How do I sort files by download source on Mac?

AutoShelf reads the download URL metadata that macOS attaches to every file. Create rules to route files from specific URLs to specific folders automatically.

Can I sort files by the browser or app that downloaded them?

Yes. AutoShelf knows which app downloaded each file. Route Safari downloads to one folder, Chrome downloads to another.

Does AutoShelf support custom URL patterns?

Yes. Create rules for any URL pattern. For example, route files from yourcompany.slack.com to a Work folder or files from github.com/my-repo to a specific project folder.

What happens if a file has no download source?

Files without download metadata (e.g., files created locally) are not affected by source-based rules. You can create type-based rules as a fallback.

// autoshelf

Sort Files by Download Source on Mac

Every file you download carries metadata: where it came from. AutoShelf reads that metadata and routes files based on their source. GitHub repos to Developer. Slack files to Work. Figma exports to Design. All automatic.

Download from App Store Free with one rule. Unlock everything for $19.99 one-time. macOS 13+

// the problem

Where a file comes from matters more than what it is

A PDF from your bank and a PDF from work end up in the same folder, even though they belong in different places
GitHub downloads, Slack attachments, and email files all mix together in Downloads
You spend time manually sorting files into project folders when the source should determine the destination
macOS attaches download source metadata to every file, but no built-in tool uses it

// how it works

Route files by source, automatically.

Choose your sources

Tell AutoShelf which download URLs or apps to watch for. GitHub, Slack, Figma, Gmail, or any source you specify.

Set destinations

Route files from each source to the right folder. GitHub goes to Developer, Slack goes to Work, Figma goes to Design.

Done

Every file from every source gets routed to its destination automatically. No manual sorting, no thinking.

// built-in templates

Start with a smart template

The Sort by Source template routes files from common sources to the right folders.

Sort by Source Routes files from GitHub to a Developer folder and Slack downloads to a Work folder based on their download URL.

// features

Any source, any destination

Source URL routing

Route files by their download URL. Files from github.com go to Developer. Files from slack.com go to Work. Files from figma.com go to Design.

Download app routing

Route files by the app that downloaded them. Safari downloads to one folder, Chrome to another, Arc to a third.

Custom source rules

Create rules for any source URL pattern. Use wildcards to match domains or specific download pages.

Combine with type sorting

Source sorting works with file type rules. Route GitHub downloads to Developer, but only if they are .zip or source code files.

// faq

Frequently asked questions

How do I sort files by download source on Mac?

AutoShelf reads the download URL metadata that macOS attaches to every file. Create rules to route files from specific URLs to specific folders automatically.
Can I sort files by the browser or app that downloaded them?

Yes. AutoShelf knows which app downloaded each file. Route Safari downloads to one folder, Chrome downloads to another.
Does AutoShelf support custom URL patterns?

Yes. Create rules for any URL pattern. For example, route files from yourcompany.slack.com to a Work folder or files from github.com/my-repo to a specific project folder.
What happens if a file has no download source?

Files without download metadata (e.g., files created locally) are not affected by source-based rules. You can create type-based rules as a fallback.