Introduction

Everything you need to know about Seiz before getting started.

What is Seiz?#

If you've ever used a Mac, you've used Finder — the default app that lets you browse folders, move files, and open documents. Finder works fine for basic tasks, but it hasn't changed much in years and lacks many features that people need when working with lots of files every day.

Seiz is a replacement for Finder. It does everything Finder does, but adds powerful features on top: you can view multiple folders side by side, search and navigate with a command bar, open a terminal right inside the app, and even use AI to help rename and organize your files — all without sending any data to the internet.

Seiz is built entirely in Swift (the same programming language Apple uses for its own apps), so it feels just like any other native Mac app — fast, smooth, and right at home on macOS.

New to Seiz?

Head over to the Installation guide to download and set up Seiz on your Mac. It takes less than a minute.

Who is Seiz for?#

Seiz is for anyone who works with files regularly and wishes Finder could do more:

  • Designers and creatives — who juggle hundreds of assets across folders and need to compare, move, and rename files quickly.
  • Developers and engineers — who want a terminal built into their file manager, along with keyboard-driven navigation.
  • Students and researchers — who organize large collections of documents, PDFs, and notes.
  • Anyone tired of Finder's limitations — if you've ever wished you could see two folders at once, or quickly jump to a folder by typing its name, Seiz is for you.

Key Features at a Glance#

Multi-Pane Layouts#

Instead of opening multiple Finder windows and dragging them around your screen, Seiz lets you split a single window into multiple panels (called "panes"). Each pane shows a different folder, and you can drag files between them. Think of it like having two or more Finder windows neatly arranged inside one.

Learn more about Multi-Pane Layouts →

Command Bar#

Press ⌘K (Command + K) anywhere in Seiz to open the command bar — a search box that appears in the center of your screen. From here, you can search for files, jump to any folder by typing its name, or run actions like "New Folder" or "Toggle Hidden Files". It's the fastest way to do anything in Seiz.

Learn more about the Command Bar →

Open in Terminal#

Mac power users constantly switch between Finder and a terminal app. Seiz removes that friction: press ⌘⌥T and your preferred terminal app (Terminal, iTerm, Warp, Alacritty, or Kitty) opens already in the folder you're viewing. No more manual cd.

Learn more about Open in Terminal →

Local AI#

Optional AI features that run entirely on your Mac: smart file renaming, semantic search (find files by meaning, not just file name), automatic content summaries, and OCR for screenshots and scanned documents. Powered by Ollama (free, open-source). No data ever leaves your device.

Learn more about Local AI →

Power Features#

Beyond the basics, Seiz includes a set of built-in tools that replace several single-purpose Mac apps you'd otherwise pay for separately:

  • SmartFolder — find duplicate files, the biggest space hogs on your disk, and properly uninstall apps along with the leftover files they hide in ~/Library.
  • BatchRename — rename hundreds of files at once with stackable rules and a live preview.
  • Archiver — compress and extract ZIP, TAR, 7z, RAR, and more — including password-protected archives.
  • Remote & Sync — connect to SFTP, FTP, WebDAV, SMB, and S3 servers; set up two-way sync rules.

How is Seiz Different from Other File Managers?#

There are other Finder alternatives on the Mac (like Path Finder, ForkLift, or Commander One). Here's what sets Seiz apart:

  • 100% native Swift — Many alternatives use older technologies or web-based interfaces. Seiz is built from scratch in Swift, the same language Apple uses, so it's blazing fast and uses minimal memory.
  • One-time price, no subscription — Pay $29 once and you own it forever. No monthly fees, no yearly renewals.
  • Privacy first — Seiz never connects to any server. No analytics, no telemetry, no cloud syncing. Your files stay on your Mac.
  • Modern design — Seiz follows Apple's latest design guidelines and feels right at home on macOS Sonoma and Sequoia.

Pricing#

Seiz is a one-time purchase for $29. That's it — no subscriptions, no in-app purchases, no "Pro" tier. Every feature is included, and all future updates are free. There's also a 14-day free trial so you can try everything before you buy.

Next Steps#

Next Installation