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Folder Rules guide

Preview a file organization rule before saving

Check the matching files, action and destination in Folder Rules without changing files during Preview.

By Osenpa · Updated · Reviewed
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Short answer

Open a rule in Folder Rules and select Preview. Inspect the matching items, action and destination before selecting Save rule. Preview is read-only, while saving can start work on matching existing files.

Before you start

  • A supported watched folder and a rule being added or edited in Folder Rules.
  • A few sample files that should match and at least one that should not.

Start here

  1. Set a narrow rule

    Choose the intended folder and open Add rule or Edit rule. Set Item type, conditions, Do this and, when needed, Choose destination.

  2. Run Preview

    Select Preview and wait for the check to finish. Review the matching count and displayed items. A partial or canceled preview is not a completed check.

  3. Inspect what will match

    Check the names, action and destination. Confirm that a file intended to stay untouched does not appear. Preview displays up to 30 items; when more match, read the displayed total to judge the full scope.

  4. Adjust and preview again

    If too much matches, narrow the extension, name or other conditions. Preview again after changing the rule. If you only wanted to inspect it, select Cancel instead of saving.

  5. Save and check the actual result

    Select Save rule only when the scope is correct. Existing and new matching items are checked for readiness. Open Activity to see completed, waiting, skipped or failed outcomes.

Check your result

  • The preview completed and the matching count is expected.
  • The selected action and destination are correct for every intended match.
  • You inspected Activity after saving; a preview match alone is not proof of completion.

If Preview cannot finish

A failed Preview does not change files. Check the selected folder and conditions and try again. If the rule or folder changed after the preview, run a fresh preview.

Cancel stops the preview. It does not save the edited rule or authorize an action on the displayed files.

Why a previewed item can wait

Preview identifies matches at the time of checking. Files still being downloaded or changed are checked again before execution. Age conditions can also produce matches that are not old enough yet.

A rule may be affected by earlier rules in the ordered list. Check that the intended rule is the first one matching the item.

The app used in this guide

Folder Rules

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Related guides

Sources and further reading