AutoShelf review
Deep automated file sorting for Mac users who want precise control.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
AutoShelf is a macOS desktop utility that watches selected folders and applies user-defined rules in the background. It is designed for freelancers, students, developers, photographers, and anyone managing busy Downloads or Desktop folders. Rules can sort files by type, extension, source URL, downloading app, size, age, filename, document content, OCR matches, or photo EXIF metadata. Actions include moving, copying, renaming, tagging, trashing, archiving, optimizing images, and converting image, video, and audio formats.
The published plans use a straightforward freemium structure. Free includes one rule, one watched folder, and organization by file type, extension, size, or name. AutoShelf Pro costs $19.99 as a one-time purchase and adds unlimited rules, custom templates, multi-condition rules, file actions, and media conversion. Built-in organization and cleanup templates also help extend the basic rule system. For users with a single recurring filing task, Free may be enough; users managing several folders or more complex workflows will need Pro.
AutoShelf’s standout strength is the breadth of its automation controls. Content-aware and OCR conditions can inspect documents, while EXIF conditions can use camera, lens, ISO, and GPS metadata. Local CLI control supports listing, creating, and running rules, and a local MCP server exposes rule management to Claude Desktop, Codex, Cursor, and Windsurf. Additional integrations include Safari, Chrome, Arc, Slack, and Finder. That depth suits technically inclined Mac users who want detailed, automated organization. It is less suitable for Windows users, people seeking a basic cross-platform sorter, or anyone who does not need more than one simple rule.
AutoShelf pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Content, OCR, EXIF, and multi-condition rules
- Moves, renames, tags, archives, and converts files
- CLI and MCP control with broad app integrations
- Where it doesn't
- macOS-only availability
- Free plan allows only one rule
- Advanced automation requires a one-time Pro purchase
AutoShelf fact sheet, pricing and score →
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