FAQ
Common questions about file safety, AI and privacy, purchasing and licensing. Can't find an answer? Write to [email protected].
Does Alayo copy or upload my files?
No. Adding files to a space only creates references — the originals stay where they are, never copied, never uploaded. Organizing on the canvas (moving cards, grouping) happens entirely inside Alayo and never touches the disk.
When does Alayo actually touch my files?
Only after you've reviewed the complete change list in the review panel (which file, from where, to where) and clicked Apply All. Even then, applied moves can be undone from History.
Can deleting wipe out a file?
No. Deletion in Alayo is always Move to Trash, recoverable from the system Trash anytime. “Remove from This Space” only removes the card reference; the original file stays put.
What if a file gets moved or renamed outside Alayo?
Alayo continuously verifies its references. When it can follow the change it does so automatically; files it can't find are clearly marked on the card (missing/deleted) — nothing disappears silently.
Do AI features send my file contents to the cloud?
By default Alayo uses Apple's on-device model, so content never leaves your Mac. You can bring your own API key (BYOK) for a cloud model — in that case any operation that sends content is disclosed in the UI (e.g. “(Understanding summaries for N files were sent to AI)”).
Can I use Alayo without configuring AI?
Yes. Manual organizing, organizing by rules (deterministic grouping by type/extension/date), search, applying, and undo all work without a model; AI-powered actions — Smart Organize, Smart Rename, natural-language commands — need one.
What's the difference between “Smart” and “Rule”?
“Smart” actions are judged by AI and may vary between runs; “Rule” actions are deterministic — same input, same result, every time. Both produce proposals you review.
Can one file appear in multiple spaces?
Yes. Cards are references, so the same file can have a card in several spaces, each with independent position and grouping.
What are “monitored folders” in a space?
New files appearing under a monitored folder show up in the review inbox for you to add or ignore — they never enter the canvas automatically. Ignoring is remembered, so the same file won't nag you twice.
How is Alayo priced?
Pay once: one purchase, permanent use of the current major version, with a 14-day full-featured trial. An early-bird presale runs before launch — see alayo.ai.
What systems are supported?
macOS 15 and later.
How do I get help?
In the app: Help → Send Feedback…, or write to [email protected].