Magic Folder: Clean Up Your Vista Desktop
Maintaining a Tidy Desktop with the Magic Folder
Is your desktop overwhelmed by a multitude of downloaded files, scattered in disarray? While creating shortcuts can conceal desktop icons, this merely hides the problem. We will demonstrate how to utilize the Magic Folder to achieve a consistently organized workspace.
The Magic Folder is, in essence, a Windows Sidebar gadget. Files can be dragged onto it, and it will automatically categorize them into designated folders, based on user-defined rules that are easily configured.
Utilizing the Magic Folder
Following installation, the gadget needs to be added to your sidebar. This is accomplished by right-clicking on the sidebar and selecting "Add Gadgets," then dragging the Magic Folder to either the desktop or the sidebar itself.
Upon initial addition, a quick start screen will appear. It is recommended to leave the checkbox unchecked and proceed by clicking the green button at the bottom of the screen.
To access the settings, click the small wrench icon located adjacent to the gadget.
Begin by navigating to the Visual tab to customize the gadget's appearance. While the Default style is a viable option, the "Magic" style may also be preferred.
If a smaller gadget size is desired, it can be positioned in a corner, remaining unobtrusive alongside your desktop wallpaper.
Without further configuration, the gadget can be used immediately. Simply drag a file onto the Magic Folder.
You will then be prompted to select a destination folder from a list of favorite folders, which can be customized.
After selecting the folder and confirming with the green check button, the file will be moved, and a confirmation message will appear (which can also be disabled).
Customizing Folder Options
Within the settings panel, the Folders tab allows for customization of the folder list presented in the drop-down menu.
Disabling "file move confirmations" is recommended to streamline the process. Checking the top box enables file movement based on their extensions, activating the Extensions tab.
The Extensions tab allows you to assign default destination folders for various file types. Many common extensions are pre-configured, such as directing Word documents to your Documents folder.
Enabling automatic file movement eliminates the need for prompts; files will be moved directly to their designated folders.
The "Watched Folder" option is another valuable feature, creating a new folder where the defined rules are automatically applied.
Activating this option creates a "The Magic Folder" directory within your User directory. Any files moved to this folder will be processed and sorted automatically, without user interaction.
Clicking on the folder itself provides a convenient drop-down menu for quick access to your favorite folders.
This gadget stands out as one of the most useful Vista Sidebar additions available. Will it be enough to dissuade you from disabling the sidebar altogether?
Download The Magic Folder Vista Sidebar Gadget