Move to new folder

[Stephen_C]

Introduction

This workflow takes a file or files selected in Finder and moves them to a folder which is newly created in the course of the workflow. You are prompted for the location of the new folder and for the name of the new folder.

Usage

1. Simply select a file or files in Finder, press your Universal Action hotkey (⌘ + / by default) and, if this workflow title does not appear at the top of the list of your Universal Actions, start typing Move until you see the name of this workflow.



2. Choose the folder in which you wish to create the new folder. Just start typing the name of the folder to see a list of matching folders from which you can select the appropriate one. (See also the important note below about discovery of folders.)



3. You will then be prompted for the name of the new folder.



The new folder will be created and the files moved (not copied) to it—with a notification to confirm what has happened.

Important notes

• In order for a folder to be found in the second step of the workflow it must be within your default search scope. (See Alfred Preferences → Features → Default Results and look under Search Scope.) However, if you want to be able to find folders outside that scope just double click on the workflow File Filter, go to Scope and drag in the folder(s) you wish to be included within the file filter search scope.
• The sound can be muted in the workflow configuration.

 

Acknowledgement

I am indebted to @sepulchra for the provocation to write this workflow but, particularly, for invaluable help and advice developing and testing the workflow. However, if there are errors or infelicities in the final workflow they are mine.

 

GitHub download link

 

Stephen

Edited April 17, 2023 by Stephen_C
Typo <sigh>

[Stephen_C]

Version 1.01 corrects a small typo in the configuration. (Why, why, why…after all that checking? <Sigh>)

 

Stephen

[sepulchra]

It works great.

[Stephen_C]

Thanks so much for confirming. I did test until I was blue in the face but…you know…typos and things…! 😀

 

Stephen

[Stephen_C]

Version 1.02: expanded explanation in first important note in user configuration to make clear additional steps needed if file filter is changed.

 

Stephen

[mlondon]

@Stephen_C Hi Stephen, I'm the OP of the thread that set this in motion.

Really grateful to you and @sepulchra for making this!!!

 

It didn't work at first, but I saw in the debugger:

[16:50:58.025] ERROR: Move to new folder[Automation Task] Task not found 'com.alfredapp.automation.core/files-and-folders/directory.new'

 

I looked at the workflow and the Automation Task said "Automation Not Found" (or words to that effect). I clicked on it and my Automation Task list was empty. I clicked Update Tasks and it populated with all the tasks (guess I never used Automation Tasks before!). 

 

It's working fine now.

 

Thanks again. What a great community!

 

[sepulchra]

So glad this is working for you @mlondon. Go create folders and move files with reckless abandon!!

 

@Stephen_C is a real gem.

[Stephen_C]

Thank you both for your very kind comments and I'm glad the workflow is useful.

 

Stephen

[Stephen_C]

Version 1.03 is simply a change of icon colours after somebody very kindly pointed out to me that the previous colours were difficult for anyone who may be green/blue colour blind. I'm sorry if you were affected!

 

Stephen