Background Processing

What it is

ReceiptMatrix can automatically process new files from watched folders while the app is open. Background processing is a Premium feature. On the Free plan, you can still import receipts manually.

How to enable it

Open Settings -> Automation and turn on Enable Background Receipt Processing. If you want the app to start when you sign in, also enable Launch at Login.

Adding a watched folder by itself does not start automatic imports. Background processing must be enabled too.

How it runs

• Foreground: normal app use, watched-folder polling stays active.
• Minimized or inactive: watched-folder polling stays active and the app also performs a periodic backup scan.
• Quit: no processing runs.

What happens to new files

When a supported file is found in a watched folder, ReceiptMatrix imports it into app storage, runs OCR, and extracts the main receipt fields. The app may also normalize the filename using extracted data.

Scheduled exports

If you have a scheduled export configured, it runs during the app's background-processing checks. When a scheduled export completes, macOS can notify you.

Watched folder tips

Configure folders in Settings -> Folders. If you use the optional move-after-import setting, the source watched-folder file is removed after a successful import so the folder stays clean. If a folder becomes inaccessible, re-add it in Settings.

Troubleshooting checklist

• Confirm automation is enabled in Settings -> Automation.
• Confirm at least one watched folder is configured and accessible.
• Keep the app running. Minimized is fine; quit stops processing.
• Confirm you are testing with a supported file type.
• Confirm your plan includes background processing.

If the expected behavior still does not match what you see, email [email protected] for help.