Hyoi

Definition: Hyoi is a lightweight macOS utility (category: productivity software) that creates an automated floating shelf during file drag operations. It functions as a temporary staging area for files, images, and text snippets.
Core Value Proposition: Hyoi eliminates the friction of multi-step drag-and-drop operations on macOS. It provides an on-demand temporary storage shelf to prevent desktop clutter, reduce window juggling, and eliminate the need to hold dragged items while navigating between apps or locations.

Context-Aware Floating Shelf:
- How it works: The shelf appears only when a drag operation initiates. It uses macOS system-level drag events to trigger its UI.
- Technology: Leverages macOS Accessibility APIs and drag-and-drop event handling within a minimalist native app (679KB size).
Universal Drag Target:
- How it works: Accepts files (any type), images (from browsers, preview, etc.), and text snippets dragged from any macOS application.
- Technology: Implements macOS pasteboard (clipboard) compatibility for diverse data types during drag operations.
Minimalist & Distraction-Free UI:
- How it works: The shelf defaults to a semi-transparent state at the screen edge. It remains hidden until a drag starts and auto-hides after drops.
- Technology: Built with Swift/SwiftUI for a native macOS 13.5+ experience, ensuring low resource usage and system integration.

Pain Point: Inefficient multi-step file transfers requiring users to hold dragged items while searching for destinations or managing windows, leading to errors and frustration.
Target Audience:
- Digital Content Creators (Designers, Video Editors): Moving assets between creative apps (Figma, Photoshop, Final Cut Pro).
- Developers & IT Professionals: Organizing code snippets, logs, or configuration files during workflows.
- Researchers & Students: Collating data, images, and text from multiple sources (PDFs, browsers, documents).
- General Power Users: Anyone frequently moving items between folders, apps, or desktops.
Use Cases:
- Batch File Organization: Dragging multiple files from Downloads, dropping onto Hyoi, then dragging subsets to different folders or cloud storage.
- Cross-Application Workflow: Copying text from a PDF, dropping it onto Hyoi, then dragging it into an email and attaching related images from Finder.
- Temporary Image Compilation: Collecting reference images from a web browser onto Hyoi before dragging all into a design document.

Differentiation: Unlike traditional clipboard managers (persistent history) or desktop organizers (permanent storage), Hyoi offers ephemeral, drag-context-specific storage. It’s simpler than automator workflows for quick transfers and less intrusive than keeping a Finder window open. Competitors lack its "appear-on-drag" automation.
Key Innovation: The trigger-based UI activation – appearing only during drag operations – is its core innovation. This zero-configuration, zero-persistence approach combined with universal data type support creates a uniquely seamless experience for temporary item staging on macOS.

Does Hyoi work with macOS Sonoma and Ventura?
Yes, Hyoi requires macOS 13.5 (Ventura) or later, including Sonoma. It’s built for modern macOS architecture.
Is Hyoi completely free and does it collect user data?
Hyoi is a free macOS utility with no data collection. The developer confirms zero data is collected (verified via App Privacy details).
Can Hyoi store items permanently or sync across devices?
No, Hyoi is designed as a temporary drag-and-drop shelf. Items disappear once dragged out or the app is quit. It offers no persistent storage or iCloud sync.
What file types and data can I drop onto the Hyoi shelf?
Hyoi supports any file type from Finder, images dragged from apps or browsers, and text snippets from virtually any macOS application.
Does Hyoi work with multiple monitors?
Yes, the Hyoi shelf intelligently appears on the active screen edge where the drag operation initiates, supporting multi-monitor macOS setups.

A magical shelf that appears when you drag files on Mac