Fences Alternatives
Fences allows you to compartmentalize and organize your desktop by dividing it into sections. As paid Windows software, many of you might be looking for free alternatives to Fences. Also, since it is exclusively available on Windows, others will be looking for similar software available on macOS and Linux.
Fences alternatives are mainly Desktop Customization Tools but may also be Application Launchers or File Organizers. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Fences.
Folderview Screenlet is a Linux alternative to Fences (which is for Windows).
Discontinued
The program is no longer updated. Last version, 0.9.9, released in August 2010, can be still downloaded from the official website.
Create containers (aka Portals) on your desktop which show the contents of a specified folder. Divide your desktop into folders then use Portals to display the contents of the folders in an organized fashion - you can even hide the folders away somewhere else.
Portals: Desktop Organization vs Fences opinions
rosspatdevIt looks like windows native.
SideSlide is an advanced, portable, unobtrusive, dockable, skinnable, instantly accessible, highly configurable Desktop Extension on Steroids! Clean desktop clutter and make your computer friendlier and faster than ever before.
Sideslide vs Fences opinions
adwhaanRunning it triggers my virus scanner (BitDefender) about malware injection.
It's a very comprehensive program with lots of features that can change the way you work with Windows.
Because it's not similar and easy to use like Fences that is a very intuitive application
iCollections is an expertly designed application which helps you keep your desktop organized. The app's unique features are what make it the most popular method of desktop organization for Mac users.
iCollections vs Fences opinions
stowagefez0xRuns on Mac, has beautiful drawers that auto-shrink, can use (different levels of) transparency, is even more easy to use than Fences on Windows.
Restore your desktop when the icons get “rearranged”.
ICU - Icon Configuration Utility vs Fences opinions
It only keeps the icons arranged, don't let you make fences which I think is the best feature of it.
XLaunchpad gives you instant access to all your shortcuts. Arrange apps in XLaunchpad any way you like by dragging icons to different locations or by grouping apps in folders. Simply drag one icon over another to create a folder.
Warning
XLaunchPad setup installs adware extensions for browsers. VirusTotal result: https://www.virustotal.com/en/file/2a8eca9357cfae211564426dc461832ca2de70a9318ecba0468c4586fc4f4ffc/analysis/1426619620/ WOT comments: https://www.mywot.com/en/scorecard/xwidget.com
- Free Personal • Proprietary
- Windows
ToolBox is an application launcher for Windows operating systems with many amazing features. Easy to install, you can get going in minutes. Its drag & drop interface creates shortcuts to almost anything; applications, drives, folders, even simple files.
Discontinued
The program is no longer updated. Last version, 2.97h, released in May 2011, can be still downloaded from the official website.
DragThing is the original dock designed to tidy up your Macintosh desktop.
Discontinued
Notice on https://www.dragthing.com/ of discontinuation as of 2019.
The app lets you create groups of related files on your desktop. You can freely move groups of files around on your desktop and add or remove files via drag & drop.
Partitions is the ultimate app to help you organize your desktop! Gone are the days of cluttered desktops with dozens (or even hundreds) of files. Using Partitions, you can create groupings of files and shortcuts right on your desktop.
Partitions vs Fences opinions
chansoftwaresolutionsI like how this app is free to use with great customizable options.