Recents
Never lose track of your latest work again.
Your newest files appear here first, so you can always find what you just worked on.
macOS Smart Folder automation
Your Mac's files, organized the moment they arrive.
Shimmer watches the folders you choose and automatically sorts new files, using only file names and metadata. Your files are never opened or read. Shimmer works using only file names and metadata, keeping your private data completely secure.
Runs locally. Never reads file contents. No subscriptions.
When you use Shimmer...
- Recents, Manual, and Sorted libraries are automatically added to every Smart Folder you approve.
- Recent items move into your Sorted Library on your schedule.
- A one-click undo restores the first automation pass until you make manual changes.
0.0 hours saved
Average time reclaimed each week
Based on trials where Shimmer organized Desktop, Documents, and Downloads at the same time.
Unlimited sources
Storage locations supported
Desktop, Documents, Downloads, cloud sync folders, network shares and external drives.
100% privacy
No file contents are read
Classification relies on file names and metadata only; stored names purge automatically after 30 days.
New to Shimmer?
Watch this 23-second demo now.
A fast before-and-after view so you can see what Shimmer does at a glance.
Seen enough? Start organizing in under 2 minutes.
Install Shimmer, add your folders, and let it clean up automatically.
Folder system reinvented
Three sub-libraries keep every file exactly where you expect.
The same organized structure, everywhere. Shimmer works identically across local folders, external drives, and cloud folders.
Manual Library
A place for files you control.
Files you place here are never renamed, moved, or analyzed, ever. You're in full control over your files and folder structure here.
Sorted Library
Automatic organization, done for you
Shimmer continuously organizes your files using metadata and context, keeping everything structured without any setup.
Designed for real workflows
Automation that respects your privacy.
Every capability below is pulled directly from customer requests.
ControlSafety
Smart Folder selection with guardrails
Shimmer only touches folders you explicitly approve. System folders stay excluded.
- Desktop, Documents, Downloads, or any custom path can become a Smart Folder in one click.
- Popular cloud sync roots are supported as long as they exist locally.
- Availability state machine pauses organization whenever a drive is unmounted, and resumes once healthy.
PrivacySafety
Automatic classification (no content scanning)
Shimmer guesses file types using names, extensions, and basic metadata only. It never reads file contents.
- Your files stay 100% private. Shimmer organizes everything locally without opening, reading, or uploading files.
- Automatic Recents → Sorted Library pipeline.
- Undo the first pass to restore your original folder structure.
Control
Find duplicates without overwriting files
Shimmer finds true duplicates across every Smart Folder, even when file names differ. Different versions are flagged so you can choose what to keep.
- Duplicate scans run on a schedule, and you can trigger one anytime.
- Review duplicates side by side and choose which copy to keep. Shimmer never deletes anything without your approval.
- If file names clash, Shimmer adds a number to the file name so you can keep both.
ControlSafety
Update, support and performance assurances
Shimmer includes built-in updates that run securely in the background without getting in your way.
- “Check for Updates…” menu item plus optional automatic checks.
- Runs as a low-footprint background service that throttles scans during busy or low-power moments.
- If you are offline, you can skip update prompts and keep working.
Compare the business model
One-time purchase vs. never-ending subscription.
Shimmer follows a buy-once model. Renew support only if you want the newest features or white-glove help.
Buy once. Keep it forever.
Shimmer is a one-time purchase with optional renewals. Similar tools cost about $30 per month or $288 per year and do not offer a lifetime option.
Trial without anxiety.
Try the full product for 7 days. If you change your mind, you can undo Shimmer's file organization and restore your original folders.
Renew support only when you need it.
Every purchase includes 12 months of updates and help. After that, the app keeps working and you only renew if you want more updates.
FAQ
Everything you need to know about Shimmer.
Quick answers to the most common questions.
No. Shimmer never opens, reads, or uploads file contents.
All organization happens locally using file names and basic metadata only.
Pricing
Choose the edition that fits your needs, with a 7-day trial before you buy.
Shimmer is a one-time purchase with optional renewals. Similar tools cost about $30 per month or $288 per year and do not offer a lifetime option.
Personal
$39
One-time purchase
One-time purchase for one Mac.
Ideal for one Mac where you want Desktop, Documents, Downloads, and other folders kept organized.
- Unlimited Smart Folders on a single Mac
- Recents / Manual / Sorted libraries with undo safety net
- Duplicate detection and conflict handling
- External drive + cloud volume automation with pause/resume
- Built-in updates
- Includes 12 months of updates & support. Renew only if you want new features. Your software stays active forever
Team / Family
$79
One-time purchase
One-time purchase for up to 3 Macs.
Best for two or three Macs that each need their own setup and organization.
- Unlimited Smart Folders on up to 3 Macs
- Recents / Manual / Sorted libraries with undo safety net
- Duplicate detection and conflict handling
- External drive + cloud volume automation with pause/resume
- Built-in updates
- Includes 12 months of updates & support. Renew only if you want new features. Your software stays active forever
Lifetime (limited)
$139
One-time purchase
One-time purchase for one Mac, with lifetime updates.
Limited-quantity launch offer—once it's sold out, it won't be offered again.
- Unlimited Smart Folders on a single Mac
- Recents / Manual / Sorted libraries with undo safety net
- Duplicate detection and conflict handling
- External drive + cloud volume automation with pause/resume
- Built-in updates
- Includes lifetime updates & support. One-time payment for permanent access to all future features
Included support window: Personal and Team/Family plans include 12 months of updates and support. After that, Shimmer keeps working as-is and you only renew if you want new features. Lifetime plans include all future updates.
Need a closer look?
Watch the full 7-minute guided walkthrough.
Perfect for detail-oriented buyers who want to see the full workflow before purchasing.
- See real setup from folder selection to active automation.
- Review how Recents, Manual Library, and Sorted Library work together.
- Understand duplicate handling and one-click undo before you commit.
Ready when you are
Let Shimmer keep things organized so you can stay in the flow.
Point it at Desktop, Documents, Downloads, your favorite sync folder or an external SSD. Then watch as Recents, Manual Library and Sorted Library bring order without invading privacy.
- One-time purchase
- Privacy by design
- macOS native