Monitor Any File, Anywhere
Keep watch on folders, specific files on any path you choose
Detect Suspicious Activity
Get real-time alerts when .plist and other files are created or modified in sensitive locations; perfect for catching persistence tricks or changed system files
Comprehensive Rule Builder
Use wildcards and versatile path patterns to create flexible, powerful file monitoring rules and even update your rules while Watchtower is running
Full Control Over Notifications
Choose how Watchtower notifies you: using on-screen alerts, audio, screen flashes, running shell scripts, macOS notifications, or silent logging
Watchtower in Action
Monitor your file activity
See at a glance which paths are being monitored, start or stop monitoring instantly, and view recent events in the log
Enjoy flexible Rule-building
Create powerful rules by combining file patterns, triggers, and actions with customized notifications
Real-time Alerts
Get instantly notified when a rule is triggered using Alerts, macOS notifications, or sound
How Watchtower Compares
| Feature / Advantage | Watchtower | FSMonitor | FolderActions (macOS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Focus & Purpose | Rule-based file monitoring & customizable triggers | System-wide file system auditing & event logging inspection | Basic directory-level AppleScript triggers on folder changes |
| Monitoring Granularity | Specific single files, wildcard patterns, or full directories | All system-wide file system events indiscriminately | Folders only (No single file watch) |
| Custom Notification Actions | Alerts, audio cues, screen flash, notifications, shell scripts & silent logs | UI inspection & document export (JSON/text) | Executes attached AppleScripts |
| Rule Engine & Pattern Matching | Comprehensive rule builder with wildcards & runtime editing | Search filters by path, category, or process | No built-in pattern matching |
| Pricing & Licensing | Free Donation-ware | Paid (~$19.99 / 14-day trial) | Free (Built-in to macOS) |