PopStack

Product Introduction

1. Definition: PopStack is a macOS-native desktop utility application that reimagines the traditional Desktop Stacks feature. It creates instant folder popovers (grid or list views) for rapid file access without cluttering the screen.
2. Core Value Proposition: PopStack eliminates desktop chaos by delivering instantaneous folder access, automated organization, and native-level performance—optimizing workflow efficiency for macOS users.

Main Features

1. Folder Popovers: Instantly transforms desktop folders into hover-activated popovers. Users toggle between grid (visual thumbnails) or list (text-based) views via right-click. Built on macOS native APIs for zero-lag responsiveness.
2. Auto-Sort: Automatically categorizes desktop files into user-defined folders using customizable rules (e.g., file type, date, project name). Leverages macOS File System Events for real-time monitoring.
3. Smart Icons: Generates dynamic folder icons that preview contents (e.g., showing document/page counts or dominant file types). Renders icons programmatically using SwiftUI and Core Graphics.
4. Native Performance: Engineered entirely in Swift with optimized Core Animation frameworks, ensuring ≤10ms response times and 60fps smoothness during drag-and-drop operations.
5. Drag & Drop Support: Enables direct file transfers from popovers to apps (e.g., Photoshop, Finder) or the desktop via macOS Pasteboard integration.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Desktop clutter from scattered files slows navigation and reduces productivity. PopStack’s auto-sort and popovers enable single-click access to organized content.
2. Target Audience:
   • Creative Professionals: Designers/photographers managing project assets.
   • Developers: Coders juggling scripts, assets, and documentation.
   • Productivity-Focused Users: Researchers, writers, and analysts handling multi-format files.
3. Use Cases:
   • Rapidly attaching files from popovers to emails without minimizing windows.
   • Auto-grouping screenshots, invoices, or code snippets into labeled folders.
   • Maintaining a minimalist desktop during screen-sharing sessions.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike subscription-based utilities (e.g., Hazel) or macOS’s static Stacks, PopStack offers lifetime licensing, dynamic previews, and deeper customization (e.g., rule-based sorting).
2. Key Innovation: Proprietary "Smart Icons" algorithm analyzes folder contents in real-time to generate visual summaries—surpassing macOS’s generic folder icons.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is PopStack compatible with macOS Sonoma or later?
   Yes, PopStack requires macOS 26.2+ (Sonoma or newer) due to its dependency on SwiftUI 5 APIs and FileProvider extensions.
2. Does PopStack support cloud-synced folders like iCloud Drive?
   Absolutely. It seamlessly integrates with iCloud, Dropbox, and other cloud services via macOS’s native file coordination system.
3. Can I customize Auto-Sort rules for specific workflows?
   Yes, create rules based on file extensions, keywords, creation dates, or regex patterns—e.g., auto-sort ".psd" files into "Design Projects" folders.
4. How does PopStack impact system performance?
   Built with Swift and Metal-optimized animations, it consumes <50MB RAM and negligible CPU during idle states, per independent benchmarks.
5. Is there a free trial before purchasing?
   PopStack offers a 7-day free trial (downloadable via popstack.us) to test all features before the one-time $9.99 purchase.