Create Rules with AI
A step-by-step guide to using the AI Rule Builder to create powerful file sorting rules by describing what you want in plain English.
In This Guide
The Challenge
Building sorting rules manually requires understanding conditions, operators, and actions. For most users, describing what they want is easier than configuring rule logic. The AI Rule Builder bridges this gap by translating natural descriptions into working rules.
Who This Guide Is For
- First-time Sortio users who want to create rules quickly
- Non-technical users who prefer natural language over configuration
- Anyone who knows what they want but not how to configure it
- Power users who want to prototype rules quickly before fine-tuning
Step-by-Step Guide
Open the AI Rule Builder
Navigate to the Rules tab in Sortio and click "Create Rule." Select "AI Rule Builder" to start the conversational interface. You'll see a chat-like panel where you can describe your sorting needs.
Describe Your Sorting Goal
Tell the AI what you want in plain English. Be specific about file types and destinations. Good examples: "Move all PDF invoices to my Finance/Invoices folder" or "Sort screenshots by the month they were created." The more detail, the better.
Review the Generated Rule
The AI will generate a rule based on your description. Review the preview to see the conditions and actions it created. Check that file types, patterns, and destination folders match your intent.
Refine Through Conversation
If the rule isn't quite right, continue the conversation. Say things like "Also include receipts" or "Change the destination to Desktop instead." The AI remembers context and adjusts the rule accordingly. You have up to 10 conversation turns.
Fine-Tune Manually (Optional)
Click "Edit Manually" if you want precise control over specific conditions or actions. This switches to the traditional rule editor where you can adjust operators, add conditions, or modify paths directly.
Save and Test Your Rule
Once satisfied, save the rule to your library. Test it on a small folder first to verify it behaves as expected. The rule will appear in your Rules tab alongside any other rules you've created or imported.
Example Workflow
1Before
You want to organize your Downloads folder but aren't sure how to set up conditions for different file types, date ranges, and destination folders.
2The Prompt
Sort my Downloads folder: move documents to Documents, images to Pictures, videos to Movies, and anything older than 30 days to an Archive folder3After
The AI creates a multi-condition rule that checks file extensions and modification dates, routing files to the appropriate destinations. You review, save, and apply it—your Downloads folder is organized in seconds.
Pro Tips
- Start simple and refine—"Move PDFs to Documents" is better than a complex first request
- Mention specific folders by name: "my Desktop" or "the Finance folder"
- Include date criteria when relevant: "files from last month" or "older than a year"
- Use file patterns: "files with invoice in the name" or "screenshots that start with Screen"
- Give feedback with thumbs up/down to help improve the AI for everyone
- Preview before saving to catch any misunderstandings early
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the AI see my actual files?
No. The AI only processes your text description to generate rule configurations. Your files stay on your device and are processed locally by Sortio using the rules you create.
What if the AI creates the wrong rule?
Refine through conversation ("No, I meant PDFs only") or switch to manual editing for precise control. You can always delete and start over—no files are affected until you run the rule.
How many rules can I create with AI?
AI rule creation uses credits from your plan. Free users have limited credits, Standard users get 50/month, and Pro users get 200/month. Creating a rule typically uses 1 credit.
Related Glossary Terms
Ready to Implement This Guide?
Sortio can automate much of this workflow with AI-powered file organization. Let Sortio handle the sorting while you focus on your work.
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