Can I open-source Hazel?
KINDA · partial or early alternativesKinda. Forel and Stirling PDF cover the core of Hazel, but they're early or partial — expect gaps like mature filesystem automation, rule depth, Apple integrations, and reliability and years of OS-version edge cases.
People still pay for Hazel because small utilities are technically reproducible, but customers pay for polish and immediate fixes when an OS update breaks a daily habit. The recurring cost buys permissions, accessibility APIs, sandboxing, signing, notarization, OS regressions, updates, backups, and support, not just the visible interface.
xmature filesystem automation, rule depth, Apple integrations, and reliability
xyears of OS-version edge cases
xlarge extension ecosystem
xcross-device sync
xcommercial support and rapid compatibility fixes
These projects already replace it, free.
FForelHazel's folder rules, previews, history, and Finder tags, fresh enough that the paint is still wet.open source↗SStirling PDFWeb app with 50+ PDF operations — merge, split, sign, OCR, redact — all processed locally on your server.open source↗FFlameshotPowerful cross-platform screenshot tool with annotations and pin-to-screen.open source↗What each one is, in full: Stirling PDF · Flameshot
all 4 open-source alternatives to Hazel →· no votes, no pay-to-list · just what's real
Hazel pricing
| plan | monthly | annual (per mo) | what you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| hazel 6 | custom | — | Single-user perpetual licence for Hazel 6 and all Hazel 6 updates. |
| hazel 6 family pack | custom | — | Up to 5 members of one private household; perpetual Hazel 6 licence. |
| upgrade to hazel 6 | custom | — | Upgrade from any previous Hazel version while retaining the existing single/family licence type. |
free tierno free tier
billingone-time purchase; no monthly or annual plan; trial available
hidden costsFuture major versions can require a paid upgrade, although the purchased Hazel 6 version keeps working. Volume licensing is quoted separately.
verified 2026-08-14 · source ↗
Can I open-source Hazel?
Kinda. Forel covers the core of Hazel, but there are real gaps: mature filesystem automation, rule depth, Apple integrations, and reliability, years of OS-version edge cases. Read the honest list above before committing.
How much does Hazel cost?
Hazel's pricing is usage-based or varies by plan · Sold as a one-time licence..
What do I lose by replacing Hazel?
Honestly: mature filesystem automation, rule depth, Apple integrations, and reliability; years of OS-version edge cases; large extension ecosystem; cross-device sync; commercial support and rapid compatibility fixes. If any of those are load-bearing for you, keep paying.
Is there an open-source alternative to Hazel?
Yes: Forel (Hazel's folder rules, previews, history, and Finder tags, fresh enough that the paint is still wet.) Stirling PDF (Web app with 50+ PDF operations — merge, split, sign, OCR, redact — all processed locally on your server.) Flameshot (Powerful cross-platform screenshot tool with annotations and pin-to-screen.) All 4 curated open-source alternatives are at caniopensourceit.online/hazel/alternatives.