Local storage
Tansei keeps your active shelf on your Mac in Documents/Tansei, so saved items are stored locally instead of in a cloud account.
Tansei
Tansei is a local Mac shelf for saving text, links, screenshots, files, colors, and code while switching between apps. Offline, private, no account.
A local shelf for working across apps
Tansei is a Mac shelf that sits at the edge of your screen and stores the things you want to keep close while you move between apps. It is built for people who copy, reference, and return to many different kinds of content during the day, including text, links, screenshots, files, colors, and code.
The app is private by default, works offline, and does not require an account. Items stay on your Mac, and screenshots and files are saved locally in Documents/Tansei. Tansei uses familiar Mac shortcuts and simple capture actions so you can save something, switch apps, and come back to it without losing your place.
Features, explained
Multiple capture methods
Right-click, drag, or press ⌘C to capture text, links, images, screenshots, files, PDFs, notes, colors, and code from other apps.
Organize and search
Use groups, tags, pins, and instant search to organize items and find them again quickly.
Manage each item
Preview, rename, open, archive, delete, and recover items from the shelf when you need to manage what you saved.
Color detection
Grab colors as swatches and copy values in HEX, RGB, or HSL.
Control capture behavior
Pause auto-copying from the menu bar or in Settings if you want to stop new items from being captured automatically.
Where Tansei fits
Switching between apps
Keep references, snippets, and prompts close while moving between ChatGPT, your editor, browser, and terminal.
Design and visual review
Save colors, screenshots, and design references, then drag them back into Figma or other visual work without rebuilding the context.
Developer workflows
Capture commands, error messages, and files while you debug, then copy the exact item back when you need it.
Research and reading
Store links, notes, PDFs, and research fragments in one shelf so you can return to them later without searching through tabs.
Personal organization
Use tags, groups, and pins to keep project materials organized when you are juggling many small items at once.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Keeps saved items local on your Mac rather than in an account.
- Captures several content types, including screenshots, files, colors, links, notes, and code.
- Supports common Mac actions like ⌘C, right-click, drag, and keyboard shortcuts.
- Works offline and does not require sign-in.
- Includes organization tools such as search, tags, groups, pins, archive, and delete.
Cons
- Requires macOS 15 or later and an Apple Silicon Mac.
- No web or Windows version is mentioned on the product pages.
- The app locks after the 3-day trial unless you buy a license.
FAQ
What Macs does Tansei support?
Tansei runs on macOS 15 (Sequoia) or later and requires an Apple Silicon Mac.
Is Tansei just clipboard history?
No. Tansei is a shelf for the things that matter, not just a log of copied items. It can hold notes, colors, screenshots, files, links, PDFs, and code.
Where is my data stored?
Everything stays on your Mac. The shelf is stored locally, and screenshots and files are saved in Documents/Tansei. Tansei does not require an account or upload your data.
Does Tansei work offline?
Yes. The shelf works with or without an internet connection.
What happens when the trial ends?
The free trial includes every feature for 3 days. After that, the app locks until you purchase a license, and your shelf stays on your Mac.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Productivity
- Platform
- macOS 15+ on Apple Silicon Macs
- Pricing
- 3-day free trial, then $7 USD once if you keep it
- Data storage
- Stored locally on your Mac; screenshots and files in Documents/Tansei
- Account required
- No
- Source domain
- tansei.io
Tansei Alternatives
Goldfish
Goldfish is an AI memory app for macOS that helps you reply, write, summarize, and continue with context already on your Mac. It stores memory locally and writes in your tone.
Dcyde
Dcyde is a shared decision log for product teams to capture what was decided, why, and the source, with searchable records from Slack, Figma, or Dcyde.
Lasso
Lasso is an ecommerce product data platform for enriching catalog records, processing supplier files, generating product content, and tracking competitors. It includes a web app, REST API, SDK, and MCP server.
Biji
Biji is a versatile platform designed to enhance productivity through innovative tools and features.
Codex Plugins
Codex Plugins bundle reusable skills, app integrations, and MCP servers into workflows you can install in the Codex app or use from Codex CLI.
Struere
Struere turns spreadsheet data into structured operational software with dashboards, alerts, and automations for teams replacing manual spreadsheet workflows.