Delete files from Download folder automatically ..

[susja]

Hello Folks,
I have quite a simple Task. I want to automatically delete all files from Download folder except for the current day.
I thought that I could use Automator. I looked in basic steps and created the Task.
I noticed 2 issues:
1. from all conditions Automator offers in Action 'Filter Finder Items' I did not find the one I was looking for. I was looking for something like 'Date added before 'today'. I did not find any 'condition' for 'added'. Hence, I selected 'Data created' + 'is before' + current date. It should work for today ... but how about tomorrow and other days?
Does anyone know how to compile this Task for Automator?
2. second and 'weird' issue was that it was working but very inconsistent. I mean that when I tested it and moved some 'old' files ... it moved it to Trash sometimes but did not do it always. That's weird. I have no clue why it's so inconsistent ..
Could anyone share their experience?

Thanks

 

[pm-r]

I have quite a simple Task. I want to automatically delete all files from Download folder except for the current day.

Not attempting to reinvent the wheel here, but Google can be your friend and show you some readily available options you could try using:
3 Ways to Automatically Delete Downloads on Mac

3 Ways to Automatically Delete Downloads on Mac

Your Mac's Downloads folder is probably a confusing mess of files. You can clean it up automatically with these tips and tricks.

www.makeuseof.com

and more options available from some of the hits here:

Google Search

There should be at least one method that should work well for you amongst all those.
There was also an old utility I used to use years ago that had what was called a "watch folder" that could do multiple things with whatever landed in the specific folder but I cannot recall its name but a Google search should find something like that if you need it.

I thought there was a services built into the Mac OS that could do a similar thing but I can't find.
it or where the option might hide on my iMac.

Good luck.



- Patrick
=======

 

[ferrarr]

There is a setting in Safari Preferences/Settings, and there should also be a setting in other browsers as well. delete/trash/remove downloads after 1 day/month/etc.

 

[pm-r]

There is a setting in Safari Preferences/Settings, and there should also be a setting in other browsers as well. delete/trash/remove downloads after 1 day/month/etc.

Just for the record Bob, only my Safari has such an option with my older browser versions I use with El Capitan v. 10.11.6, no such Preference option available with Firefox or Google Chrome.

I hardly ever use my old Safari anymore as it just doesn't work with just too many sites,

PS: for Safari users, they may wonder where their downloads ended up if they've selected one of the options available:

Remove download list items... Upon successful download

Now where did that file suddenly go... Gee wiz eh??? Especially if the optional operation is immediate... ;-)



- Patrick
=======

 

[susja]

Not attempting to reinvent the wheel here, but Google can be your friend and show you some readily available options you could try using:
3 Ways to Automatically Delete Downloads on Mac

3 Ways to Automatically Delete Downloads on Mac

Your Mac's Downloads folder is probably a confusing mess of files. You can clean it up automatically with these tips and tricks.

www.makeuseof.com

and more options available from some of the hits here:

Google Search

There should be at least one method that should work well for you amongst all those.
There was also an old utility I used to use years ago that had what was called a "watch folder" that could do multiple things with whatever landed in the specific folder but I cannot recall its name but a Google search should find something like that if you need it.

I thought there was a services built into the Mac OS that could do a similar thing but I can't find.
it or where the option might hide on my iMac.

Good luck.



- Patrick
=======

@Patrick
Thanks for reply. I already followed the link you mentioned above and it disappointed me
Anyway ... I'll talk to Google

 

[Randy B. Singer]

I want to automatically delete all files from Download folder except for the current day.

You can create a custom rule to do this using:

Folder Tidy ($5)
https://www.tunabellysoftware.com/folder_tidy/

 

[pm-r]

I already followed the link you mentioned above and it disappointed me. Anyway ... I'll talk to Google

Just curious, but what was it that disappointed you?

It seems that many of the suggestions would do just what you were asking and wanting.
And how exactly is Google going to help?

Oh well...




- Patrick
=======

 

[Rod]

I like the Smart Folder suggestion.