Let AI organize your files.
Connect to Claude, Codex, and other local AI assistants to manage your files through conversation. Tell it what you want organized and it builds the rules for you.
What is MCP?
Model Context Protocol
MCP is an open standard that lets AI applications securely connect to local and remote tools. AutoShelf exposes its rule engine as an MCP server.
Natural language rules
Instead of configuring rules manually, describe what you want in plain English. "Move all PDFs from Downloads to Documents" just works.
Works with your tools
Works with Claude Desktop, Codex, Cursor, Windsurf, and any AI that runs locally on your machine. Cloud AIs like ChatGPT web cannot connect.
Local and private
The MCP server runs entirely on your Mac. No data leaves your machine. AI assistants talk to AutoShelf through a local Unix socket.
What you can do with MCP
Create rules by describing them
"Hey Claude, whenever I download a ZIP file from GitHub, move it to my Developer folder." Done. No manual rule configuration needed.
Audit your rules
Ask your assistant what rules are active, what folders are watched, or what actions each rule performs. Full visibility through conversation.
Modify existing rules
"Change my screenshots rule to also optimize PNGs." Your assistant updates the rule in place. No digging through settings.
Troubleshoot and debug
Why didn't my rule trigger? Your assistant can inspect rule configurations, check watched folder status, and help you fix issues.
Supported clients
Claude Desktop
The Anthropic desktop app. Add AutoShelf as an MCP server in your claude_desktop_config.json and start organizing files through conversation.
Codex (by OpenAI)
OpenAI's Codex CLI with MCP support. Connect AutoShelf and manage your file organization through natural language prompts.
Cursor
The AI-powered code editor. Use AutoShelf MCP to keep your project downloads and exports organized right from your editor.
Any local MCP client
AutoShelf follows the MCP standard. Any local AI client that supports MCP servers can connect. The config pattern is the same across tools.
Frequently asked questions
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What is the Model Context Protocol?
MCP is an open standard that allows AI applications to connect to external tools and data sources. Think of it like a USB port for AI: any MCP-compatible client can plug into any MCP server.
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Does the MCP server send my files to the cloud?
No. The MCP server runs entirely locally on your Mac. AI assistants send commands to AutoShelf through a local Unix socket. Your files never leave your machine.
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Do I need the AutoShelf app to use MCP?
Yes. The MCP server is built into the AutoShelf CLI, which requires the AutoShelf macOS app to be installed and running. The MCP server communicates with the local AutoShelf daemon.
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Which AI assistants work with AutoShelf MCP?
AutoShelf MCP runs as a local server on your Mac, so only AI clients that run locally on your machine can connect. This includes Claude Desktop, Codex CLI, Cursor, and Windsurf. Cloud-based AI like ChatGPT (web) and Claude.ai (web) run on remote servers and cannot access your local Mac.
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Can I use MCP and the app at the same time?
Absolutely. Rules created through MCP appear in the AutoShelf app and vice versa. They share the same engine. Use whichever interface feels natural.