binky
Binky sorts your files.
What is it?
What it is
Binky is a native macOS application written in Swift that automatically organizes files in user‑specified folders (Downloads, Desktop, Dropbox, screenshots, etc.). It watches for new files, waits for them to finish downloading, classifies them by rules, and moves them into clear target folders such as Images, PDFs, Media, Documents, Archives, Apps, Screenshots, and Misc. It also offers a one‑tap Quick Sort, named Routines, a Review folder for uncertain files, batch summaries, Finder services, Apple Shortcuts integration, and a CLI for terminal use.
Why it exists
Downloads and other personal folders often become noisy messes where poorly named files accumulate. Binky was created to quiet those fussy folders without adding another intrusive productivity system, giving users a simple, safe way to keep their files organized and recoverable.
Who should use it
macOS users (Apple Silicon, macOS 14 Sonoma or later) who want automated folder organization for Downloads, Desktop, or other cluttered folders, including those who appreciate native Mac integration, Finder services, Shortcuts, and optional CLI for power users.
Who should avoid it
Users on Intel-based Macs, macOS versions older than Sonoma, those needing cross-platform solutions, or anyone who prefers not to move original files (e.g., wants copy-only or cloud-based organization).
How it works
A quick walkthrough in plain English
How binky works in 4 steps
Step 1 of 4
Something triggers the flow
A schedule, webhook, or manual click tells binky to start.
Features
Advantages
- Safe handling of uncertain files by routing to Review
- Context-aware sorting beyond extensions
- Clear per-batch summaries for audit
- Integration with native Mac workflows (Finder services, Shortcuts, login items)
- Lightweight and fast
- No external runtime or web dependencies
- No data upload, privacy-preserving
- Free for 1.x, open source
- Extensible via CLI and SwiftPM
Disadvantages
- Requires Apple Silicon (M-series) and macOS 14+, no Intel support
- Limited to macOS only, no cross-platform
- Learning curve for custom rules and routines
- Potentially complex UI for advanced routing
- Future 2.0 licensing may introduce cost
- No built-in cloud sync or backup integration
- May not handle very large file sets efficiently
- Requires manual installation or Homebrew tap
Installation
native
Download the latest release (Binky-{version}.dmg or .zip) and drag Binky.app to Applications. Or install via Homebrew: `brew tap heyderekj/binky https://github.com/heyderekj/binky` then `brew install --cask binky`. If Gatekeeper blocks launch, open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Open Anyway or run `xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine /Applications/Binky.app`. For local development, run `xcodebuild -scheme Binky -configuration Debug test -destination 'platform=macOS'`.FAQ
How do I install Binky using Homebrew?
Add the tap once: `brew tap heyderekj/binky https://github.com/heyderekj/binky` then install the cask with `brew install --cask binky`. The app will appear in /Applications.
What are the minimum system requirements for Binky?
Binky requires an Apple Silicon (M‑series) Mac running macOS 14 Sonoma or later. macOS 26 Tahoe adds Liquid Glass UI support.
What happens to files with unknown or ambiguous extensions?
They are moved to the Review folder first. From there you can inspect, tag, or move them manually, ensuring nothing is misplaced.
Can I use Binky from the command line?
Yes. The `binky` CLI ships with the BinkyCore SwiftPM package. Build it with SwiftPM and run commands like `binky sort ~/Downloads` to trigger a quick sort from Terminal.
Does Binky copy files or move them?
Binky moves the original files into the target folders; no copies are made, and the source folder is left empty after sorting.
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