How to organize files with SortSentry.

Start with a small folder and one PDF rule. This guide uses the English control names shown in the Windows app.

1. Install the app and add a folder

Install from Microsoft Store, open Watched folders and choose Add folder. Use a personal folder with a few sample files. SortSentry monitors files directly inside it; subfolders are not automatically processed.

2. Choose a condition and destination

Open Rules and choose New rule. For example, match the .pdf extension and add a Move action to a folder inside Documents that is not being watched. You can use an Invoices/{year} folder pattern under your chosen destination. Replace any sample destination with your own folder.

This PDF rule matches every qualifying PDF, not just invoices. The app does not read document contents to tell them apart. Narrow the match with a name condition that fits your own file naming if needed. Every condition within a rule must match.

3. Review the rule order

Rules run from top to bottom and stop at the first match. Put specific rules before broad extension rules. Free supports up to three active rules; Pro adds unlimited active rules.

4. Run a preview

Check that Preview is on, then choose Preview files. Inspect matching files, actions and final destinations. The files stay in place. Adjust conditions or destinations when the plan is not what you intended.

5. Start organizing

Select Start organizing and read the confirmation. Once confirmed, enabled rules apply to existing files and new arrivals. Pause monitoring or return to preview when you want to review settings.

6. Review Activity and undo

Open Activity to see the history. Undo checks file location and contents, and refuses an occupied original path. If several actions affected one file, undo the newest first. Keep the journal and quarantine storage until restoration is complete.

Another example: keep images together

Use the extension condition .png,.jpg,.webp and choose a destination outside watched folders. Preview before enabling the rule. For rename, {name}_{date:yyyyMMdd}.{ext} retains the original base name and adds a date component; check token results in preview.

Keep the process running

Closing the window keeps SortSentry in the system tray. Windows startup can be requested in Settings and is off by default. Daily and weekly schedules are Pro features and run while the process is active.

Read the FAQ for files that have not moved or get help with your rule.