Getting started
Follow the shortest safe path from installation to your first verified rule.
1. Install and open Hoolo
Open the downloaded DMG, move Hoolo to Applications, and launch it from Applications. macOS may ask you to confirm the first launch because the app was downloaded outside the App Store.
2. Follow the first-use guide
The guide introduces the three ideas you need before automation:
- choose a folder Hoolo is allowed to watch;
- understand a rule in plain language;
- preview a result before applying it.
You can revisit the same concepts in this documentation at any time. The app should remain usable even if you skip the guide.
3. Choose a small test folder
Start with a folder that contains a few disposable test files. Downloads is useful later, but a small test folder makes the first result easier to verify.
Hoolo stores access to folders you explicitly select. iCloud Drive folders are deliberately excluded from real-time monitoring; iCloud rule sync does not change that behavior.
4. Grant Full Disk Access when needed
macOS protects Desktop, Downloads, Documents, Trash, app containers, and parts of Library. If Hoolo cannot read a location you selected, open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Full Disk Access and enable Hoolo.
The permission allows local file access. It does not upload your files.
5. Create and verify one rule
Create a narrow rule such as “PDF files → move to a test folder.” Read the summary shown on the collapsed rule card, run Rule Health Check, then choose Dry Run.
Only enable continuous monitoring after the preview shows the files and destinations you expected.