How to open the NotchStar shelf by dragging a file

Shelf and AirDrop Published 4 November 2026

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You do not open the shelf first. Start dragging a file and move the pointer to the top of the screen, over or just beside the notch. NotchStar sees a file drag arrive and opens on the Shelf tab for you. If you let go somewhere else, it closes again.

Where the trigger area is

The area that counts is the notch itself, plus 40 points to each side and 36 points below it. Outside that box, the notch stays closed. This keeps ordinary dragging, such as moving a window or a file between Finder folders, from popping the notch open.

Steps

Drag a file out of Finder or another app.
Move straight up toward the notch. The notch opens on the Shelf.
Drop the file on the right (shelf) or left (AirDrop) zone.
If you change your mind, drag away and release. The notch folds back.

Good to know

The behaviour is for files. Text or an image dragged from a web page does not trigger it, see why the shelf does not open for text or images.
You can also pin the notch open from its header and drop files in without aiming.
Screenshots from NotchStar’s own Screenshot Tray leaving the tray never open the shelf.

Back to the File Shelf page.

Quick answers.

How close to the notch do I have to get?

The trigger area is the notch plus a margin of 40 points on each side and 36 points below it. It is a small area, so drag straight toward the notch.

Link to this answer

Keep reading.

A shelf and an AirDrop zone in the notch: 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.
How to drop a file on the NotchStar 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.
Why the NotchStar 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 see your clipboard history on a Mac: How to see what you copied on a Mac: Spotlight clipboard history on macOS 27, what Apple says for macOS 26 and 15, and when a clipboard app is worth adding.

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