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Basic Concepts

Understanding the core concepts of FilesDesk.

How FilesDesk Works

FilesDesk uses a three-step process:

  1. Analysis - AI examines file content, metadata, and context
  2. Pattern Matching - Your template rules are applied
  3. Renaming - Files are renamed with the new names

Templates

Templates are the rules that define how files are named.

Template Components

ComponentDescriptionExample
{date}File date2024-01-15
{description}AI-generated descriptionsunset-beach-photo
{category}File categoryinvoice, receipt
{sequence}Sequential number001, 002

Example Template

{date}_{category}_{description}

Results in: 2024-01-15_invoice_acme-corp-payment.pdf

Watch Folders

Watch folders automatically process new files:

  • Add files to a watched folder
  • FilesDesk detects and renames them
  • Original files are moved or renamed in place

AI Providers

FilesDesk supports multiple AI services:

  • OpenAI - GPT-4, GPT-3.5
  • Anthropic - Claude
  • Google - Gemini
  • Local - Ollama, LM Studio

Each provider has different strengths for various file types.