Move files across folders using the Shelf

The Shelf is the fastest way to collect files from multiple locations and drop them all into one destination — without juggling clipboard entries or keeping two windows open.

Time: ~2 minutes
Skill level: Beginner

The scenario

You’ve got project assets scattered across three different folders and you need to gather them all into a single delivery folder. With the Shelf:

  1. Browse to each source folder and drop files in
  2. Navigate to the destination once
  3. Click Move here

Done. One undo if anything goes wrong.

Step-by-step

1. Open the Shelf

Press Ctrl + B to show the Shelf panel on the right edge of the window. If you just installed SPAN Finder, the Shelf is enabled by default — hover the right edge and it expands automatically.

2. Browse to your first source folder

Use Miller Columns or the sidebar to navigate to the folder containing your first batch of files.

3. Select and drop

Select the files you want (Ctrl + click for individual picks, Shift + click for a range, or Ctrl + A for all). Drag them onto the Shelf panel. You’ll see a count badge appear.

Tip: You can also right-click selected files and choose Add to Shelf.

4. Repeat from other folders

Navigate to your next source folder and drop more files. The Shelf accumulates everything — files from different drives, different tab paths, anywhere.

The Shelf shows a live count badge so you always know how many items are waiting.

5. Navigate to the destination folder

Browse to where you want everything to end up. The Shelf stays open as you navigate.

6. Move or copy

Hover the Shelf to expand it. Click:

  • Move here — moves all Shelf items to the current folder (originals deleted)
  • Copy here — copies all Shelf items to the current folder (originals kept)

SPAN Finder runs the operation as a single undoable unit. Press Ctrl + Z to reverse it entirely if needed.

7. Clear the Shelf

After a successful move, the Shelf automatically empties. Pinned items stay.

Tips

  • Pin important files — Right-click a Shelf item and choose Pin. Pinned items survive Move and Clear operations, so they’ll be there on your next session.
  • Use Split View — Open the destination in the right pane (Ctrl + Shift + E), collect files in the left pane, then drag directly from the Shelf into the right pane.
  • 50-item limit — The Shelf holds up to 50 items. For bulk moves beyond that, use a search result + drag-and-drop or the filter bar.

See also