File your first documents.
Then recover a backup.

Lesson 1 · Start here

Set up a practice folder

1. In Finder, create a new empty folder called Folder Steward Practice. This will be your practice repository—the main folder the app organizes.
2. Prepare two or three copies of non-sensitive documents outside that folder. Use fictional receipts or ordinary test PDFs, not your only copy of an important document.
3. Launch Folder Steward and choose the practice folder as your repository. If a repository is already open, change it in Settings. Allow access to the selected folder when macOS asks.

Lesson 2 · Import

Add your first document

1. Select your practice repository under Finder Folders.
2. Drag one practice PDF into the large colored Drop files or folders area at the top. You can also choose Add Files.
3. In the separate Review & File window, watch the file’s reading status. Select it to inspect the preview while the app prepares recommendations.

Lesson 3 · Approve

Review the name and file it

1. Compare the preview with the proposed filename. Check the document type, issue date, and any property, person, vehicle, or company details. Edit anything incorrect or uncertain.
2. Choose a destination inside the practice repository. Prefer an appropriate existing folder, or add a subfolder such as Practice Receipts. The folder you were viewing when you dropped the file is not necessarily its suggested destination.
3. Check whether Store File will move or copy the source, then confirm the filing action. Manual fallback and folder imports preserve originals by copying.
4. Return to the destination folder and select the saved file. Use Open to confirm you can read it.

Lesson 4 · Work in batches

Review several files or a folder

1. Drop your remaining practice files—or a small practice folder—into the colored drop area.
2. Review files as they become ready. Open Accept Recommendations and choose Names and Locations, Suggested Names Only, or Suggested Locations Only.
3. Inspect the proposed batch before applying it. Reading files, duplicate warnings, and manual-review items need further attention and are not silently included.
4. To compare an incoming folder tree, use More import options → Review One Folder’s Structure. Compare Original and Proposed, then edit names and destinations or exclude files in Files & Destinations before importing.

Lesson 5 · Organize

Find and rearrange your files

1. Select the practice repository to search all its subfolders, or select a subfolder to limit the search to that branch. Search for part of a saved filename.
2. Drag one saved file from Files in this folder or search results onto another folder. Review the source and destination, then confirm Move File. The file’s Move control is an alternative.
3. To reorganize a whole folder, drag it under Finder Folders onto its new parent. Drop it onto the repository name to move it to the top level. Review the paths before confirming Move Folder.
4. To undo a supported file change, use Recent file actions or Action & Undo History. To reverse a folder move, move the folder back to its previous parent.

Lesson 6 · Customize

Tailor filing to your documents

1. Open Settings → Organization and review the Life Documents template.
2. Adjust your preferred branches: Personal, Corporate, and confirmed Sold Properties for properties; years for tenant and tax records; bank, account, and year for statements.
3. Use street number and street name for property folders. Keep receipts with their purpose and the relevant property, vehicle, person, or company.
4. Add another practice document and review its suggested destination. Confirm ownership and sold status from the document and your own knowledge before accepting.

Lesson 7 · Optional practice

Review duplicate copies safely

1. For this exercise only, duplicate a disposable practice file in Finder inside the practice repository. Wait for the app to notice the change.
2. Choose Reassess for the practice repository or folder and inspect the duplicate recommendations.
3. Choose Select All Exact Duplicates for Removal, then Review Kept / Removed Copies. Check that the copy you want remains and that the removal count is correct.
4. Apply only the reviewed changes. If you want a removed copy back, use an available individual Undo action or Show Duplicate Recovery Folder in Finder.

Lesson 8 · Finish with a restore test

Create a backup and test recovery

1. On the main practice repository page, choose Backup. Select a destination outside the repository with enough space for the archive and temporary working files.
2. Choose Not Encrypted for a readable ZIP, or Encrypted for a password-protected .aea backup. For encryption, choose a strong password and save it somewhere safe outside the backup.
3. Wait for Backup completed and verified. Keep the original repository unchanged.
4. Choose Restore → Open as a separate restored folder. Select the backup, its protection type, and a separate restore location. Enter the password when required.
5. Open the recovered folder and documents. Check that expected files and subfolders are present and the documents open. Repeat with the other protection option if you plan to use both.

Optional upgrade

Check your free allowance

You do not need to buy Unlimited to complete this tutorial. The sidebar and drop area show the spaces remaining within the 100-file allowance for your selected repository, including subfolders. It counts current files—not lifetime imports.

1. If you want more capacity, choose Upgrade in the sidebar or Unlimited in Settings.
2. Review Apple’s displayed local price. Unlock Unlimited is a one-time purchase, not a subscription. Complete Apple’s purchase flow only if you want to buy it.
3. Already purchased? Use Restore Purchases with the same Apple Account instead of buying again. Successful access shows Unlimited Active.

At the free limit, existing documents remain accessible, along with search, organization, export, backup, restore, and undo.

Need help? Read the backup and restore guide or visit Support. Use fictional or redacted examples if you contact us.