Floating holding area
Open a temporary shelf that stays available while you move files around, so you do not have to keep switching windows or folders.
Holdem
Holdem is a lightweight, open-source desktop tool for temporarily collecting files in a floating shelf while you move them between folders, apps, or desktops. It is built for drag-and-drop file organization, with browser image support, tray access, and a global hotkey.
Overview
Holdem is a lightweight, open-source desktop tool for temporarily collecting files while you work. It is designed around a floating shelf that appears when you shake the mouse during a drag, giving you a place to hold items before dropping them into their final destination.
The product is built with Tauri and is presented as a simpler way to manage files on the desktop. The home page positions it as useful when moving files between folders, apps, or desktops, especially if you want to keep the workflow organized without leaving files scattered across windows.
Features
Drag-and-drop file handling
Drag files and folders into the shelf, keep them there temporarily, and drag them back out when you are ready to place them elsewhere.
Browser image support
Images can be dropped directly from a web browser into the shelf, extending the workflow beyond files already on disk.
System tray integration
Access Holdem from the system tray with a right-click, which keeps the tool close at hand without occupying a full window.
Global hotkey and startup launch
Bring up the shelf with a custom key combination, then set it to launch automatically when you log in.
Use cases
Batch file reorganization
Use Holdem when you need to move several files across folders and want a temporary place to park them before deciding where each one belongs.
Multi-app work sessions
Keep a set of assets visible while you switch between applications or desktops, instead of relying on memory or reopening source folders.
Browser-to-desktop handoff
Drop browser images into the shelf when collecting visual references or downloads from the web.
Fast access for repeated tasks
Use the tray menu or a hotkey when you want quick access to a holding area without opening a separate file manager workflow.
Daily desktop organization
Keep Holdem running at startup if you frequently handle drag-and-drop file moves during the day and want it ready when you log in.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Simple temporary shelf workflow for moving files without losing track of them.
- Open-source and described as completely free on the site.
- Supports drag-and-drop for files and folders.
- Adds browser image support, which broadens the input workflow beyond local file browsing.
- Includes tray access, a hotkey, and auto-launch on startup for quick reuse.
Cons
- The pricing page is missing, so the site does not clearly document any paid plans or pricing structure.
- The home page only confirms a Windows download and source build option, so broader platform support is not clearly documented.
- Some capabilities are marked as coming soon, including support for non-file content and multiple shelves.
FAQ
What does Holdem do?
Holdem is a desktop file-organizing tool. It creates a temporary floating shelf so you can collect files while you move between folders, apps, or desktops, then drop them where you need them.
Which platforms does Holdem support?
The source describes Holdem as lightweight and open-source, and it includes a Windows download link plus an option to build from source. The site does not provide confirmed support details for macOS or Linux.
Is Holdem free?
Yes. The site says Holdem is completely free and open-source.
Who is Holdem for?
Holdem is aimed at users who drag files between locations and want a temporary holding area to keep that work organized. It is especially relevant when you are multitasking across folders or applications.
What workflow features does Holdem include?
The home page highlights a right-click tray menu, a global hotkey, browser image support, and automatic launch on startup. It also notes coming-soon features such as support for non-file content and multiple shelves.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Productivity / File Management
- Platform
- Windows confirmed; source build available
- License
- Open source
- Pricing
- Free according to the home page; no pricing page available
- Source
- holdem.iamzub.in
- Workflow
- Shake mouse while dragging to open a temporary shelf
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