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Get Started on iPhone and iPad

SourceShelf 1.0.2 keeps a private, searchable research library on your device. It can capture authorized Safari pages, import supported local documents, organize sources into packs, read saved content offline, and export complete packs through the system share sheet.

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Understand the workspace

SourceShelf uses the same hierarchy at every size:

  1. Library contains All Research, Starred, and your saved packs.
  2. Sources shows the research in the selected library or pack.
  3. Reader renders the selected source and its locally archived images.

On iPad, these can appear as a three-column Packs → Sources → Reader workspace. On iPhone or in a narrow iPad window, the same hierarchy collapses into successive screens. Use the navigation controls to return to the previous level.

Add your first research

Choose one of these paths:

  • In SourceShelf, open the sidebar’s More menu and choose Import Research… to select one or more supported files from Files.
  • In another app, use Share and choose SourceShelf for a supported PDF, image, RTF, Markdown, or text document.
  • In Safari, enable the SourceShelf extension and capture a page, capture selected tabs from the current window, or import a website’s llms.txt collection.

Imported or captured sources appear in All Research. A multi-source Safari or portable-package import can also create or extend a named pack.

Find and organize sources

Use Search research to search saved content locally. The Filter menu can narrow the current view by availability or acquisition type, and the sort menu changes the visible order. Swipe or use a source’s actions to star it, add it to a pack, remove it from the current pack, or delete it from the Library.

Removing a source from a pack leaves it in All Research. Deleting it from the Library removes that local SourceShelf source and its pack memberships. Deleting a pack removes only the pack; its sources and archived assets stay in All Research.

Read offline

Select a source to open the Reader. SourceShelf renders locally stored Markdown, safe links, lists, code, and archived images. Remote images are not loaded automatically. A saved source and its archived images remain available without a connection.

Move research to another device

Open a pack, choose More > Export Pack…, select a portable format, and use the system share sheet to save to Files, use AirDrop, or send it to another app. On the receiving device, choose Import Research… and select the package.

SourceShelf does not provide cloud sync. A pack moves only when you explicitly import, export, AirDrop, or share it.

Platform differences

The iPhone and iPad app focuses on capture, local document import, search, reading, organization, and portable packs. Folder import, Office conversion, Mac output folders, Shortcuts automation, Trust & Safety reports, living-pack comparison, storage-maintenance tools, and Local AI Access through MCP remain Mac-only in 1.0.2.

Continue with Safari capture, document import and reading, packs and portability, or settings and privacy.