AutoShelf vs DeskBox

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.

DeskBox is a free Windows app for organizing desktop files in boxes, mapped folders, stacks, and groups. File boxes support drag and drop, renaming, deletion, opening, and locating items in File Explorer. Mapped folders appear on the desktop without changing the original folder location. Similar files can be stacked manually or automatically, and grouped boxes can be switched with the mouse wheel or Ctrl+Tab. A cleanup flow lets users select files individually, include the public desktop, and resume an interrupted cleanup. Built-in boxes cover files, to-dos, notes, and music controls. DeskBox says files, to-dos, notes, and cache remain on the computer and are not uploaded to the cloud by default. Its built-in boxes have no feature restrictions, ads, or subscriptions; the app is listed as GPL-3.0-only with free personal use. It supports Windows 10 version 21H2 or later and Windows 11, with some materials and animations reduced on Windows 10. Direct installers support x64 or ARM64.