Download AstroOrder

AstroOrder is a lightweight and free utility designed to help astrophotographers organize their image files quickly and intuitively. With support for common filter keywords (like L, R, G, B, H, S, O) and the ability to define custom keys, AstroOrder will sort your files into named folders, optionally including a subfolder name of your choice.

No installation needed. Just download, unzip, and run.

Key Features:

  • User-friendly interface
  • Custom keyword support\
  • Optional subfolder creation
  • Progress bar and error handling
  • Remembers last used folders

Requirements:

  • Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 17 or later

Download: Download AstroOrder

How to Use

  1. Valid Keys: At the top, set the list of matching keys (e.g. _L_,_R_,_G_,_B_,_H_,_S_,_O_). These will be used to detect and classify files.
  2. Select Input Folder: Choose the folder containing the images you want to organize.
  3. Select Output Folder: Choose the base folder where organized files will be copied/moved.
  4. Subfolder Name (Optional): Set the name of a subfolder (like lights, darks, etc.) to be created inside each filter folder. You can use quick buttons provided.
  5. Click ‘Organize Files’: The progress bar will show file processing. Your files will be moved to:
/output_folder/Filter/SubfolderName

Example:

/Pictures/L/RGB/lights

Notes

  • Files are moved, not copied.
  • Subfolder buttons (lights, darks, etc.) help speed up input.
  • Paths are remembered between launches.

🛡 How to Run AstroOrder.jar on macOS

macOS might prevent the app from running because it can’t verify its developer. If you see a message like:

“AstroOrder.jar” cannot be opened because Apple cannot check it…”

Follow these steps to allow it:

  1. Click “Cancel” or “Close” on the warning dialog.
  2. Open System Settings > Privacy & Security.
  3. Scroll down to the Security section.
  4. You should see a message saying:“AstroOrder.jar” was blocked from use because it is not from an identified developer.
  5. Click “Open Anyway”.
  6. Confirm when prompted — the app will then launch normally.

After this first manual authorization, macOS will remember your choice and let you open the app in the future without warnings.

Alternative: Use the Terminal to remove the warning

If you’re comfortable using the Terminal, you can run:

xattr -d com.apple.quarantine AstroOrder.jar

This command removes the quarantine flag added by macOS when you download a file from the internet.