Docky

Docky is a free and open-source dock replacement for macOS, designed to provide a more adaptable and focused workspace for users who spend significant time on their Macs. It aims to modernize the traditional system dock by offering greater customization and features that align with contemporary workflows. Docky can run alongside the native macOS Dock, mirror its position, or fully replace it by hiding the system Dock, allowing users to choose their preferred setup at any time.

The tool allows users to compose their dock with a mix of apps, widgets, Smart Stacks, and folders. Items such as apps, widgets, Smart Stacks, folders, spacers, and dividers can be added and arranged, making the dock highly configurable. Docky includes a built-in Launchpad—a fullscreen, searchable app launcher with keyboard navigation and a customizable grid, accessible via a user-defined global shortcut. It also features a global window switcher that previews the highlighted window in its actual on-screen position before switching, streamlining multitasking. Widgets for Calendar, Reminders, Batteries, System, Weather, and Now Playing can be embedded directly in the dock, with some app icons able to transform into live widget faces.

Smart Stacks enable users to stack multiple widgets into a single dock tile and cycle through them, while rich app folders support grouping, inline browsing, nested navigation, Quick Look, and drag-and-drop. Docky supports custom app icons, allowing users to override icons for any pinned, running, or widget-backed app by dropping in an image or selecting from a curated set. Scripted actions are also available, including curated built-in commands, AppleScript, and menu-click sequences that can be triggered from the dock. The tool is designed for Mac power users looking for a more flexible and intelligent dock experience.

Docky is distributed as a Universal binary, supporting both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs running macOS 14 (Sonoma) or newer. It is notarized by Apple and does not require an account to use. All features are included without any paid tier or trial, and users can optionally support development via GitHub Sponsors. The source code is available on GitHub, and contributions are welcomed. Docky operates without special permissions for most features, with optional Full Disk Access for rendering previews of protected folders and Finder automation only when scripted actions are enabled.