Binky
Binky vs Folder Actions
macOS has shipped Folder Actions for years — AppleScript or Automator workflows when items land in a folder. Powerful. Also a hobby if you haven’t touched Script Editor lately.
Choose Folder Actions for full scriptable control
When you want bespoke logic, integration with other scripting targets, and zero extra binaries — and maintenance time is cheap for you.
Choose Binky for no-code Routines
When you want named Routines per noisy folder, stable-file gating, sorted destinations, Review, optional Finder tags, and a summary that explains what moved — without opening Script Editor once.
| Binky | Folder Actions | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (MIT) | Free (built into macOS) |
| Setup required | Install app, grant folders | Attach scripts, debug edge cases |
| Named routines | Yes — parallel per-source workflows | Script per folder (no named sets) |
| Auto-sort Downloads | Yes — typed sorted folders | Yes — whatever your script does |
| Sort preview | Yes — dry-run before anything moves | You script a dry-run pass |
| Stable-file gate | Built in | You implement waits / polling |
| Review folder | Yes | You implement quarantine logic |
| Scripting knowledge | None required | AppleScript / Automator / Shortcuts |
| Open source | Yes (MIT) | N/A (platform feature) |
Scripting is valid
So is not scripting
Folder Actions win when you love the puzzle. Binky wins when you want the mess to stop auditioning for a chaos documentary.
13 MB · v1.5.1 · Requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later