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.

The list of alternatives was last updated on Sep 10, 2020
Alternatives to FencesFences reviews, screenshots and features
  • 12 alternatives

  • Folderview Screenlet

    Folderview Screenlet is a Linux alternative to Fences (which is for Windows).
    Almost everyone think this is great alternative to Fences.

    Discontinued

    The program is no longer updated. Last version, 0.9.9, released in August 2010, can be still downloaded from the official website.

    • Free
    • Linux
    • Screenlets

  • Sideslide

    SideSlide is an advanced, portable, unobtrusive, dockable, skinnable, instantly accessible, highly configurable Desktop Extension on Steroids!
    Some users think this is a great alternative to Fences, some doesn't.
    • Free
    • Windows
    Gu
    Because it's not similar and easy to use like Fences that is a very intuitive application

    Negative comment • 6 months ago • 1 users agree.

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  • iCollections

    iCollections is an expertly designed application which helps you keep your desktop organized.
    Most users think this is great alternative to Fences.
    • Mac

  • Nimi Places

    Organizes desktop into customizable containers - showing folders (e.g.: local folders, network locations) contents, displayed as icons/thumbnails on scrollable surface.
    Some users think this is a great alternative to Fences, some doesn't.
    • Free Personal
    • Windows
    Gu
    This performs ONE of Fences' secondary functions: displaying the contents of directories OTHER THAN the Desktop as virtual containers on the Desktop. IT IS NOT for organizing Desktop icons/files or setting up automatic rules for categorization of new Desktop icons/files.

    Negative comment • more than a year ago • 10 users agree and 4 don't.

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    Gu
    It will not organize my icons on my desktop.

    Negative comment • more than a year ago • 18 users agree and 12 don't.

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    Gu
    It will not organize my icons on my desktop.

    Negative comment • more than a year ago • 2 users agree and 3 don't.

    More
    More comments
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  • ICU - Icon Configuration Utility

    Restore your desktop when the icons get “rearranged”.
    This alternative is disputed. It's still a legit alternative but it might have some issues that some users think is important.
    • Free • Open Source
    • Windows
    Gu
    It only keeps the icons arranged, don't let you make fences which I think is the best feature of it.

    Negative comment • more than a year ago • 2 users agree and 1 doesn't.

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  • Dragthing

    DragThing is the original dock designed to tidy up your Macintosh desktop.

    Discontinued

    Notice on https://www.dragthing.com/ of discontinuation as of 2019.

    • Freemium
    • Mac

  • XLaunchpad

    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.

    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

    • Freemium
    • Windows

  • ToolBox

    ToolBox is an application launcher for Windows operating systems with many amazing features. Easy to install, you can get going in minutes.
    Some users think this is a great alternative to Fences, some doesn't.

    Discontinued

    The program is no longer updated. Last version, 2.97h, released in May 2011, can be still downloaded from the official website.

    • Free Personal
    • Windows

  • Desktop Groups

    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.
    • Mac

    • DesktopShelves

      DesktopShelves helps you fight the clutter on your desktop by organizing files on shelves. A shelf the size of 5 icons holds 20 files.

      Discontinued

      The program is no longer updated. Last version, 2.1.4, released in November 2013, can be still bought from Mac App Store.

      • Mac