# What the NotchStar shelf cannot do: its limits > The shelf keeps locations, empties on quit, and reacts to files only. It is a short term holding area, not storage. Here is each limit and the workaround. Canonical: https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-shelf-limits/ Last updated: 2026-11-04 Published 2026-11-04. The shelf is a short term holding area. It has three listed limits: it keeps locations and not copies, it empties when NotchStar quits, and drag to open reacts only to files. The AirDrop limits that people search for belong to macOS. ## NotchStar's limits 1. **References, not copies.** If you move or delete the original, the shelf entry stops working. See [why a file looks missing](https://www.notchstar.com/help/why-a-shelf-file-looks-missing-after-moving-it/). 2. **Empties on quit.** Nothing is saved. See [what happens when you quit](https://www.notchstar.com/help/what-happens-to-the-shelf-when-you-quit/). 3. **Files only.** Text and web page images do not open the shelf. See [why](https://www.notchstar.com/help/why-the-shelf-does-not-open-for-text-or-images/). ## What it does not limit The code has no cap on item count or file size. The icon row scrolls sideways when it fills. ## AirDrop limits belong to Apple - Range is about 10 metres, with WiFi and Bluetooth on, per Apple's page checked on 4 November 2026. - The receiver decides who can send to them. - Apple's page states no file size limit. ## Not what it is for The shelf is not a backup, not an archive and not a sync tool. For text you want to keep, use [Quick Notes](https://www.notchstar.com/features/quick-notes/). Read the full tool description on the [File Shelf page](https://www.notchstar.com/features/file-shelf/). ## Quick answers. ### Is there a cap on how many files the shelf holds? The shelf code sets no cap. The row scrolls sideways when it fills. ## 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 happens to the NotchStar shelf when you quit](https://www.notchstar.com/help/what-happens-to-the-shelf-when-you-quit/): The shelf empties when NotchStar quits. Your files stay where they were, because the shelf only held their locations. Drop them again next time. - [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. - [Why a file on the NotchStar shelf stops working after you move it](https://www.notchstar.com/help/why-a-shelf-file-looks-missing-after-moving-it/): The shelf remembers where a file was. If you move, rename or delete the original, its shelf icon no longer leads to it. Remove it and drop it again. ## 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.