NeatShift/wiki/Usage-Guide.md

Usage Guide

Getting Started

NeatShift helps you organize files while maintaining their accessibility through symbolic links. Here's how to use it:

Basic Operations

Moving Files

1. Select Destination:

   • Click "Browse" to choose where files will be moved
   • The path will be saved for future use

2. Add Files:

   • Click "Add Files" or "Add Folder"
   • Or drag and drop files directly
   • Selected items appear in the list

3. Move Operation:

   • Click "Move" to start
   • Progress is shown in the status bar
   • Symbolic links are created automatically

Managing Symbolic Links

Viewing Links

1. Click "View Links" in the toolbar
2. See all symbolic links in the selected location
3. Filter by visibility or search

Link Operations

• Show in Explorer: Open link location
• Toggle Visibility: Hide/show links
• Delete: Remove links (doesn't affect target files)

Settings

Access settings through the toolbar:

System Restore

• Enable/disable automatic restore points
• Recommended for safety

Link Visibility

• Choose to hide symbolic links
• Affects newly created links only

Features

View Modes

• Guide View:

  • Perfect for new users
  • Step-by-step instructions
  • Clear explanations
  • Simplified interface

• Explorer View:

  • Advanced file browsing
  • More options and controls
  • Power user features
  • Quick navigation

Safety Features

• NeatSaves:

  • Quick backup of moved files
  • Faster than system restore
  • Easy file recovery
  • Choose when to use it

• System Restore:

  • Full system protection
  • Windows native integration
  • Recommended for big changes

Updates

• Click the update icon when available
• Review what's new
• Install updates with one click
• Automatic update checks

Dark/Light Theme

• Click the sun/moon icon
• Automatically follows Windows theme
• Changes apply immediately

Drag and Drop

1. Select files in Explorer
2. Drag them to NeatShift
3. Drop in the source files area

Error Prevention

• Validates operations before execution
• Checks for:
  • Write permissions
  • Disk space
  • Existing files
  • Valid paths

Tips & Tricks

1. Batch Operations:

   • Select multiple files/folders
   • Process them in one go

2. Quick Access:

   • Use keyboard shortcuts
   • Drag and drop for faster workflow

3. Link Management:

   • Regular cleanup recommended
   • Use "View Links" to manage

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

1. Permission Denied:

   • Run as administrator
   • Check file permissions

2. Link Creation Failed:

   • Ensure admin privileges
   • Check path validity

3. File in Use:

   • Close applications using the file
   • Try again

Getting Help

Need more help?

1. Check our FAQ
2. Create a GitHub issue
3. Contact support