Shelf feature
Which workspace fits your work?
Shelf brings your PDF library, reader, Docs, Tutor, quizzes, and planner together. Compare that connected workflow with the strengths of more specialized tools.
What you get
- Keep PDFs, Docs, annotations, Tutor, quizzes, and planner items together
- Ask questions about a page, collection, or indexed library with source links
- Free plan includes Tutor and quizzes within usage limits
- See each alternative's strengths before choosing a workflow
Features side by side
No single tool is best for every job. These are reasons to choose Shelf—or a more specialized tool—for a particular workflow.
| Capability | Shelf | When another tool may fit better |
|---|---|---|
| Personal PDF library + highlights | Built-in reader, tabs, split view, marks on your uploads | Choose a dedicated PDF editor when advanced PDF editing is the main job. |
| Typed Docs & sketch notebooks | Beside PDFs in the same collections | Choose a dedicated document editor or handwriting app for deeper editing tools. |
| LLM grounded in your library | Tutor with RAG, citations, page → library scope | Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM) is a strong fit for source exploration, study aids, and Google's connected tools. |
| Quizzes from your material | MCQ, written answers, photo working, and a review board | Choose a dedicated flashcard or spaced-repetition tool for that practice style. |
| Planner + reading context | Tasks linked to library pages | Choose a calendar app for shared scheduling and invitations. |
| Share handouts / class PDFs | Share Shelf + optional Telegram send | Choose a file-sharing service for broader collaboration controls. |
| Free plan that includes AI + quiz | Free library, Tutor limits, quiz, planner | Compare current limits and prices for your own usage before subscribing. |
Plans and value
- Free includes the library, highlights, Tutor and quizzes within usage limits, plus the planner.
- Premium expands storage and AI capacity. Compare the current price and limits on the pricing page before upgrading.
Current prices and limits are on /subscribe.
When another tool is enough
Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM)
A strong choice for source exploration, notes, quizzes, flashcards, and Google's connected tools.
Shelf fit: Choose Shelf when you also want a PDF reader with saved highlights, Docs, and a page-linked planner in the same workspace.
ChatPDF / chat-with-PDF tools
Useful for quick questions about an uploaded PDF.
Shelf fit: Choose Shelf when you want to keep reading, annotations, and saved work alongside Q&A across your library.
Notion + Notion AI
Flexible documents, databases, and team workflows.
Shelf fit: Choose Shelf when the PDF reader and personal study workflow are your center of gravity.
Obsidian (+ AI plugins)
Local-first linked Markdown notes and a broad plugin ecosystem.
Shelf fit: Choose Shelf when you prefer its built-in reader, Tutor, quizzes, and planner.
ChatGPT / generic LLMs
General-purpose writing, reasoning, and conversation, including work with uploaded files.
Shelf fit: Choose Shelf when you want saved reading context, annotations, quizzes, and plans organized around your library.
RemNote / Quizlet / Anki
Practice-oriented tools with different strengths in flashcards, quizzes, and review.
Shelf fit: Choose Shelf when practice should sit beside your PDF library and reader.
GoodNotes / Notability
Dedicated handwriting and tablet note-taking experiences.
Shelf fit: Choose Shelf for its web library, Tutor, quizzes, and planning; do not expect identical pen tooling.
If your main job is source exploration and study aids, Gemini Notebook may fit. For general-purpose AI conversation, ChatGPT may fit. Obsidian is a strong choice for linked Markdown notes; dedicated handwriting apps go deeper on pen tools. Shelf fits when you want the material, reading state, questions, practice, and next steps to stay together.
The free plan lets you try that workflow with usage limits. Premium expands capacity; check the pricing page for current amounts and quotas rather than relying on an old comparison.
The related guide explores the alternatives in more depth. Feature availability changes, so verify a competitor's current product before deciding.