// autoshelf
Apple stopped developing Automator starting with macOS Sequoia. If you used Automator to sort downloads, move files, or organize folders, those workflows may stop working in future updates. AutoShelf is a modern, actively maintained alternative with built-in templates, source-based routing, and zero scripting required.
// the problem
// how it works
Automator requires dragging actions and writing scripts. AutoShelf has built-in templates for common tasks. Pick one and you are done.
Choose Downloads, Desktop, or any folder you want to keep organized. AutoShelf starts watching it instantly.
Select conditions like file type, download source, or app. Choose an action like move, tag, or trash. No code, no scripts, no workflow editor.
// features
Automator has no templates. AutoShelf has 5 ready-made templates covering the most common file organization scenarios.
Automator cannot read download URL metadata. AutoShelf routes files from GitHub, Slack, Figma, and other sources automatically.
AutoShelf knows which app downloaded each file. Automator has no concept of file provenance.
Automator requires AppleScript or shell scripting for advanced rules. AutoShelf uses a visual rule builder with simple conditions.
AutoShelf lives in your menu bar and watches folders silently. Automator workflows need to be triggered manually or via Calendar events.
Automator is no longer developed by Apple. AutoShelf is actively developed with new features shipping regularly.
// templates
These AutoShelf templates cover the most common Automator file organization workflows with one-click setup.
// faq
Apple stopped actively developing Automator starting with macOS 15 Sequoia. While it still works today, it is no longer updated and may stop working in future macOS releases. Apple recommends Shortcuts as the replacement, but Shortcuts has limited file automation capabilities.
Yes. AutoShelf covers the most common Automator file organization workflows with built-in templates. For sorting downloads, cleaning your Desktop, and auto-deleting installers, AutoShelf replaces Automator with zero scripting.
No. AutoShelf uses a visual rule builder. You select conditions from a menu and choose an action. No scripts, no terminal, no coding.
AutoShelf and Automator use different rule architectures, so there is no direct import. However, AutoShelf templates cover most common Automator file workflows, and you can recreate your rules in AutoShelf in under a minute each.
AutoShelf is the best Automator alternative for file organization tasks. It covers the most common file workflows with templates, requires no scripting, and is actively maintained. For other Automator use cases like image processing or text manipulation, Apple Shortcuts or third-party apps may be better.