AutoShelf 2.0

Product Introduction

1. Definition: AutoShelf 2.0 is a native macOS automation utility (specifically, a folder watcher and file organizer application) that operates as a menu bar agent. It uses a rule-based engine to monitor designated folders and perform user-defined actions on files based on multiple conditional triggers.
2. Core Value Proposition: It exists to eliminate manual file organization on Mac by providing a powerful, set-and-forget automation system. Its primary value is in automating digital clutter management, saving users time, and creating a consistently organized file system without ongoing effort.

Main Features

1. Intelligent Rule Engine: The core functionality is a multi-condition rule builder. Users can create rules that combine file attributes such as file extension (e.g., .pdf, .dmg), download source URL (metadata from browsers), downloading application (Safari, Chrome, Arc), file size, file age, and filename patterns. Actions are then triggered, including move, copy, rename, tag, trash, and archive.
2. CLI (Command Line Interface) & MCP (Model Context Protocol) Server: AutoShelf extends beyond a GUI app. The CLI allows power users and developers to create, manage, and trigger rules directly from the terminal for scripting and integration. The MCP server enables connectivity with local AI assistants (like Claude Desktop), allowing AI agents to programmatically interact with and manage AutoShelf's file organization rules.
3. Built-in Optimization & Advanced Actions: Beyond simple moving, actions include automatic image optimization for JPG and PNG files, which reduces file size without perceptible quality loss. This leverages local compression algorithms. The roadmap includes planned actions for automatic file format conversion (e.g., HEIC to JPG, MOV to MP4).

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Chronic disorganization of high-traffic directories like the Mac Downloads folder and Desktop, leading to wasted time searching for files, duplicate files, and accumulation of obsolete installers (like .dmg files) and temporary files.
2. Target Audience: Mac power users (Developers, Photographers, Freelancers, Students) who handle high volumes of files from diverse sources. Specifically, developers managing SDKs and source archives, photographers sorting RAW files and exports, and freelancers juggling project assets, invoices, and client communications.
3. Use Cases: Automatically sorting downloaded files by project or type (e.g., all Figma exports to a Design folder, all GitHub .zip files to a Dev folder). Automatically deleting old .dmg installer files after a set period. Compressing screenshots and image exports to save disk space. Clearing the Desktop weekly by moving files to an archive.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike subscription-based utilities like Hazel, AutoShelf offers a one-time purchase license. Compared to built-in tools like Automator or Folder Actions, it provides a more user-friendly, powerful, and reliable rule-building interface with deeper system integration (e.g., accessing download source metadata). It is more focused than general system cleaners like CleanMyMac.
2. Key Innovation: Its dual-access model via a native macOS menu bar app combined with a CLI and MCP server is unique. This bridges the gap between simple GUI automation and programmable, AI-agent-integrated workflow automation, making it a tool for both casual users and technical users building complex, intelligent file management pipelines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How does AutoShelf organize files automatically on Mac? AutoShelf runs as a background menu bar app on macOS that watches folders you specify. You create rules using conditions like file type, name, source URL, or age. When a matching file appears, it automatically executes actions like moving, copying, renaming, tagging, or trashing it, all performed locally on your Mac.
2. Is AutoShelf a good free alternative to Hazel for Mac? Yes, AutoShelf serves as a capable alternative to Hazel. It offers a free tier with one fully functional rule. For users needing unlimited rules, it requires a single one-time payment of $19.99 instead of a recurring subscription, which is a key differentiator.
3. Can AutoShelf automatically clean and organize my Mac Downloads folder? Absolutely. AutoShelf includes specific templates for organizing the Downloads folder. It can sort files by type, move files based on which browser downloaded them (Safari, Chrome, Arc), route files by download source URL, and automatically delete old files like .dmg installers after a set time.
4. Does AutoShelf work offline and respect user privacy? Yes, AutoShelf is designed as a fully offline application. All file processing, rule matching, and actions occur locally on your Mac. It does not send file data, metadata, or analytics to any external servers, ensuring complete privacy.
5. What are the system requirements for AutoShelf 2.0? AutoShelf 2.0 requires macOS 13 Ventura or later. It is distributed as a Universal Binary, meaning it runs natively on both Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) and Intel-based Mac computers.