NameQuick reads your files and names them.
Hazel sorts what's already named.
Both bring order to a messy Mac, but they solve different halves of the problem. NameQuick uses AI to understand file contents and write descriptive names. Hazel runs if-then rules on metadata to move, tag and archive.
50 renames, no credit card. macOS 15.4+.
NameQuick
AI reads your files and names them
Hazel
Rule-based folder automation
These tools aren't really rivals. NameQuick turns cryptic files into meaningful names by reading their contents; Hazel orchestrates what happens to files based on their metadata.
Choose NameQuick- when file contents matter: invoices, PDFs, scans, research papers or photos where the filename tells you nothing.
- Choose Hazel
- when the filename or metadata already tells the full story and you need housekeeping: move, tag, archive, run scripts.
- Or use both
- Let NameQuick name the file, then hand it to Hazel to file it away. NameQuick even integrates with Hazel directly.
At a glance
How they compare
| Feature | NameQuick | Hazel |
|---|---|---|
| Understands file contents | AI + OCR read PDFs, images and Office docs to extract dates, names and amounts. | Matches on name, type, date or size. v6 recognizes text in PDFs and images, but you define the patterns. |
| Naming | Smart Rename, drag-and-drop templates with 16+ placeholders, and free-form prompts. | Renames from filename patterns and metadata you specify. |
| Automation | Watch folders and batch processing rename new files as they arrive. | Continuously watches folders via FSEvents and applies rules. |
| File organization | Rules engine moves, tags, color-labels and comments using dynamic path templates. | Deep action set: move, copy, archive, upload, tag, run scripts, manage Trash. |
| Extensibility | Bring your own key (Gemini, OpenAI, Claude or local Ollama); integrates with Hazel. | Shortcuts, AppleScript and shell scripts run on matched files. |
| Privacy | Cloud AI by default; an optional local model keeps file contents on your Mac. | Processes locally; no AI calls involved. |
| Learning curve | Smart Rename works instantly; templates reward a little planning. | Power comes from rule design: more upfront configuration, more control. |
Choose NameQuick when…
- Your files have meaningless names like download(3).pdf or IMG_4823.jpg.
- You need the date, client, amount or subject pulled from inside the file.
- You want one-click naming without building rule trees.
- You care about keeping sensitive documents on-device with a local model.
Choose Hazel when…
- Your files are already named well and just need to be sorted.
- You want to move, tag or archive based on name, type or date.
- You lean on AppleScript or shell scripts in your workflow.
- You want one tool to handle Trash cleanup and app uninstalls.
Better together: name with NameQuick, file with Hazel
NameQuick solves the one thing rules can't: reading content and writing a meaningful name. Hazel takes it from there.
IMG_4823.jpg2026-03-10_Wedding_Garden_Sunset.jpgHazel moves it to Photos/2026/03 and runs a backup.download(3).pdf2026-05-12_ClientName_Invoice123.pdfHazel drops it in Invoices/2026 and logs the expense.Already own Hazel? Keep it for housekeeping and add NameQuick for the naming it can't do.
Try NameQuick on your messiest folder. 50 renames, no credit card.