StartupFolder
StartupFolder is a macOS utility that lets you launch apps, scripts, Shortcuts, and links automatically by placing them in a dedicated folder.
What is StartupFolder?
StartupFolder is a macOS utility for managing login-time automation with a simple folder-based workflow. It helps users launch apps, scripts, Shortcuts, and links automatically when they sign in, without building a more complex automation setup. The app creates a dedicated Startup folder in the user account and provides a desktop interface for adding, organizing, and managing the items that run at startup. It also supports launching apps hidden, viewing script output logs, and keeping selected apps or scripts alive by relaunching them after crashes. StartupFolder is designed for Mac users who want a lightweight way to set up recurring background tools, personal workflows, or helper apps that should be ready after login.
Key features
- Launch apps, scripts, Shortcuts, and links automatically at login
- Manage startup items from a dedicated folder-based workflow
- Add startup items through a simple desktop interface
- Start selected apps hidden so they stay out of the way
- Keep chosen apps or scripts running by relaunching them after crashes
- View separate stdout and stderr logs for scripts
Review app leftovers with diCleaner
Inspect caches, support files, containers, and login items before cleaning.
Safety overview
Status: Mostly safe
StartupFolder is a legitimate utility for controlling what runs when you log in to your Mac. Its background behavior is expected for this type of app because it needs to monitor and launch the items you place in its Startup folder. The main practical risk comes from what you choose to run: apps, scripts, and links added to the folder can start automatically every time you sign in, so only place items there that you trust and still want to use. If you stop using StartupFolder, its managed startup actions will no longer run until you set them up another way.
Recommendation: Keep StartupFolder if you use it to launch your usual apps, scripts, or shortcuts at login. If you no longer rely on that automation, you can remove it, but any startup items it manages may stop opening automatically or lose related background behavior.
Common paths
~/Startup
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