llms.txt
# AutoShelf
> Your files, self-organized.
AutoShelf is a macOS app that watches your folders and auto-organizes files. Set a rule once. Never think about it again.
## What it does
AutoShelf monitors specified folders and automatically moves, copies, renames, tags, or trashes files based on rules you define. It runs silently in the menu bar.
## Key features
- **Rule-based file organization** - Define conditions (file type, extension, source URL, download app, size, age, filename) and actions (move, copy, rename, tag, trash)
- **Templates** - Five built-in templates for common workflows: Organize Downloads, Auto-delete DMGs, Clean Desktop, Sort by Source, Auto-trash Installers
- **Download source routing** - Route files based on where they were downloaded from (GitHub, Figma, Slack, etc.)
- **Download app detection** - Know which app downloaded each file (Safari, Chrome, Arc, Finder)
- **Menu bar app** - Lives in your menu bar, not your Dock. Watches folders silently, takes action instantly
- **Multi-actions** - chain multiple actions like move + rename + tag + archive in a single rule
- **Nested folder organization** - create deep folder hierarchies and route files into the right subdirectory
- **Add to Photos app** - import images and videos directly into macOS Photos library as a rule action
- **CLI** - Control AutoShelf from the terminal. Create rules, manage folders, and trigger actions via command line
- **MCP server** - Connect AutoShelf to local AI assistants (Claude, Codex, etc.) via Model Context Protocol. Let AI manage your file organization rules
## CLI
AutoShelf comes with a command-line interface for managing rules and folders from the terminal.
### Install
```sh
curl -fsSL https://useautoshelf.com/cli/install.sh | sh
```
Installs to `/usr/local/bin/autoshelf`. Requires macOS 14+ (Apple Silicon or Intel).
### Commands
- `autoshelf rules list` - List all active rules
- `autoshelf rules create` - Create a new rule (specify watch folder, conditions, actions)
- `autoshelf rules run <name>` - Manually trigger a rule
- `autoshelf folders` - List all watched folders
- `autoshelf --help` - Get help on any command
CLI commands require the AutoShelf macOS app to be installed and running. The CLI communicates with the local AutoShelf daemon.
More info: [AutoShelf CLI](https://useautoshelf.com/cli)
## MCP Server
AutoShelf includes an MCP (Model Context Protocol) server that lets AI assistants connect to your file organization rules.
### Configure
Add to your Claude Desktop config (`~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json`):
```json
{
"mcpServers": {
"autoshelf": {
"command": "/usr/local/bin/autoshelf",
"args": ["mcp"]
}
}
}
```
Restart Claude Desktop after updating the config. The same pattern works for other MCP clients.
### Capabilities
- Create rules by describing them in natural language
- Audit and inspect active rules
- Modify existing rules through conversation
- Troubleshoot rule configurations
The MCP server runs entirely locally. No data leaves your machine. Compatible with Claude Desktop, Codex, Cursor, Windsurf, and any local MCP client. Cloud/web AI like ChatGPT and Claude.ai cannot connect because they don't run on your Mac.
More info: [AutoShelf MCP server](https://useautoshelf.com/mcp)
## Pricing
- **Free**: One rule, fully functional
- **Pro**: $19.99 one-time purchase for unlimited rules and pro features (in-app purchase)
## Platform
- macOS 14 Sonoma and later
- Universal Binary (Apple Silicon + Intel)
- Available on the Mac App Store
- Notarized by Apple
## Privacy
- No analytics, no tracking, no network calls
- All data stays on your device
- Operates entirely offline
- Full details: [Privacy policy](https://useautoshelf.com/privacy)
## Links
- Website: [useautoshelf.com](https://useautoshelf.com)
- App Store: [AutoShelf on the Mac App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/autoshelf)
- Changelog: [Release notes](https://useautoshelf.com/changelog)
- Templates: [Rule templates](https://useautoshelf.com/templates)
- Blog: [The AutoShelf blog](https://useautoshelf.com/blog)
- About: [About AutoShelf](https://useautoshelf.com/about)
- Support: [Support](https://useautoshelf.com/support) · support@useautoshelf.com
- X: [twitter.com/nucro](https://twitter.com/nucro)
- Product Hunt: [AutoShelf on Product Hunt](https://www.producthunt.com/products/autoshelf)
- Built by: [Orçun İlbeyli](https://orcun.design)
## Keywords
macOS file organizer, auto-organize files, file automation Mac, download folder organizer, file rules Mac, automatic file management, menu bar utility Mac
