1. Choose an output folder
Open SourceShelf > Settings > General and choose an output folder. Converted Markdown is saved there. SourceShelf remembers access to the folder so later conversions can use it without another prompt.
Choose a folder that is easy to recognize and back up. SourceShelf also keeps local Library metadata and managed assets in its app container; changing the output folder does not move older Markdown files.
2. Convert files
Open Convert, then drag files into the drop area or choose Select Files. You can also use File > Open, convert an entire folder, or import a local llms.txt collection.
Each successful conversion creates:
- a Markdown file in the output folder;
- a Library entry with its title, source type, dates, and availability;
- managed semantic metadata used by previews, chunking, and comparison;
- archived assets when the source format or capture includes supported images.
The original file is not changed.
3. Review the Library
Open Library. Newly converted items appear at the top when grouped by date. Select an item to open the inspector. Use Preview for rendered content and Markdown Source for the exact stored Markdown, including YAML front matter.
Library filters affect only what you see. They do not change the current pack.
4. Build a pack
Open Packs, choose New Pack, and use the source browser on the left to find material. Add individual sources or use:
- Add Matching for the current filters;
- Add All Exportable for every readable Library item;
- Add Since Last Export for items captured or converted after the last successful export.
Reorder the middle list by dragging items or using Move Up and Move Down. The displayed order becomes the export order and the order presented through Local AI Access.
Save the pack to give it a durable name and enable living-pack comparison, llms.txt folder generation, and MCP sharing.
5. Run Trust & Safety
Select Trust & Safety. SourceShelf checks source readability, naming and package structure, modification dates, web-source age, asset references, content hashes, and conservative patterns that may indicate prompt-injection language.
Warnings are advisory. SourceShelf preserves the original content and labels it as untrusted reference material; it does not claim to sanitize it.
6. Export
Select Export…, then choose the destination that matches your workflow:
- AI Reference Pack ZIP for AI chats, agents, and project workspaces;
- OKF v0.2 Bundle ZIP for standards-based catalogs and agents;
- Markdown Context Pack for one portable file;
- llms.txt Collection Folder for an ordered, inspectable folder;
- Copy Combined Markdown for a quick paste.
ZIP and llms.txt folder exports run a fresh Trust & Safety check. Markdown and clipboard exports begin immediately. A successful export records a local baseline for Refresh & Compare.
Next steps
- Capture web research with the Safari extension.
- Connect a saved pack to a local AI app with Local AI Access.
- Learn what each bundle contains in Choose an export format.
- Learn how retention and cleanup work in Manage SourceShelf Storage.