What is DockFlow?
DockFlow is a macOS utility that lets you save, manage, and instantly switch between different Dock configurations called presets. Instead of manually dragging icons back into place every time you shift from coding to design to writing, DockFlow lets you create a dedicated Dock layout for each workflow and swap with a single click. Each preset can automatically close apps you don't need and launch the ones you do, so you're back in your workflow without the friction.
Who it's for
- Designers who want a clean Dock with only their creative tools when working on mockups or prototypes
- Developers who need quick access to their IDE, terminal, and browser profiles without clutter from unrelated apps
- Writers and researchers who prefer a minimal Dock with just their writing app, reference materials, and a browser
Key features
One-click preset switching
Save any Dock layout as a named preset, then switch between them with a single click or keyboard shortcut. DockFlow closes apps you don't need and opens the ones you do, so you're instantly in the right context.
Lock Dock for multi-monitor setups
Prevent the Dock from jumping between displays when you move your cursor to another screen. This keeps your Dock exactly where you want it, even on complex multi-monitor arrangements.
No permissions required
DockFlow works directly with the native macOS Dock and doesn't require any accessibility or system permissions. It's lightweight and respects your privacy from the start.
Automatic app management per preset
Each preset can include apps, folders, and files. DockFlow can automatically launch a specific browser profile or open your IDE with the right project when you switch, so you never forget where you left off.
What stands out
"DockFlow helps you switch into the right workflow instantly — one-time setup, lifetime productivity."
The core idea is simple but powerful: instead of fighting your Dock every time you change tasks, you design your ideal Dock once for each context and let DockFlow handle the rest. It's built by someone who actually needed it — over 70 updates in a year, with more than 1,000 users already relying on it. The fact that it requires zero permissions and works with the native macOS Dock makes it feel like a natural extension of the system, not a third-party hack.
Worth checking out if…
You use a Mac for multiple types of work and find yourself wasting time rearranging your Dock between sessions. If you're a developer, designer, writer, or anyone who switches between distinct workflows throughout the day, DockFlow can save you those first few minutes of every context switch. It's especially useful if you work across multiple monitors and want your Dock to stay put.
