You’re probably happy with the Apple Dock in macOS. It’s easy to use and very familiar. But Apple hasn’t really done much to the Dock since the company bought NeXT back in 1997, and it could be better.
ActiveDock from MacPlus Software is a Dock alternative with plenty of extra features. When you launch it, the Apple Dock disappears, and Active Dock takes its place.
How is it different from the Mac’s default Dock? Let us count the ways.
Number one: Active Dock offers a range of themes so you can customize its looks. Want it to look like a book shelf? Like it’s sitting on grass? Like it’s perched on black glass? No problem. There are over 40 different themes from which to choose. You can also select the background color, the percentage of transparency, and what sort of indicator you prefer for open apps (none, blue white, dark, or custom). Plus, you can choose to place a border around the Dock if you wish.
Number two: it’s an app launcher. Active Dock sports a Start Menu that makes it quick and easy to open apps, documents, and folders.
Number three: it’s a windows manager via the Window Preview panel. You instantly see all opened windows by pointing the mouse over the app icon. Then you can quickly switch between windows or change windows position and size.
Number four: it’s an icon manager. Active Dock provides a way to change the icons of apps, folders, and groups. It doesn’t come with icons, so you’ll have to download or buy ‘em elsewhere.
Number five: it’s a folders and groups manager. Unlike the Apple Dock you can create a virtual folder and add your own elements (shortcuts, folders, documents, whatever else. The Folder View feature allows you to add to the Dock a stack with the contents of a selected folder for quick access.
The utility is very customizable. You can choose to position it on the left, bottom, or right of your Mac’s screen. You can automatically hide/show it if you wish — or simply dim it. And you can have it automatically launch when you power up your Mac.
Despite its advantages over the Mac’s default Dock, ActiveDock looks and behaves just like the Apple Dock, so you can begin using it immediately and learn how to use its extra features as needed.
Active Folders require macOS 10.12 or higher. There are three pricing options. There’s a $4.99 monthly subscription fee. There’s a $19.99 one time payment that includes one year of free upgrades. Finally, there’s a $49.99 one-time payment for up to five Macs and a lifetime license.
Personally, I’d spring for the latter. Active Folders is now one of my favorite Mac utilities, and I think it’s found a permanent home on my Macs. However, you can download a demo and test drive it for yourself to see if you like it as much as I do.
Apple World Today Rating (out of 5 stars): ★★★★★
BTW, MacPlus Software has just provided four ActiveDock licenses for Apple World Today readers:
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