Stash

Product Introduction

1. Stash is a macOS productivity tool designed as a smart staging area that captures, organizes, and processes files, text, images, and URLs through a streamlined interface. It operates as a persistent shelf at the screen edge, accessible via hotkey or hover activation, and integrates OCR, AI background removal, on-device audio transcription, and batch processing without requiring cloud connectivity. The tool serves as a centralized hub for managing multimedia content, offering both drag-and-drop functionality and automated clipboard monitoring for seamless workflow integration.
2. The core value of Stash lies in its ability to enhance workflow efficiency through context-aware automation and privacy-focused local processing. It eliminates the need for multiple standalone tools by combining file organization, text extraction, media editing, and batch operations into a single interface. By prioritizing on-device processing, it ensures data security while maintaining high performance for professional users who handle sensitive or frequent file operations.

Main Features

1. Stash provides smart clipboard capture with ⌥⌥ (double-tap Option key) hotkey activation, enabling automatic monitoring and instant saving of text, images, or URLs from any application. Users can drag and drop content directly into the shelf from Finder, browsers, or creative software like Photoshop, with support for batch imports of up to 100 files simultaneously. The shelf dynamically previews content types, including raw text snippets, formatted documents, and image thumbnails.
2. Advanced processing tools include OCR text extraction from screenshots or scanned PDFs with 98% accuracy across 12 languages, AI-powered background removal for product photos or design assets, and on-device audio transcription/translation for voice memos or video clips. These tools leverage Core ML frameworks for local execution, processing a 10-minute audio file in under 30 seconds on Apple Silicon chips.
3. Batch processing capabilities allow users to apply context-aware quick actions like bulk image resizing (with preset dimensions from 500px to 4K), document format conversion (PDF to Word/Excel), or metadata editing across multiple files. Custom workflows can be created using Automator integration, supporting chained operations such as "extract text → translate → save as Markdown" through a single click.

Problems Solved

1. Stash addresses the inefficiency of managing temporary work-in-progress files across scattered folders or desktop clutter, reducing the average 2.3-minute file retrieval time to instant access. It solves content fragmentation by providing a unified space for cross-application materials during research, design, or writing tasks. The tool prevents data leaks through its strict no-cloud policy, which is critical for users handling NDAs or confidential projects.
2. The primary target users include UX designers needing quick access to inspiration screenshots, developers managing code snippets and documentation, and content creators processing batches of social media assets. Academic researchers benefit from its ability to organize reference materials and transcribe interview recordings while maintaining citation integrity.
3. Typical scenarios involve extracting text from a scanned research paper for editing, removing backgrounds from 50 product images simultaneously for an e-commerce listing, or collecting reference links and concept art during website prototyping. Journalists use it to transcribe recorded interviews directly into draft documents without third-party services.

Unique Advantages

1. Unlike cloud-dependent alternatives like Dropbox Capture or CleanShot X, Stash performs all operations locally using macOS native frameworks like Vision for OCR and Core ML for AI tasks, ensuring zero data transmission to external servers. Competitors require monthly subscriptions for similar features, while Stash offers a one-time $49.99 lifetime license with perpetual updates.
2. The integration of audio transcription with text extraction and translation creates unique cross-functional workflows, such as converting a recorded meeting into searchable notes with translated key points. Its hybrid clipboard/shelf system combines the immediacy of clipboard managers like Paste with the visual organization of digital scrapbooks.
3. Competitive advantages include native macOS menu bar integration with system-wide accessibility APIs, enabling interaction through keyboard shortcuts or assistive devices. The app occupies only 1.8MB memory footprint compared to 150MB+ alternatives, making it suitable for older Intel Macs while fully optimized for M-series chips.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How does Stash ensure data privacy during processing? All operations including OCR, audio transcription, and AI background removal are executed locally using macOS-native frameworks, with no data uploaded to external servers. The app does not request network permissions or collect user analytics, as verified by its offline-only functionality and absence of cloud sync features.
2. What are the system requirements for running Stash? The app requires macOS 15.2 or newer on both Intel and Apple Silicon processors, with 4GB RAM recommended for processing large batches of high-resolution images. Audio transcription requires a Mac with at least an M1 chip for real-time performance, though Intel models can process files at reduced speed.
3. What limitations exist in the free version? The free tier allows storing 10 items maximum across one shelf, with a 10-action hourly limit on premium features like batch background removal or multi-file OCR. Advanced workflows requiring chained operations or custom Automator scripts require Pro tier access.
4. Can Stash transcribe audio from video files? Yes, the app supports direct extraction and transcription of audio tracks from MP4, MOV, and MKV formats through AVFoundation APIs. Users can export transcripts as SRT files for subtitles or TXT documents with timestamp markers.
5. How do subscription plans compare in pricing? The Pro tier offers monthly ($2.99), annual ($19.99), or lifetime ($49.99) options, all providing unlimited shelves, priority feature updates, and access to beta builds. Educational discounts are available through Apple School Manager with verification.