# Is the NotchStar file shelf private

> The shelf remembers where files are, not their contents, and is cleared when you quit. NotchStar has no account and sends no files anywhere.

Canonical: https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-shelf-privacy/
Last updated: 2026-11-04

Published 2026-11-04.

Yes, in the ways that matter here. The shelf remembers where files are, not their contents, and it is cleared when you quit. NotchStar needs no account. Files you drop stay on your Mac unless you choose to AirDrop them.

## What the shelf holds

- Locations of the files you dropped, in memory.
- Nothing is written out for the shelf, so nothing is left after you quit.

## What leaves your Mac

1. **Files you send.** Only the ones you AirDrop, to the device you pick. That goes through macOS AirDrop.
2. **Anonymous version information, only if you opt in.** The privacy page says it never contains files, clipboard, notes, calendar or location.

## What NotchStar does not do

- It does not upload dropped files.
- It does not read file contents to build the shelf.
- It does not require a sign in.

## Who can see the shelf

Anyone at your Mac who opens the notch sees the icons and names. The shelf is cleared when you quit, but between launches it is not hidden. Quit NotchStar or press **Clear** before you share your screen.

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

## Quick answers.

### Are my file names sent anywhere?

No. The optional anonymous version information never contains your files, clipboard, notes, calendar or location, according to the privacy page.

## 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.
- [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.
- [Is NotchStar safe? Signing, permissions and what it sends](https://www.notchstar.com/guides/is-notchstar-safe/): NotchStar is signed and notarized by Apple, needs no account and sends nothing unless you opt in. See every permission it asks for and how to check it yourself.

## 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.