How to sort DMG and PKG installers automatically on Mac

What this does

App installers pile up in Downloads alongside everything else, even though you usually only need them for the few minutes it takes to install something. This rule corrals every DMG and PKG file into its own Installers subfolder the moment it lands, so they’re easy to find, and easy to clear out later, without mixing in with the rest of your downloads.

What you’ll build

A rule that matches DMG or PKG files, then sorts each into an Installers subfolder.

Open the rule editor

This walkthrough happens inside FilesAutomator itself, so install it from the Mac App Store first if you have not already, then open it. In its toolbar, choose Add, then New Automation Rule.

Name the rule and choose a folder

Name it something like “Corral my installers” and use Add Folder to choose your Downloads folder.

Build the condition

Set the group to “Any of the following is true”.

Add a condition: Extension is dmg.

Add a second condition: Extension is pkg.

FilesAutomator

Add the action steps

Step 1: Sort into subfolder

Choose Add Step, then Sort into folder. In “Name the subfolder with the parts below”, use Add Part, choose Text, and type Installers.

FilesAutomator

Turn it on

Select Create Automation Rule, then switch the rule on. Every installer that lands here now files itself away automatically.

A faster way

The template gallery inside FilesAutomator already has this rule ready to install, named Corral installers.