AutoShelf vs Desktop Fences+

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.

Desktop Fences+ is a free, open-source Windows utility for organizing desktop icons, shortcuts, files and folders into virtual fences. It offers data fences, portal fences that reflect folder contents, and note fences for text. Users can customize colors, borders, titles, icon sizes, spacing and launch effects. A search pane finds shortcuts across data fences. Profiles can switch automatically when programs activate or be selected with hotkeys, while Smart Desktop rules can move files into portal fences or folders. The manual describes backup and restore, and fences can be exported and imported between systems. Supported items include Windows shortcuts, web links, folders, documents and network targets; the changelog also mentions Spotify URI shortcuts and basic Microsoft Store app support. The project is portable and compatible with Windows 10 and 11, but requires a user-writable location and .NET Framework support. The digitalsleuth repository has no releases listed; its README points to the original limbo666 repository for the latest release package.