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Shelf
About Shelf
Shelf is a macOS application that launches, runs and manages AI-built tools directly from project folders without requiring terminal commands or configuration files. Users can drop a project folder onto Shelf, which automatically detects setup and launch commands, installs dependencies, and starts the tool. The application remembers ports and launch details so tools can be restarted with a single click at any time. Shelf provides a unified library view of all tools, showing their status and agent accessibility. It supports one-click connections to AI agents like Claude Code, Cursor, and Codex, allowing them to discover and launch tools directly from the same library. The tool also includes features for managing design profiles, sharing tools with team members via shareable links, and toggling between simple and developer views. Shelf is designed for developers who build with AI and need a reliable way to keep their tools alive and accessible.
Key features
- Drop project folders to auto-detect setup and launch commands
- One-click tool launching and restarting
- Agent connections for Claude Code, Cursor, Codex, and others
- Design profile management from CSS variables and Tailwind config
- Tool sharing via shareable links
- Simple and developer view modes
- Live logs and status monitoring
- MCP connections for agent discovery
Use cases
- Launching and managing AI-built Next.js sites or Python scripts
- Sharing AI tools with team members without setup hassles
- Maintaining consistent design tokens across AI-generated projects
Pros
- Runs tools from project folders without terminal commands
- Remembers ports and launch details for one-click restarts
- Supports one-click connections to multiple AI agents
- Includes design profile management for consistent branding
- Allows sharing tools with team members via shareable links
Cons
- macOS only
- Requires local installation
- No cloud or web-based alternative
Frequently asked questions about Shelf
What is Shelf and what does it do?
Shelf is a macOS application designed to launch, run, and manage AI-built tools directly from project folders without requiring terminal commands or configuration files. It automatically detects setup and launch commands, installs dependencies, and starts tools with a single click. Shelf remembers ports and launch details, allowing tools to be restarted easily at any time.
Who is Shelf designed for?
Shelf is designed for developers who build with AI and need a reliable way to keep their tools alive and accessible. It is particularly useful for those who want to avoid manual terminal commands and configuration file management.
How does Shelf work with AI agents like Claude Code or Cursor?
Shelf provides a unified library view of all tools, which AI agents like Claude Code, Cursor, and Codex can access. Agents can discover, launch, and interact with tools directly from Shelf’s library, enabling seamless collaboration between developers and AI assistants.
Can I share tools with my team using Shelf?
Yes, Shelf allows users to share tools with team members via shareable links. The tool packs all necessary setup details, including launch commands and ports, into a shareable file that team members can approve and run with minimal effort.
Does Shelf support design profiles for branding consistency?
Yes, Shelf includes features for managing design profiles, which store colors, typography, and brand guidelines in a local file. These profiles can be accessed by connected AI agents to ensure consistency in the tools they build.
Is Shelf free to use and does it require an account?
Shelf is free and open-source, and it does not require an account to use. It is available for macOS on Apple Silicon and can be downloaded directly from the website.