How to AirDrop a folder from the NotchStar shelf

Shelf and AirDrop Published 4 November 2026

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Drag the folder to the notch like any file and drop it on the AirDrop zone. The drop accepts any item that is a file on your disk, and a folder is one. The AirDrop picker then opens with the folder attached, and you choose the other Mac.

Steps

Drag the folder out of Finder toward the notch.
Drop it on the AirDrop zone.
Pick the other Mac in the picker. On that Mac, accept the incoming item.

Park it on the shelf first

If you are not ready to send, drop the folder on the shelf zone instead. It shows as an icon that points at the original folder. When you are ready, right click the icon and choose AirDrop, or click the AirDrop button beside the shelf. Nothing is copied or moved, and the shelf is emptied when you quit NotchStar.

Receiving side

Apple says some items received on a Mac go to the Downloads folder (page checked 4 November 2026). Ask the recipient to look there if they cannot find the folder.

See also AirDrop large files and the File Shelf page.

Quick answers.

Does the folder get copied when I drop it on the shelf?

No. The shelf keeps only the location of the folder. AirDrop sends the folder from where it is.

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 AirDrop a file from your Mac 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.
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.
How to AirDrop several files at once from the notch: Drop several files on the AirDrop zone together, or park them on the shelf and press the AirDrop button. One picker opens with all of them.

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