already exist.

Note: the "begins with" part is important because I have numerous files related to a job such as 1111 report, 1111 proposal, 1111 invoice. etc. and I want them all sorted into the proper folders.

Is this possible?

Thanks.

Jeff


To clarify Mr_Noodle's answer - YES. Hazel can do all of this, very elegantly. I have written a length tutorial on doing very similar things available here.
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