Dockside for Mac:
Drag, Drop, Done.
Dockside is your friendly file shelf next to the Dock, where you can drag & drop files, folders, images, URLs, apps, and even text for quick access or later use. It also displays recent screenshots and downloads for easy access. Lightweight and there when you need it, fading away when you don't, Dockside helps you manage frequently used items—all without getting in your way.
Dockside is Apple Notarized, ensuring it meets Apple's high security standards. Explore all of Dockside’s features with a free 14-day trial, or purchase a one-time license for just $5.99, no subscriptions.
Supports macOS 13.0+ (Ventura and above)
Get started in a few easy steps
Dockside is the perfect companion to your Dock
Whether you're managing projects at work, studying for exams, working on creative projects, coding your new app or using your Mac casually, Dockside is the perfect companion to your Dock. Let's get you started!
Download and install Dockside app
Begin by downloading the Dockside app, compatible with macOS 13.0+ (Ventura and later). Enjoy a 14-day free trial to explore all the features. If you love it, you can purchase a one-time lifetime license.
Dockside is ready to go
Once installed and required permissions are granted, Dockside sits on both sides of your macOS Dock, adjusting to available space. The left Files shelf allows easy file drops, while the right Screenshots shelf keeps recent screenshots and downloads accessible. Always visible, yet unobtrusive.
Drag and drop anything
Simply drag files, folders, images, apps, text, or any draggable content into Dockside for quick access whenever you need it. It’s like having your favorite tools always within reach! Love using keyboard shortcuts? We’ve got you covered there, too—quick, easy access to your essentials is just a keystroke away, making your workflow faster and smoother than ever!
Great companion to the Dock
Dockside eagerly follows the Dock wherever it moves—whether it jumps to a new desktop, switches to a different monitor, or goes into hidden mode. It instantly adapts to every change, even when the Dock is tucked away during full-screen app mode. Wherever the Dock goes, Dockside is right there, ready to fit in and keep up with the action!
Shelf features:
Drag and Drop Anything
Easily drag and drop files, folders, apps, images, videos, links, and even plain text.
Create Quick Notes
Capture quick notes, a click away for those times when you need to jot something down quickly. Supports different types and opens using existing apps.
Utilities
Dockside offers a range of file utilities on the items in shelf - reduce file size, compress as zip, remove image metadata, extract text from image, upload to cloud to generate a shareable link and many more...
App Drawer
Drag and drop apps into Dockside for quick access, and they will automatically be stored in the App Drawer!
More than just a shelf:
Downloads and Screenshots
Your most recent downloads and screenshots are always available in Dockside, ready to share.
Customisable Shelves
Tailor your Dockside experience by configuring these shelves to monitor your favorite folders or the “Recents” shelf. Quickly access what you need most, all from within Dockside.
Super Quick Previews
Quick Look previews for commonly used files and a custom scrollable text previews for easy viewing of longer code files and documents.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Use familiar macOS shortcuts like copy, paste, select all, and delete—Dockside functions just like Finder for a seamless experience.
Utilities & Integrations:
Optimise Images, Videos, and PDFs (via Clop)
Easily reduce file sizes with a single click for streamlined storage and sharing. This feature leverages the powerful Clop app, fully integrated into Dockside with support for bulk operations.
Upload Files to the Cloud (via Dropshare)
Upload files and instantly share links using Dropshare, which supports over 29 cloud services. Dockside seamlessly integrates with the Dropshare app for a hassle-free experience.
Apple Shortcuts and Services
Run workflow-related Shortcuts directly from shelf items and access Services seamlessly within Dockside.
Third-Party App Integration, Scripting, and Automation
Integrate your app with Dockside with ease, and automate your workflows using AppleScript. Check out our detailed Integration User Guide for step-by-step instructions.
Controls and Settings:
Change the Style
Switch between a clear, transparent style for distraction-free use, or a Dock-like style with both light and dark mode settings with an additional option to hide the Dockside automatically.
Store Item References or Copies
Choose whether to drop an item reference for quick access or make a copy directly into Dockside for safekeeping.
Adjust Space for Screenshots and Downloads
Customise the space allocated for recent screenshots and downloads, prioritising whichever you use more frequently OR use this shelf to monitor your favourite folders or even Recent files.
Customise Drag and Drop Behaviour
Control how items behave when dragged—choose to copy, move, or customise the action based on your workflow needs.
Licensing
Pay Once, Use Forever.
Simple pricing, one choice, no hidden fees, no subscriptions.
standard
Personal use
- Lifetime license
- Up to 3 devices
- Unlimited updates and support
Privacy first
Your Data, Only on Your Device
Dockside is designed with your privacy as a top priority. It ensures that all your files, data, and activities stay secure on your device, without ever leaving your machine.
No data collection
Dockside does not collect any data—your files, actions, and usage remain entirely on your device. There are no background processes sending information anywhere.
Operates offline
Dockside works entirely offline, with the only exception being a one-time license activation. After that, the app functions without any internet connection, keeping your data local and private.
No external servers
Your files and data never leave your machine. Dockside does not interact with any external servers, ensuring everything stays on your local device for complete security.
Apple Notarized
Dockside is Apple Notarized, meaning it has been verified by Apple to be free of malware. This further ensures the security and privacy of the app on your Mac.
Uses only Apple APIs
Dockside exclusively uses Apple’s secure and vetted APIs, ensuring that the app follows strict privacy and security guidelines, providing a seamless and trusted experience.
Developed with care
As an indie developer, I built Dockside with a focus on privacy and utility. I have no need for your data and no interest in collecting it—my goal is to provide a simple, efficient tool for managing your files while keeping your privacy intact.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about Dockside
Is Dockside safe to use?
Yes! Dockside is Apple Notarized, which means it has passed Apple’s security checks and is free from malware. It also operates entirely offline, uses native APIs, ensuring your files and data stay on your device.
Can I try Dockside before buying it?
Absolutely! Dockside offers a 14-day free trial so you can explore all of its features before deciding to purchase a lifetime license for $5.99.
Does Dockside store my files or data in the cloud?
No, Dockside does not use any external servers. All your files, actions, and data remain entirely on your device, ensuring your privacy and security.
What happens after my free trial ends?
After the 14-day trial period, Dockside will prompt you to purchase a lifetime license for $5.99. Once purchased, all features will remain unlocked permanently—no subscriptions, just a one-time fee.
What's the future roadmap for Dockside?
With enough support, Dockside aims to add more workflow-enhancing features. Future improvements could include support for auto-hiding, integration with other apps, quick access to AI tools like ChatGPT, Continuity Features, and even an iOS/iPadOS app for seamless sharing across devices via iCloud.
How can I customise Dockside to suit my workflow?
Dockside offers various customisation options. You can switch between themes, adjust space allocation for recent screenshots and downloads, and even choose how items behave when dragged—whether to copy, move, or take another action that fits your workflow needs.
Does it support multiple monitors and multiple Desktops?
Dockside fully supports multiple monitors including multiple Desktops. Just like the Dock, it stays on the primary monitor next to the Dock. Simply put, wherever the Dock goes, Dockside follows. You can also manually pin the Dockside to a specific screen/display if you need to.
Does it support hidden Dock or full screen apps?
Yes, Dockside will remain hidden whenever the Dock is hidden, whether in hidden mode or during full-screen apps. When you need to access Dockside, simply move your mouse to the bottom of the screen, and it will appear right where you would expect it, just like the Dock.
Does Dockside integrate with other apps OR others app integrate with Dockside?
Yes, apps can integrate with Dockside to send plain text or files/folders to the shelf. See Third-party App Integrations for more info.
Is this a Dock replacement app?
No, Dockside is more like a Dock companion app. See Dockside Usage Tips