AppShelf

I relied on this abandonware to store serials ever since Macheist started using them to distribute serials. Macheist stopped doing that. They stopped updating. I have had my database corrupted and serials lost. Really, all this had to do was be a database and it has failed at that.

I am getting somewhat annoyed. For the umpteenth time AppShelf is loosing most of the app icons and either just shows a generic icon or the wrong icon (this time it's RapidWeaver icons). I'm seriously considering writing my own replacement. User-friendliness could be better. You can make category folders (e.g. Adobe apps), but you can't drag&drop an entry on the new folder - you have to create the entry from scratch. You can't duplicate an entry to make repeat entries easier (e.g. you got 12 apps from AppBuzzer but they don't provide an AppShelf file). You can't have a template for multiple entries. It's a nice start, but data corruption and missing features mean I can only give 2.5 stars.

@Negritude Same here! It runs great.

I just got this app as free MacHeist 4 loot that was sitting in my account. I didn't even have to solve a puzzle or anything.

I have used App Shelf for over a year. It is an easy to use, helpful app. I have purchased many Mac Bundles and this is the best app I have found to track all the serial numbers. I have presented this to my Macintosh User group, (MacTechnics.org) and the app was very, very well received. I copy the description of the various apps and post each in the appropriate comments section. Then, those apps I don't use very often allow me to get a general overview of what the app does immediately. It has saved me many times when contacting the developers, URLs are right there. I love the launcher feature! Very Handy!! SUPER APP!!

Very useful and easy to understand how it works.

Ok, here's the problem: REQUIREMENTS PPC / Intel, Mac OS X 10.6.8 or later Huh? No one sees there's something wrong with this statement? If an PPC machine cannot install Intel ONLY Snow Leopard OS X 10.6, how can this product claim to be UB? Either make an UB app and make Mac OS X 10.5.8 as the minimum requirement, OR have an Intel ONLY version and require Mac OS X 10.6 and later... Sometimes I am not sure if these software developers REALLY understood what "Universal Binary" means. I just can't believe they claim this version is UB compatible on their website!

Changes in 2.3.1 Bugfix: Crash on startup if option key is pressed. Bugfix: Open password protected database on 64-bit systems.

As an owner of Version 1, I was pleased with its efficiency . It was lacking some of the features from competitors, but it worked very well. Then, Version 2 is out, so I decided to take another look at the competitors before upgrading AppShelf. After testing, I chose to stay AppShelf and upgrade to Version 2. Here's why: It is fast and efficient, never crashes, never gets corrupted. It now allows you to make separate folders. It does a pretty good job of scanning for serials, and allows for attachments (linked or copied). It allows you to import other databases. Mostly these features are in the other apps too, but I like the way AppShelf handles it. It only uses 2 windows (info and attachment) instead of multiple tabs, and I really like that. I t never feels like it is bogging down the CPU on my older Mac. I think it's a great value for a great price. Reminds me of the stability and usefulness of SafePlace, which I still use to this day for my login info. (I could use SP for my licenses too, but prefer to have AppShelf for that - this way, it keeps both apps leaner without so much data to juggle / bog down. Plus, because the information is of a different nature, I like to keep it separated and not all in one app). To me, it's one of those rare apps that's coded so well and just always works beautifully. Recommend it highly.

AppShelf is an essential tool for storing and managing licenses and serial number of purchased applications. The database has all the fields you need, such as purchase date, version and Website, price paid, links to developer's home-page. There is also the possibility to add notes and attach files - useful for example to store the .license file required by some programs. Version 2 introduces the ability to scan the e-mail to find licenses, the ability to have multiple databases - such as in a Dropbox folder, as a backup - and a breakdown by categories and folders. In recent years it has been very useful for me, especially for the many Bundles purchased with multiple licenses to manage and remember. Websites (such as MacUpdate) provide a file .appshelf for purchased applications so they can be immediately recorded in AppShelf.

being able to send the serials from bundle purchases straight to app shelf is a great time saver.

You better hope you get your serial number automatically at purchase time. I didn't. I've sent my receipt to them three times over a period of more than a week with no response. I've done this via their own web site, so no boloney about not getting my message. Also, they have my spam-free email. No excuses. They are simply derelict. I only regret the other software i've purchased and reviewed positively from them.

What a nightmare to update! Took me a week! I hope you have a better time. The whole reason I upgraded, was to to move my 200+ apps into new categories - but you can't! Probably ok if you don't have any serials to start with. No wait - it's a bit of a pain then too. Try downloading MUP bundle serials (say 9 serials at a time). Now I have to select 9 times the category I want (instead of bulk select). Ok I go through and do this - now the second bundle - I rename the category I want them in to appear first in the list. Nope still wants to put them in the other category! Ok I'll do it manually. Now it won't import the serials form the second bundle (presumably because there are the same apps in there - though with different serials numbers). ?? This is a downgrade for me. Another problem I noticed was with versions. I have say version 1.2 of Appx, then I pay for version 2. App Shelf makes a new version file - but it only shows in the list as version 1.2 A quick look and I can't see the correct version. To find if I have another version I have to click around & select other (hidden) versions. Has great potential but it's like the app was released before it was ready / thought out properly. I'm going back to version 1 - though am about to download licencekeeper & my apps to see if they work better.

I had upgrade problems also. Fortunately I had both an ".appshelf" export and a CSV export off of the computer. I had to buy the upgrade within version 1.6, delete the app leaving the data files and prefs in place, download and open v2.1b, allowed an upgrade of the data only to find no serials and the databases no longer valid for v1.6. My only salvation was to import the previously saved "appshelf serials.appshelf" into the application from the "File" menu. I like the app but this update is a very poorly programmed revision. The developer was responsive, but merely pointed to the inadequate FAQs and Tips section of the web site. There are no in app help files

I have run this app for a while and have 3 keys I picked up in packages thru the years. Only one would allow me to upgrade for the $5 and once I installed it all my codes are gone. Nothing back from the developer. I am just glad I have backup copies and I use 1password to store my apps as well. Old version worked fine maybe a little slow but it worked.

good app, reasonable price but do not like new interface at all now I have to do a extra click to see my serials previous UI was compact and showed everything in one go, this is a step backwards. maybe have a separate tab for attachments but all other details should be in front tab.

I'm very pleased with the excellent responsiveness of the developer! The adjustments to the interface are exactly what was needed. The database upgrade issues appear to have been addressed, too. I'm revising my review up a star. This app has good features at a very reasonable price. I've paid for my upgrade and am looking forward to the continued improvement of the features and interface.

What a pain!!! I upgraded from the previous version and it would not take my Reg Code saying it was invalid.It instead displayed my old Reg Code and stated REGISTRATION SUCCESSFUL! Then after quitting the app and relaunching it the app again asks if I want to upgrade and I say no and it displays the window asking for the reg Code I put in the new reg Code it says it is invalid and displays the old one and say reg is successful and on and on!!!!

Just upgrade from 1.x to 2.0. I can't export my data to AppShelf file and CSV file, only the export to web page function is working.

Loved AppShelf so was happy to invest in this upgrade. Arrrghh! Not only is this a horrible interface but it won't open my old database. Saying there is an error. So all my serial no.s are now gone. Thank god for TimeMachine. Deleted this awful version and managed to restore the original and my old database. Whew. Stay away from this until it's fixed.