Relay comparison

A Hazel alternative when folder rules are only part of the workflow

Hazel is a respected Mac utility for folder automation. Relay is for people who want folder workflows plus a visual canvas, hotkeys, schedules, Mail actions and on-device AI.

See RelaySee features
Short answer: Hazel is excellent for folder rules. Relay is worth a look when the workflow begins with a folder but then needs text, mail, notes, schedules, AI or manual review.
Relay Screenshot Organizer workflow
A folder workflow can keep going: classify, rename, move, write, notify and review inside one visual automation.

What Hazel does well

Hazel is focused and mature. If your main job is watching folders and moving, renaming or deleting files based on rules, Hazel may be exactly the tool you need.

Why someone might choose Relay instead

Many workflows start with a file but do not end there. A screenshot may need OCR and a note. A PDF may need renaming and filing. An email may need extracting, summarizing and turning into a reminder. Relay is designed for that wider chain.

Folder watchingHazel and Relay both fit folder-based workflows. Relay adds a broader canvas around the folder trigger.
Visual workflow designRelay shows the steps as a workflow so you can inspect the path before trusting it.
AI supportRelay includes Apple Intelligence actions for transform, extract, classify, ask and fix workflows on-device where available.
Manual quick runsRelay can also run workflows from hotkeys, schedules, quick run and drag-to-dock flows.

Good Relay workflows

Screenshot cleanup

Watch a screenshots folder, rename new captures, file them by project and summarize the context into a note.

Client intake

Process downloaded files, extract useful fields, create reminders and prepare a short summary before you reply.

Weekly admin

Run a scheduled workflow to collect notes, reminders and calendar context into a preparation checklist.

Verdict: keep Hazel in mind for pure folder rules. Use Relay when the folder rule needs to become a fuller Mac workflow.