Why do folders I create suddenly disappear?

Short answer

Shimmer is organizing them. When you create a folder inside a Smart Folder (like Desktop, Documents, or Downloads), Shimmer treats it like any other content. It moves the files inside into the Sorted Library, and if the folder becomes empty, it gets removed during cleanup.

What's actually happening

Shimmer continuously watches your Smart Folders and organizes everything inside them. When you create a new folder, it moves the contents into the appropriate category in the Sorted Library (Images, Documents, etc.). If nothing is left inside, the folder is removed. This can make it look like the folder disappeared, but its contents were reorganized, not deleted.

How to prevent this

Option 1: Use the “Manual Library” folder (recommended)

Each Smart Folder includes a Manual Library subfolder. Anything inside Manual Library will not be moved or modified by Shimmer. Use this for anything you want to organize yourself.

Option 2: Temporarily pause Shimmer

Open Shimmer, select the Smart Folder, and click Pause. Make your changes, then click Resume when finished.

Option 3: Work outside Smart Folders

Create folders in a location Shimmer isn't watching, anywhere outside Desktop, Documents, or Downloads. Shimmer will not touch them.

How to recover your files

If Shimmer already moved your files, open Shimmer, select the Smart Folder, and check the Recent Changes panel on the right. It shows exactly what was moved and where it went, so you can locate and move files back manually.