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The Mac Dock, located at the bottom of the screen, provides one-click access to frequently used apps. It helps to keep the desktop uncluttered and organized. The Dock contains newly installed apps by default, but sometimes, it is necessary to add an application to the dock for easy access.
Many people are searching for ways to add an application to the Mac Dock. They wonder if it is possible to put all their essential apps in one place. It is pretty challenging for a beginner to figure out how to do it because it involves customizing the Mac Dock. In this article, we will provide various methods to add an application to the Mac Dock, making it easy to use.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Add Application to Mac Dock
The Mac Dock is beneficial to users because it provides quick access to frequently used applications, making it easier to open. You need to add applications to the Mac Dock because it helps to keep the desktop uncluttered. You can add essential apps, like browsers, editors, or document viewers, so they are always in one place.
Adding an application to the Mac Dock saves you a significant amount of time. You won’t have to search for the app you need in the Applications folder, and it also improves your workflow. Having your favorite apps on the Dock, ready to use, increases productivity and reduces time spent on mundane tasks.
Method 1: Via Drag and Drop
This method is the easiest and most intuitive way to add an application to the Mac Dock. Follow the steps below:
1. Open the Finder on your Mac and go to the Applications folder.
2. Select the application that you want to add to the Mac Dock.
3. Drag the application icon towards the Dock.
4. Move the icon to any place of your choice on the dock.
5. Release the mouse button to add the application to the Dock.
Pros:
– It’s the quickest way to add an application to the dock.
– It does not require the use of any third-party software.
Cons:
– It offers limited customization options.
Method 2: From the Application Menu
Another quick and simple way to add an application to the Mac Dock is to do it from the application menu. Here are the simple steps:
1. Launch the application you want to add to the Dock.
2. Right-click on the application icon on the Dock.
3. Hover your cursor over the ‘Options’ menu.
4. Click on the ‘Keep in Dock’ option.
Pros:
– It requires no drag and drop function.
Cons:
– You may have to relaunch the application for the change to take effect.
Method 3: Via Terminal
This method requires users to use the Terminal Application, a command-line interface for advanced settings on the Mac OS. While this method is a little technical, Mac users can use it to add, remove, and modify folders, files, or applications in the Dock.
1. Launch Terminal.
2. Type the following command in the Terminal interface.
Syntax: defaults write com.apple.dock persistent-apps -array-add ‘{ "tile-type" = "app-tile"; "bundle-id" = "Application Bundle Identifier";}’
3. Substitute "Application Bundle Identifier” with the bundle ID of the application you wish to add to the Dock.
4. Press enter.
5. Wait for a few seconds for the Dock to restart.
6. The application icon will appear in the Dock.
Pros:
– It provides advanced customization options for the Dock.
– It allows batch modifications via Terminal commands.
Cons:
– It requires technical knowledge.
What to Do If You Can’t Add Application to Mac Dock
Sometimes, users face challenges when trying to add an application to Mac Dock. Here are some things you could do to rectify that issue.
1. Restart your Mac: Restarting a Mac can help to fix some minor bugs or problems.
2. Reset the Dock preferences: You can reset Dock preferences by following the steps below.
a. Open Terminal.
b. Type the command "defaults delete com.apple.dock" and press enter.
c. Restart your Mac.
3. Reset your SMC or PRAM: Sometimes resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) or PRAM (Parameter Random Access Memory) can correct problems with your Mac’s hardware and application functions.
Bonus Tip
If you want to remove an application from the Dock, follow these simple steps:
1. Right-click on the application icon on your Mac Dock.
2. Click on the "Remove from Dock" option.
5 FAQs
Q1: How do I remove an application from the dock?
A: To remove an application from the dock, right-click the application icon on the dock. Click on the ‘Remove from Dock’ option.
Q2: How do I rearrange the application icons on the Dock?
A: To rearrange application icons on the Dock, click and hold the application icon, drag it, and drop it in the preferred location.
Q3: How do I increase the space between icons on the Dock?
A: You can increase the space between icons on the Dock by establishing the default value. Launch terminal and run the Command "defaults write com.apple.dock persistent-apps -array-add
Q4: What if I want to prevent others from adding/removing applications on the dock?
A: To restrict others from adding/removing applications from the Dock, open the System Preferences, click the "Parental Controls" icon, and click on the relevant user’s account. Click ‘Applications,’ and in the list of applications, choose which applications you want to allow or block access.
Q5: Can I customize the Dock’s appearance?
A: You can customize the Dock’s appearance through the System Preferences. Open the System Preferences and click the "Dock" icon. You can change the position of the Dock, size, colors, and animation effects.
Final Thoughts
Adding an application to the Mac Dock is simple and boosts productivity, saving users time. The methods discussed in this article are straightforward and effective. Method 1 makes customization of the Mac Dock easy. Method 2 is beneficial for quick access to the apps on the Dock. Method 3 provides the option of advanced Dock customization, but the terminal interface may seem daunting for novice users.
To maintain an organized desk, users must add essential apps and remove unwanted ones from the Dock routinely. With the tips and FAQs shared in this article, adding or removing apps from the Dock should no longer be a hassle.