Dock Alternatives

Dock is described as 'In OS X, the Dock is used as a repository for any program or file in the operating system. It can hold any number of items and resizes them dynamically to fit while using magnification to clarify smaller resized items' and is a application launcher in the os & utilities category. There are more than 25 alternatives to Dock for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, BSD and KDE. The best alternative is RocketDock, which is free. Other great apps like Dock are Raycast, Cairo-Dock, Winstep Nexus and Latte Dock.

Dock alternatives are mainly Application Launchers but may also be Desktop Customization Tools or File Search Utilities. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Dock.

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Dock

Paid • Proprietary
Application Launcher
Mac

In OS X, the Dock is used as a repository for any program or file in the operating system. It can hold any number of items...

Learn more about Dock

RocketDock
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Application Launcher
Desktop Customization Tool
Windows
64 alternatives to RocketDock
RocketDock is a Mac OS X dock clone. It provides a nice clean interface to drop shortcuts on for easy access and organization. With each item completely customizable there is no end to what you can add and launch from the dock.
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RocketDock Features
Dock
Launcher
Discontinued
The program is no longer updated, but last version, 1.3.5, released in September 2008, can be still downloaded from the official website. "It is true, RocketDock has been discontinued. [...] The app remains available on https://rocketdock.com, but is unsupported."
Raycast
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Application Launcher
File Search Utility
Mac
39 alternatives to Raycast
Raycast lets you control your tools with a few keystrokes. It’s designed to keep you focused.
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Raycast Features
1. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsRaycast can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
2. Support for scriptingRaycast supports scripts and macros to automate or customize tasks.
3. Privacy focusedRaycast is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Customizable
Cairo-Dock
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Application Launcher
Linux
Xfce
48 alternatives to Cairo-Dock
Cairo-Dock is an animated application launch bar for the desktop, comparable to the dock in Mac OS X or Rocket Dock (for Windows).
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Cairo-Dock Features
1. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsCairo-Dock can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
2. Support for ThemesYou can use themes and templates to change the look and feel of Cairo-Dock.
3. Ad-freeCairo-Dock doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
Dock
Launcher
Winstep Nexus
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Application Launcher
Desktop Customization Tool
Windows
36 alternatives to Winstep Nexus
The Winstep Nexus Dock is a FREE professional dock for Windows. With Nexus, your most frequently used applications are only a mouse click away - and Nexus turns working with your computer into a fun and exciting experience.
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Winstep Nexus Features
Dock
Skins
Extensive settings menu
Launcher
Latte Dock
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Application Launcher
Linux
KDE
17 alternatives to Latte Dock
Latte is a dock based on plasma frameworks that provides an elegant and intuitive experience for your tasks and plasmoids. It animates its contents by using parabolic zoom effect and trys to be there only when it is needed.
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Latte Dock Features
Dock
Docky
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Application Launcher
Desktop Customization Tool
Linux
48 alternatives to Docky
Docky is a full fledged dock application that makes opening common applications and managing windows easier and quicker. Docky is fully integrated into the GNOME Desktop and features a no non-sense approach to configuration and usage. It just works.
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Docky Features
Launcher
Dock
Window docking
Discontinued
Last commit and last available version from 2015-09-02
CLaunch
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Application Launcher
Windows
52 alternatives to CLaunch
You are free to choose double-click on the desktop and move mouse to the corner of the screen, such as a hot key, how to display more than 100.
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CLaunch Features
1. LightweightCLaunch consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
2. Support for GesturesCLaunch supports touch or mouse gestures and interactions.
3. Ad-freeCLaunch doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
4. Support for ThemesYou can use themes and templates to change the look and feel of CLaunch.
5. PortableCLaunch can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
MaxLauncher
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Application Launcher
Windows
46 alternatives to MaxLauncher
MaxLauncher is a simple tabbed launcher that was designed to reduce the amount of time to find and run a program. It is capable of creating multiple data files, each of which can have a maximum of 10 tabs. Each tab and button is assigned a key(eg. F1-F10, 0-9, A-Z, etc.
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MaxLauncher Features
1. PortableMaxLauncher can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Launcher
ObjectDock
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
Application Launcher
Desktop Customization Tool
Windows
53 alternatives to ObjectDock
ObjectDock is an animated dock for Windows that enables you to quickly access and launch your favorite applications, files and shortcuts.
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ObjectDock Features
Launcher
Dock
Discontinued
The program is no longer updated. Last version, 2.20, released in 2016, can be still bought from the official website
HyperDock
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
Mac
59 alternatives to HyperDock
HyperDock adds Windows 7 like features and more to Mac OS X.

Select individual application windows & tabs just by moving the mouse on a dock item, use mouse clicks to quickly open new windows and many more."

Window Previews Ever wondered how to activate a single wind.
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HyperDock Features
Dock
Discontinued
The last version (1.7) is from January 2017, but it's still available to download.