What FileShelf is
FileShelf helps Mac users locate PDFs, images, screenshots, videos and downloads using plain-language search, file-type and date filters, and large visual previews. It also offers temporary file Shelves, clipboard history and cleanup tools. It works alongside Finder; it does not replace Finder or move your files unless you ask.
Developer and support
FileShelf is developed and sold directly from fileshelf.app. Support email: support@fileshelf.app. You can also use the contact form. There is no Mac App Store listing; distribution is a direct download plus an optional license key.
Signing and notarization
Release builds are signed with an Apple Developer ID and notarized by Apple. That is the standard Gatekeeper path for software downloaded outside the App Store, so macOS can open FileShelf without treating it as an unidentified developer.
Privacy
Indexing, search, previews and (optional) clipboard history run on your Mac. FileShelf only reads folders you choose. Files are not uploaded for search. The only personal data sent for licensing is your license key and an anonymous machine identifier used to check the license. Full detail: Privacy policy.
Compatibility
- macOS 14 Sonoma or later
- Apple silicon and Intel Macs
- No account required to download or try
Pricing (summary)
Try everything free for 7 days from first launch. Afterward, browsing, search and previews stay free. Shelves, Clipboard History and Actions need a one-time license (early-bird pricing for the first 200 customers). No subscription. See pricing and machine-readable pricing.md.
Updates
Licensed customers get updates for the current major version. The app is not distributed through the Mac App Store; download updates from this site or in-app when available.
Honest limits
- Not a full Finder replacement (no disk utility, no every Finder sidebar trick).
- Not cloud sync or remote file storage.
- Search quality depends on the folders you connect and what metadata/text is available on disk.
- Independent reviews and directory listings are welcome; this site does not invent ratings or fake citations.