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https://github.com/bytexgrid/neatshift

A modern Windows file organization tool with symbolic link support
https://github.com/bytexgrid/neatshift

csharp dotnet file-manager filemanagement productivity windows

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A modern Windows file organization tool with symbolic link support

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README

          


NeatShift Logo

NeatShift


Keep your files organized, without losing track of them



📚 Learn More
🏪 Microsoft Store
📦 Download
🐛 Found a Bug?
💡 Share Ideas

![GitHub release (latest by date)](https://img.shields.io/github/v/release/BytexGrid/NeatShift)
![GitHub all releases](https://img.shields.io/github/downloads/BytexGrid/NeatShift/total)
![GitHub](https://img.shields.io/github/license/BytexGrid/NeatShift)
![.NET](https://img.shields.io/badge/.NET-8.0-512BD4)

Available on Microsoft Store!


Get it from Microsoft

Microsoft Store Version
- One-click install
- Auto-updates
- Optional telemetry
GitHub Release
- Open source
- No telemetry
- Manual install

Hey there! Ever get frustrated with messy files scattered across your PC? Let me explain what NeatShift does with a real example:

Imagine you have:
- Games in `C:\Games` (eating up your SSD space)
- Documents in `C:\Users\You\Documents` (getting cluttered)
- Downloads everywhere

You want to move those huge game folders to your bigger HDD, but:
- Steam won't find the games anymore
- Shortcuts break
- File paths in your apps stop working

**That's where NeatShift comes in!**

It lets you:
1. Move those big game folders to `D:\Games`
2. Creates magical links so everything still works
3. Your PC thinks the files haven't moved at all!

Real-world uses:
- Move games to a different drive without breaking Steam
- Organize documents while keeping shortcuts working
- Clean up your SSD without breaking anything
- Keep your files organized YOUR way

Think of it like creating shortcuts, but WAY more powerful - apps can't even tell the files moved!

> **Note**: English isn't my first language, so you might spot some quirks in the documentation. Feel free to suggest improvements!

## See It In Action

### Light Mode - Clean & Crisp
![NeatShift Light Mode](Refimages/lightmode.png)

### Dark Mode - Easy on the Eyes
![NeatShift Dark Mode](Refimages/darkmode.png)

### User Interface Highlights

#### Safety Net Options
![Safety Net Options](Refimages/safety-net.png)
Choose between NeatSaves, System Restore, or both for maximum protection when moving files.

#### Integrated File Explorer
![Custom File Explorer Integration](Refimages/file-explorer.png)
Modern file explorer interface with drag-and-drop support and intuitive file management.

## What Makes NeatShift Special?

* **Smart Moving**: Move files anywhere, and NeatShift creates symbolic links so everything still works
* **Double Safety**: Choose between NeatSaves quick backup or system restore points - or use both!
* **Looks Good, Feels Good**: Modern Windows 11 style with both light and dark themes
* **Super Simple**: Just drag and drop your files - it's that easy
* **Stay in Control**: See and manage all your symbolic links in one place
* **Two Ways to Browse**: Simple guide view for beginners, pro explorer view when you need it
* **Always Updated**: Get notified when new versions drop, update right from the app
* **No Surprises**: Smart checks to prevent accidents before they happen

## Getting Started

### Just Want to Use It?
1. Grab the latest version from our [Releases page](https://github.com/BytexGrid/NeatShift/releases)
2. Pick your flavor:
* `NeatShift.exe` - One file, ready to go (bit larger)
* `NeatShift-Release.zip` - Zipped package (smaller download)
3. Double-click and you're set!
* No installer headaches
* Everything's included - even the .NET stuff

### Want to Tinker With the Code?

1. Get your copy:
```bash
git clone https://github.com/BytexGrid/NeatShift.git
```
2. Fire up Visual Studio 2022
3. You'll need:
* Visual Studio 2022 (any flavor works)
* .NET 8.0 SDK
* Windows SDK 10.0.19041.0+
4. Ready to roll:
* Set `NeatShift` as your startup
* Hit F6 to build
* F5 to see it in action

## 📚 Learn More

Check out our [Wiki](https://github.com/BytexGrid/NeatShift/wiki) for all the details:
- [Getting Started Guide](https://github.com/BytexGrid/NeatShift/wiki/Installation)
- [How to Use](https://github.com/BytexGrid/NeatShift/wiki/Usage-Guide)
- [Safety First](https://github.com/BytexGrid/NeatShift/wiki/Security-and-Verification)
- [Common Questions](https://github.com/BytexGrid/NeatShift/wiki/FAQ)

## What You'll Need

### Bare Minimum:
* Windows 10 version 1809 (build 17763)
* Admin rights (for creating links)
* 100 MB of space

### For the Best Experience:
* Windows 11
* An SSD (because faster is better)
* System Restore turned on (just in case)

## About Those Admin Rights

NeatShift needs admin privileges for two things:

1. **Making Symbolic Links**: Windows is picky about who gets to create these
2. **System Restore Points**: Better safe than sorry!

## ⚠️ Heads Up!

NeatShift is still young and growing. While I've added safety nets like automatic restore points:

1. **Back Up**: Maybe create a restore point yourself - just to be extra safe
2. **Work in Progress**: We're actively improving things
3. **No Guarantees**: It works on my machine(s), but you know how that goes
4. **Double-Check**: Always verify your links work as expected

## 🤝 Need a Hand?

Got questions or ideas?

* Browse our [Wiki](https://github.com/BytexGrid/NeatShift/wiki)
* [Open an Issue](https://github.com/BytexGrid/NeatShift/issues) - I read them all!

## Legal Stuff

NeatShift is free software under the GNU General Public License v3.0. In simple terms:
- Use it however you like
- Share it with others
- Make it better
- Share your improvements

[Full license details here](https://www.gnu.org/licenses/)