Collect Photo Proofs From Different Folders on Mac
Gather selected image files from several Finder folders into a temporary Drag Shelf, inspect the set, and deliver a verified copy to your client.
Original conceptual illustration for this workflow; not an app screenshot.
The short answerOpen Drag Shelf with Option-Shift-D or shake while dragging a supported file, then add selected proof files from each folder. Expand the shelf to check the set and use Quick Look for a closer view. Save to a real delivery folder or drag into a compatible upload target, then confirm every file arrived; the shelf is temporary and is discarded when Historr quits.
Why are cross-folder proofs easy to mix up?
A client may need a small proof selection without all the RAW files, rejects, and working versions. Repeatedly navigating to each directory during upload interrupts selection and increases the chance of adding an unintended image.
A floating shelf can collect the intended files while the destination remains open. The selection still needs an editorial review; collection alone does not check focus, color, rights, or duplicates by content.
What happens to the original files?
Drag Shelf accepts file and folder URLs from Finder and supported sources. It references existing disk files in place rather than making automatic backups; a duplicate path is ignored, but visually duplicate photographs in different files remain separate items.
Outgoing drags use copy semantics. The destination must support the supplied file types. Save to Folder creates durable copies; quitting Historr discards the temporary shelf and any shelf-generated files.
How do you assemble a review set?
Create a proof shortlist
Finish the first editorial pass in your photo catalog. Export or identify the exact proof files you intend to show; keep RAW masters and internal alternates out of the delivery set.
Collect from each location
Open a shelf with Option-Shift-D and drag the chosen files in. Add more from other folders. Rename the shelf for the client or round; this changes the shelf label, not the Finder filenames.
Inspect the selection
Click the pile or count to expand it. Use Quick Look where useful, remove unwanted entries, and check filenames or frame IDs against your shortlist.
Make the delivery durable
Use Save to Folder for a handoff directory or drag the pile into a compatible client portal. Verify the destination's file count and thumbnails before closing the shelf or quitting.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Treating the shelf as the only copy of an exported proof.
- Assuming similar-looking files are detected as duplicates.
- Sending proofs without checking licenses, release status, and intended resolution.
Where should the final selection live?
- Name shelves by project and review round.
- Keep client selects separate from internal working images.
- Check the actual uploaded files after a portal finishes processing.
Compare your options
| Option | Best for | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Photo catalog selection | Culling and rating the shoot | May need exports before handoff |
| Drag Shelf | Gathering a temporary cross-folder batch | Not a persistent archive |
| Delivery folder | A durable reviewed set | Requires copying and storage |
Photo catalog selection
Best forCulling and rating the shoot
LimitsMay need exports before handoff
Drag Shelf
Best forGathering a temporary cross-folder batch
LimitsNot a persistent archive
Delivery folder
Best forA durable reviewed set
LimitsRequires copying and storage
Put it into practice with Historr
Historr's Drag Shelf helps assemble files from several Finder locations without moving originals. You can inspect the pile and drag the collection out as copies.
For a client handoff, use Save to Folder or verify the recipient destination. The shelf's local temporary storage is cleaned when the session ends.
- Collect files & folders
- Images, links & text
- Multiple shelves
- Quick Look
- Save to Folder
- Compress to ZIP
- Resize Images
- Extract Text
Give your next drag a place to land.
Drag Shelf is included in Historr 0.1.5 and later.
Questions, answered.
Does Drag Shelf move my original photos?
No. Existing files are referenced in place and outgoing drags copy them.
Does it deduplicate nearly identical exports?
No. It ignores repeated drops of the same standardized file path, not similar image content.
Can I review the set before delivery?
Yes. Expand the pile and use Quick Look for supported items, then verify the final selection.
Will my proof shelf be there after quitting?
No. Save or deliver anything you need before quitting Historr.
Take it from here
Treat the shelf as a staging surface between culling and delivery. A named, inspected, saved set makes client review easier and leaves your masters undisturbed.
For supported actions, shortcuts, and settings, see the Drag Shelf documentation.
