What is Hazel 5?
Hazel 5 is the current version of Hazel. It makes a major change to how you use Hazel in that it will no longer be a preference pane. Instead it will be a standalone app. This had to be done to avoid many bugs and issues Apple introduced in Catalina in regards to preference panes.
What’s new in Hazel 5?
In the conversion to an app, Hazel has UI has been modified a bit. The folder list, rule list and rule editor are all in one window now, allowing for quicker navigation and viewing of rules. The rule editor is detachable, allowing you to compare rules side by side. Folders can now be grouped together. There are other improvements throughout the UI.
Hazel 5 also adds support for lists and tables. With the new custom list item attributes, you can match against a list, either entered directly into Hazel or read in from a file. With custom table attributes, you can match against a table, again enterable directly into Hazel or loaded via file. Once a custom table attribute matches, it keeps track of the row it matched. This allows you to use values in the same row from the other columns in other parts of your rule.
What are the system requirements?
Version 5.2 requires a Mac running macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or later.
Is there Apple Silicon support?
Yes, Hazel 5 supports all Apple Silicon Macs.
When will Hazel 5 be released?
Hazel 5 is available now.
How much does Hazel 5 cost?
Hazel 5 is $42 (USD) for a single user license while the family pack is $65.
Will there be upgrade pricing for existing users?
Yes, you can upgrade from any previous version for $20. The price is the same regardless of whether you have a single user license or family pack. Also, the upgrade will maintain the same type of license (single user to single user, family pack to family pack).
Wait, I bought Hazel recently. Do I have to pay again?
There are free upgrades for purchases made during 2020, because let’s face it, it’s been a horrible year. Click here to claim your free upgrade license.
How do I purchase a license for Hazel 5?
Check out this guide.
Will Hazel 5 keep all my rules and settings?
Yes, they should all carry over. That said, it’s always a good idea to keep good backups just in case you need to downgrade.
How do I install Hazel 5?
Download it from here. That will download a disk image. Open it and double-click the app inside. From there Hazel will instruct you on how to proceed.
Will Hazel replace my previous version?
Yes, it will remove any previous version you have from System Preferences. Do not click the “Uninstall” button in Hazel 4 and earlier as that will delete all your rules and settings. Hazel 5 shares rules and settings with previous versions, though it may update them on first launch.
I updated but the preference pane is still there.
Ok, so Hazel failed to remove the old one. You’ll want to remove it. See this article.
Since Hazel is now an app, do I need to keep it running?
No, Hazel still uses a helper app that runs in the background to run your rules and perform other duties. The app is only for viewing and editing your configuration/rules.