BlueHarvest is the easiest way to keep your disks and file servers clean of Mac "dust". BlueHarvest automatically removes DS_Store files, ._ AppleDouble files and hidden folders such as .Trashes from your USB keys, SD cards, file serves, etc. BlueHarvest removes these items as they're created so you'll always be "dust" free.
Need more control? No problem, simply control-click a disk or folder in the Finder and select "Clean using BlueHarvest" to clean it imediately. BlueHarvest features a very simple user interface and is fully configurable via System Preferences.
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What's New
Version 4.0.0 (16-Dec-2009)
- New streamlined interface for advanced settings.
- Per-volume configurations.
- Option-clean to clean and eject a volume.
- Whitelist support for MacOS type codes & file extensions.
BlueHarvest 4 requires a new serial number. Proceed to the purchasing page for upgrade discount details.
Note: This release is english only - translations to come.
Click for older release notes
Download
If your using a Mac with an Intel processor running 10.6 Snow Leopard or 10.5 Leopard click here to download BlueHarvest 4.
If your using an older Mac with a PowerPC processor or running 10.4 Tiger click here.
Purchase
You can use BlueHarvest for free for 30 days. After that you'll need to register. A single user registration costs $US16.95. Volume discounts and site licenses are also available. Click the purchase link for more details.
Click to purchase BlueHarvest
FAQ
BlueHarvest isn't a toy. We strongly recommend you read our FAQ before installing.
Click here to see our frequently asked questions.
Guide
Installation
Open the BlueHarvest disk image, double click "BlueHarvest.prefPane" and follow the prompts. Don't forget to click "Start"!
Uninstalling
In System Preferences, click BlueHarvest, click "Stop", then click "Show All" at the top of the window. Control-click the BlueHarvest icon and select "Remove" from the menu.
BlueHarvest's Preferences
To change BlueHarvest's configuration, open the System Preferences (via the Apple menu) and click the BlueHarvest icon. BlueHarvest has two ways to configure it: Simple and Advanced. Simple is best for beginner users. Advanced is best for users who need more control over BlueHarvests functions.
Simple Preferences
Simple setup allows you to configure BlueHarvest will just a few clicks.
Check "Keep File Servers Clean" if your on a network and wish to keep the network volumes free from DS_Store and ._ AppleDouble files. Note: Always ask your network administrator for advice before enabling this option.
Check "Keep Non Mac Disks Clean" if your using USB keys, Media Players, digital cameras etc and wish to keep them free from DS_Store and ._ AppleDouble files. Hidden folders (such as .Trashes) will be removed when you use the BlueHarvest menu in the Finder to clean the disk (see below).
You'll need to close the BlueHarvest preferences window before changes take effect.
Simple setup allows you to configure BlueHarvest will just a few clicks.
Check "Keep File Servers Clean" if your on a network and wish to keep the network volumes free from DS_Store and ._ AppleDouble files. Note: Always ask your network administrator for advice before enabling this option.
Check "Keep Non Mac Disks Clean" if your using USB keys, Media Players, digital cameras etc and wish to keep them free from DS_Store and ._ AppleDouble files. Hidden folders (such as .Trashes) will be removed when you use the BlueHarvest menu in the Finder to clean the disk (see below).
You'll need to close the BlueHarvest preferences window before changes take effect.
Advanced Preferences
If you need more control you can switch to Advanced preferences. To switch to Advanced prefernces select "Advanced" in the popup menu in the top left of the BlueHarvest preferences. Advanced settings completely overide "Simple" preferences.
On the left hand side of the Advanced preferences you'll see the "Source list". To change the settings for an item in the source list click the item then check the appropriate settings in the details show on the rights. To have custom settings for a volume or folder click the "+" button below the source list and select the folder or volume. Custom settings completely overdide the "Server" or "Non Mac Disks" settings.
Finder Cleaning
To clean items in the Finder, simply Control-click the folder, disk or Zip archive you wish to clean then select "Clean using BlueHarvest" from the menu. This will clean the item according to your current BlueHarvest preferences. When you clean Zip archives, all MacOS specific files are removed from the archive. (See the FAQ for more details of Zip cleaning). To have BlueHarvest eject a volume after it has been cleaned hold down the option key on your keyboard when you select "Clean using BlueHarvest".
Whitelist
To stop BlueHarvest from deleting ._ AppleDouble files for files with a particular extension (e.g jpg), MacOS Type code or to get BlueHarvest to ignore certain folders or volumes click the "Whitelist" button in the lowwer left of the BlueHarvest preferences.
Links & Reviews
BlueHarvest on MacUpdate, iusethis.com, Versiontracker.
Play nice with non-Mac volumes - MacWorld
Put a stop to pesky hidden files with BlueHarvest - The Unofficial Apple Weblog
Clear folder view problems by removing DS_Store files - MacFixIt
Avoid creation of those pesky ._ and .ds_store files - MacOSXHints
Dealing with Resource Forks and .DS_Store Files on non-Mac Volumes - Low End Mac