CodeShelf: First Public Notes
Why I built it
CodeShelf started as a tiny utility to keep frequently used snippets one hotkey away. It grew into a lightweight menu-bar app that stays out of the way but makes the small stuff effortless.
What CodeShelf is (and isn’t)
CodeShelf is a local-first snippet manager for macOS. It’s designed to feel like a fast, quiet utility you open dozens of times a day without losing focus.
It’s not a full documentation platform or a team wiki. The goal is speed and simplicity for personal and small-team workflows.
Who it’s for
If you:
- reuse code snippets daily (Git, SQL, Docker, shell, templates)
- want fast access without switching apps
- prefer local storage over cloud sync
…then CodeShelf is likely a good fit.
What’s inside right now
- Fast snippet search
- Foldered collections
- Local-first storage
- Multi-step snippets for common workflows
- Quick copy and paste from the menu bar
What’s next
I’m working on sync, quick-share links, and a cleaner import flow. If you’ve got ideas, I’d love to hear them.
Early design decisions
Local-first by default
You don’t need an account, and your snippets stay on your Mac. This keeps the app fast and predictable.
Menu bar native
The app is meant to be one click away while you code, not another window to manage.
Workflow-first organization
Folders and tags are optimized for how developers actually think about their snippets (projects, languages, or tasks).
Pricing and availability
CodeShelf is a one-time purchase with a free trial so you can confirm it fits your workflow. I’ll keep the pricing transparent and avoid subscriptions for core features.
FAQ
Will there be cloud sync?
Yes, but as an opt-in feature. Local-first remains the default.
Is Windows or Linux support planned?
It’s on the long-term roadmap, but I’m focused on getting the macOS experience right first.
Can I import from other tools?
Improved import is on the way. If you have a specific tool in mind, let me know and I’ll prioritize it.