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SPECIFICTION
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AutoShelf

useautoshelf.com

Free plan macOS
Visit useautoshelf.com
Spec score 8.4 #3 of 47 in Desktop Organization Software

What it is

AutoShelf organizes files in watched folders according to rules you create. Rules can match file type, source URL, downloading app, size, age, and filename, then move, copy, rename, tag, trash, archive, or optimize files. Dry runs show which files match and what actions are planned without changing files while the preview is active. Quick Action Zones let you drop files onto a zone assigned to one action, and you can create as many zones as you like. Five built-in templates cover Downloads, old DMGs, Desktop cleanup, sorting by source, and installers. AutoShelf can inspect document text to route invoices, receipts, and contracts or tag confidential content; for photos, it reads six EXIF fields including location and date taken. The macOS app requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later and supports Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. The Free plan allows one rule for one folder and its subfolders. Unlimited rules costs $19.99, paid once. The companion CLI requires the app, and the local MCP server supports clients including Claude Desktop, Codex, Cursor, and Windsurf.

Spec sheet

What it does
AutoShelf automatically organizes files in watched folders using user-created rules.Read 9 Oct 2026 · useautoshelf.com
Integrations
The site says AutoShelf can sort by the app that downloaded a file, including Safari, Chrome, and Arc.Read 9 Oct 2026 · useautoshelf.com
Support
The support page offers a contact form for bugs, ideas, and help requests.Read 9 Oct 2026 · useautoshelf.com
Actions
The site lists seven actions: move, copy, rename, tag, trash, archive, and optimize.Read 9 Oct 2026 · useautoshelf.com
CLI
The CLI is a companion to the macOS app, requires the app, and can list, create, and run rules from the terminal.Read 9 Oct 2026 · useautoshelf.com
Content matching
AutoShelf can read text inside documents to route invoices, receipts, and contracts, or tag confidential content.Read 9 Oct 2026 · useautoshelf.com
Dry runs
Rules can preview matching files and planned actions before running, while the preview is active no files are touched.Read 9 Oct 2026 · useautoshelf.com
Image optimization
AutoShelf reduces JPG and PNG file sizes without visible quality loss, according to the site.Read 9 Oct 2026 · useautoshelf.com
Local privacy
The privacy policy says the macOS app works offline, stores rules and settings locally, and makes no network requests; the website uses Umami Analytics and Google Ads conversion tracking.Read 9 Oct 2026 · useautoshelf.com
MCP clients
The local MCP server supports clients including Claude Desktop, Codex, Cursor, and Windsurf; the site says cloud AI services cannot access the Mac.Read 9 Oct 2026 · useautoshelf.com
Photo metadata
AutoShelf reads six EXIF fields per photo, including camera model, lens, ISO, aperture, GPS location, and date taken.Read 9 Oct 2026 · useautoshelf.com
Platform requirement
AutoShelf requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later and supports Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.Read 9 Oct 2026 · useautoshelf.com
Quick Action Zones
Users can drop files onto zones to run an action; each zone holds one action, and users can create as many zones as they like.Read 9 Oct 2026 · useautoshelf.com
Rule conditions
A rule can combine six conditions: file type, source URL, download app, size, age, and filename.Read 9 Oct 2026 · useautoshelf.com
Templates
The site lists five built-in templates for organizing Downloads, deleting old DMGs, cleaning Desktop, sorting by source, and trashing installers.Read 9 Oct 2026 · useautoshelf.com

Plans and prices

Free Free 1 rule · 1 folder and its subfolders Read 9 Oct 2026 · useautoshelf.com
Unlimited rules $19.99, paid once one-time purchase Unlimited rules Read 9 Oct 2026 · useautoshelf.com

Every AutoShelf plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Dry runs preview actions before files change
  • Rules combine six listed conditions
  • Includes five organizing templates
  • Supports Apple Silicon and Intel Macs

Limits

  • Requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later
  • Free plan covers one rule and one folder
  • CLI requires the macOS app

Who it suits

AutoShelf suits Mac users who want to sort watched folders with rules, templates, or drop-to-run actions. Its CLI and local MCP server may also suit users who want to manage rules from the terminal or supported clients.

Verdict

AutoShelf offers rule-based file organization with previews, templates, and quick actions. The free plan is limited to one rule for one folder and its subfolders; unlimited rules cost $19.99 as a one-time purchase.

Where Specifiction places it

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