# Can you AirDrop large files from the NotchStar shelf

> The shelf holds only a location, so a big file adds no copy or wait. Transfer speed and limits come from AirDrop and the devices, not NotchStar.

Canonical: https://www.notchstar.com/help/airdrop-large-files-from-the-notch/
Last updated: 2026-11-04

Published 2026-11-04.

Yes. Dropping a large file on the NotchStar shelf is as quick as dropping a small one, because the shelf stores only the file's location. Sending it is up to macOS AirDrop, so the speed depends on the two devices and the connection between them.

## What NotchStar does with a big file

1. It stores the location. No copy is made, so no extra disk space is needed.
2. On the AirDrop zone, it passes that location to the macOS AirDrop service.
3. macOS runs the transfer.

NotchStar adds no size limit of its own.

## What to do for a long transfer

- Keep both devices awake, unlocked and close together. Apple's guidance is within about 10 metres, with WiFi and Bluetooth on.
- Leave the original file where it is until the transfer finishes. If you move it midway, the transfer and the shelf entry can both break.
- Wait for the result on the receiving device before deleting anything.

## If you would rather shrink it first

For a folder of many small files, one archive is often easier to track. In Finder, Control click the folder and choose Compress to make a zip, then drop the zip on the shelf. For big photos and videos, the Compress section of the [Disk tool](https://www.notchstar.com/help/compress-large-videos-notchstar/) can make them smaller first.

See [what the shelf remembers](https://www.notchstar.com/help/what-the-notchstar-shelf-remembers/) and the [File Shelf page](https://www.notchstar.com/features/file-shelf/).

## Quick answers.

### Does NotchStar set a file size limit?

The shelf code has no size check. It stores a location and passes it to the macOS AirDrop service.

## Keep reading.

- [A shelf and an AirDrop zone in the notch](https://www.notchstar.com/features/file-shelf/): Park files in the notch while you work, then drag them out or AirDrop them. Drag a file toward the notch and the shelf opens by itself.
- [What the NotchStar shelf remembers: locations, not contents](https://www.notchstar.com/help/what-the-notchstar-shelf-remembers/): The shelf keeps the location of each file, like an alias, not a copy of its contents. Dragging out uses the original file on your disk.
- [How to AirDrop a file from your Mac notch](https://www.notchstar.com/help/airdrop-a-file-from-the-notch/): Drag a file toward the notch and drop it on the AirDrop zone. The macOS AirDrop picker opens with the file attached. Pick a device to send.
- [How to AirDrop a folder from the NotchStar shelf](https://www.notchstar.com/help/send-a-folder-from-the-notch-shelf/): Drag a folder to the notch and drop it on the AirDrop zone. The macOS picker opens with the folder attached and you choose the other Mac.

## More in Shelf and AirDrop.

- [How to drop a file on the NotchStar shelf](https://www.notchstar.com/help/drop-a-file-on-the-notch-shelf/): Drag a file toward the notch and the Shelf tab opens. Drop it in the dashed zone and it waits there until you drag it out or send it.
- [How to open the NotchStar shelf by dragging a file](https://www.notchstar.com/help/open-the-shelf-by-dragging-toward-the-notch/): Drag a file toward the top of the screen near the notch and NotchStar opens the Shelf by itself. Let go elsewhere and it closes again.
- [Why the NotchStar shelf does not open for text or images](https://www.notchstar.com/help/why-the-shelf-does-not-open-for-text-or-images/): Drag to open reacts to files only. Text and images dragged from a web page do not open the shelf. Save the image as a file first, then drag it.
- [How to AirDrop a file from your Mac notch](https://www.notchstar.com/help/airdrop-a-file-from-the-notch/): Drag a file toward the notch and drop it on the AirDrop zone. The macOS AirDrop picker opens with the file attached. Pick a device to send.
- [What the AirDrop zone in the NotchStar shelf does](https://www.notchstar.com/help/what-the-airdrop-zone-does/): The AirDrop zone does not keep files. Whatever you drop on it opens the macOS AirDrop picker with those files attached, and nothing is stored.
- [How to AirDrop from your Mac notch to an iPhone](https://www.notchstar.com/help/airdrop-from-the-notch-to-an-iphone/): Drop a file on the NotchStar AirDrop zone, then tap your iPhone in the picker. The iPhone must be nearby with AirDrop receiving turned on.