Arguably, the Dock was Apple's most major interface change during the transition from Mac OS 9 to Mac OS X.
But even today, after five major Mac OS X revisions (and with a sixth on the way), the shortcuts-cum-launcher task-bar has as many detractors as fans.
In previous articles, we've shown how to 'de-ugly' the Dock and enhance it via Terminal commands. We've not yet explored apps for Dock management and replacing Apple's creation entirely, though, and there's plenty of choice.
Replace with multiple Docks
If you've too many applications stuffed into your Dock, consider using a 'multiple Docks' utility for grouping apps in user-defined categories.
1. Docks ($14.99)
It might be fifteen bucks and, yes, there are free apps that offer broadly similar functionality, but Docks is the best multiple-Dock app we've seen. Its likeable interface (including showing icons within each saved Dock), stability and reliability better the competition by a country mile.
2. DockFun ($19.99)
Docks is Leopard-only, but DockFun takes care of Macs running Tiger. Its interface offers various ways of switching Docks and managing Dock items (including defining launch hot-keys). DockFun also offers 'Donelleschi Docks', multiple semi-transparent launch palettes based on any Dock's configuration.
Task-bar-based replacements
Third-party task-bars exist for the Mac, which you can use to effectively remove Apple's equivalent from the equation.
3. A-Dock X ($10)
If we're honest, A-Dock X is a bit of a throwback. Originally designed as a Mac OS 9 Dock equivalent, it lacks some of the niceties of Apple's Dock. However, A-Dock X has themes and its 'drive module' for accessing local volumes is genuinely useful.
4. Fantasktik ($9.99)
More a complementary app to Apple's Dock than a replacement, Fantasktik offers previews of open windows (grouped by application) and enables single-click access to them, all from a skinny taskbar with collapsible app sections.
5. DragThing ($34)
The daddy of Dock replacements, DragThing has a long, impressive pedigree. The rock-solid app enables you to define customised multiple docks for launching items. Pre-defined docks provide access to mounted volumes, running processes and app windows; and if you don't fancy docks cluttering your screen, stash them at screen edges as tabbed drawers.
Menu-bar launchers
If screen space is a concern, use the menu bar for app-launching and switching instead of the Dock.
6. Spotlight (part of Mac OS X)
Spotlight is built into Mac OS X. Hit Command+Space and start typing to filter your results. In Leopard, Spotlight is faster than previous versions, and applications matching your search term show up right away, negating the need to use the Dock for launching. You can also refocus an app by selecting it in Spotlight when the app's already open.
7. Application Switcher Menu 2.2 ($15)
If you're an old person who misses the pre-Mac OS X way of switching apps, ASM brings an equivalent to modern Macs. Via the menu bar, you get a list of running apps, and sub-menus display Dock menu content. If you're feeling tight-fisted, the free multiXFinder does much the same, albeit without the sub-menus.
8. Butler (donationware)
The highly configurable Butler enables you to launch files and apps from the menu bar or from an 'abbreviations' window. It also offers various modules, one of which displays your running apps as clickable menu-bar icons.
Multi-purpose application launchers
Finally, taking the lead from several of the previously mentioned apps, two super-powered launchers exist for Mac that enable fast access to your content and the ability to manipulate said content, thereby almost replacing both the Dock and Finder.
9. LaunchBar (€24)
Superficially similar to Spotlight, LaunchBar enables you to access any item on your system via a typed abbreviation, and also offers manipulation options. Items can be launched, moved and copied, and advanced filtering enables you to access items based on file type, to control iTunes, and to explore your clipboard history.
10. Quicksilver (free)
Quicksilver's revolutionary interface enables users to perform commands via an 'object/action/indirect object' path via an HUD-style window. Numerous plug-ins and user-defined triggers led many to demand Quicksilver be the future of Mac, but stagnating development caused problems on Leopard. It remains essential for Tiger users, and recent alpha builds suggest it might soon again be worth a look for anyone running a more recent system.
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Your comments (4) Click to add a new comment
mrmister
June 23rd
4. Nicolas, thanks for the helpful review. I don't have time to check out all the s'ware I'd like to.
I only wish Apple would enable quick showing/hiding of the Dock instead of Slow Slide-Out limited to 3 sides of the screen (or four if you modify it with something like Onyx). Then I might use it more often :-)
George
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nicolasmerritt
June 23rd
3. @Patrick - I cannot let that stand. Our motives were: we're a bunch of Mac enthusiasts who like mucking about with our machines, so what are these dock tools about then? That's it. No 'endorsements'. No payments.
I am annoyed that you would think we're up to something, we are very clear about the dividing lines between advertising and editorial on this site.
Take our articles or leave them, but don't make stuff up about our motives for posting them.
Nick,
Editor in chief
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mrmister
June 23rd
2. Can't let that comment pass without replying. In fact it sounds like trolling to me.
I've been a Mac user since 1988, and have used X since it was introduced. I've also been using DragThing for 5 years, after Scott Johnson's excellent PowerBar Pro (BTW, no affiliation with DragThing).
I demand productivity - for me that means quickly showing and hiding sets of items I need and use often. The Dock doesn't cut it. But many 3rd-party dock replacements & launchers might, depending on one's working style. And the Mac is all about customizing one's workflow, so: To Each His Own. A statement like, "none of them really increase your productivity" shows glib naiveté.
I don't know if any endorsement is involved, but I do know how to spell "losing" - which is the essence of designingpatrick's comment ;-). Which was signed "respectfully"? Gimme a break!
George
(no affiliation with Techradar, any software company, or anyone else :-)
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designingpatrick
June 23rd
1. TechRadar,
Hey guys! I just signed up after reading your nifty little article on your 10 picks for the Mac OSX doc replacements. I thought I'd let you know that the article was pretty lame.
I am considering a possible motive behind this article's publication. Endorsement? It must be something like that, because all of these nifty apps seem to come with a price tag and none of them really increase your productivity. You should know that a doc helper is about as useful as an Olympic runner's shoelace color.
Nobody who claims actual productivity on the Mac will need a doc helper, if you want productivity, try organizing your ****! Nobody needs 30 apps hanging in their doc, and if they do, then they have the sense to stay organized, and if they don't then they need a doc helper. This article and the doc helpers that it promotes for purchase are an example of how humans end up loosing their rights- just you wait and see.
Respectfully,
Patrick
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