Dockside for Mac:
Drag, Drop, Done.

Dockside is your friendly file shelf next to the Dock, where you can drag & drop files, folders, 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

How to use Dockside?

Whether you're managing projects at work, studying for exams, working on creative projects, coding your app or using your Mac casually, Dockside is the perfect companion. Let's get you started!

Download and install Dockside app

Start by downloading Dockside from our website. Dockside supports macOS 13.0+ (Venture and above). Enjoy a 14-day free trial to explore all features, or unlock the full app with a one-time lifetime license for just $5.99—no subscriptions, ever.

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 side allows easy file drops, while the right 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’s dynamic shelf on the left 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!

Features

Drag and Drop Anything

Easily drag and drop files, folders, apps, images, videos, links, and even text into Dockside for quick access and later use.

Clipboard Integration

Drop anything directly from your Clipboard into Dockside using keyboard shortcuts, making it quick and convenient to store and access copied content even from your iCloud devices.

Create Quick Notes

Capture quick notes right within Dockside. A click away for those times when you need to jot something down quickly.

Optimise Images/Videos/PDFs (via Clop)

Effortlessly reduce file sizes with a single click for optimized storage and sharing. Uses the amazing Clop app for this which is integrated right into the Dockside with support for bulk operations.

Additional features

Downloads and Screenshots

Your most recent downloads and screenshots are always available in Dockside, ready to share. If you like to see something else here, you can customise this area to access your favorite folders.

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.

History of Recently Added Files

Dockside keeps track of recently added files and notes created, so you can quickly access the most recent items you’ve added and add them again if you need it.

For optimal use of the Dockside app, refer to our user guide: Dockside Usage Tips

Customisation

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.

Customise Drag and Drop Behaviour

Control how items behave when dragged—choose to copy, move, or customise the action based on your workflow needs.

Just a file shelf

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 customize Dockside to suit my workflow?

Dockside offers various customization 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.

Can other apps talk to Dockside?

Yes, other apps can add files to Dockside shelf simply by using

open -a Dockside.app /path/to/file
or by calling the Service
Add to Dockside