AutoShelf

What is AutoShelf?

AutoShelf is a local-first file organization utility for macOS. It lets users create explicit rules that watch chosen folders and take actions when files match conditions such as file type, source URL, downloading app, size, date, or filename. The product focuses on predictable automation rather than opaque AI sorting, so users know exactly why a file moved. It is useful for anyone whose Downloads or Desktop folder keeps turning into recurring cleanup work.

How to use AutoShelf?

1. 1. Install AutoShelf on a Mac running macOS 13 or later.
2. 2. Choose a folder to watch, such as Downloads, Desktop, or a project folder.
3. 3. Start from a built-in template or create a custom rule with conditions and actions.
4. 4. Review the rule, enable it, and let AutoShelf run quietly from the menu bar.
5. 5. Adjust rules over time as new file patterns or workflows appear.

Core Features

• • Watched folders — Monitor Downloads, Desktop, or custom folders for new and existing files.
• • Rule-based sorting — Match files by type, extension, source URL, downloading app, size, age, or filename.
• • Flexible actions — Move, copy, rename, tag, trash, archive, and optimize files automatically.
• • Built-in templates — Start with common cleanup flows like organizing Downloads or deleting DMG installers.
• • Source-aware routing — Send files from GitHub, Figma, Slack, browsers, and other sources to the right place.
• • Local-first operation — Run file organization offline on the Mac without cloud processing or tracking.

Use Cases

• • Downloads cleanup — Keep browser downloads organized by file type, source, or age.
• • Developer workspace routing — Move repos, SDKs, zips, and code assets into project folders automatically.
• • Design and photo exports — Sort images, screenshots, RAW files, and Figma exports into cleaner folders.
• • Student and freelancer file management — Route PDFs, invoices, contracts, readings, and assignments into predictable locations.