Very helpful app
Very helpfull app. you should try it first!
— Wawan Kuncoro
Dockside for Mac:
Drag, Drop, Done.
Dockside is your friendly file shelf app for Mac, living next to your Dock and making the most of the unused space around it for quick access to your frequently used items on your Mac—without ever getting in your way. Drag and drop files, folders, links, apps, and even text snippets for immediate or later use on the left. Quickly access your recent screenshots and downloads, or even monitor your favorite folders on the right.
Dockside is Apple notarized, ensuring it meets Apple's high security standards. Explore the full app with a free 14-day trial, or purchase a lifetime license for $5.99, no subscriptions.
Native Swift app—fast and responsive. Supports macOS 13.0+ (Ventura+). Download below or Install via Homebrew.
Homebrew
brew install --cask dockside Loading…
Reviews
Loved by Dockside Users
5.0 ★★★★★
THE app I've been searching for since forever! I've tried all similar ones (Yoink, Dropover, Dropshelf, etc.), but none have this standout feature: quick access to the latest screenshots and downloaded files, complete with previews and all possible shortcuts right on top. Everything is visible at a glance and accessible with just one click, plus it's all in an unused part of the screen. Brilliant, just brilliant. Combined with CleanShotX, Dropover, and Clop, it's the perfect setup for me. And the pricing—$6 for a lifetime license? So affordable and rare these days... I bought the app after only an hour of trial! 🤣 Thank you so much.
The ghost of Steve Jobs approves of this.
This is the best file shelf app for macOS. Period.
Great app + great dev
Great app and developer already fixed a bug I found and implemented a simple feature suggestion all before my trial even expired.
— Robert
Productivity booster
A nice productivity-enhancing tool indeed. I found it very useful.
— Ervins
Immediate buy
This is gonna be great. I didn't know that this thing makes some workflow thingies sooo much better for me. Well designed, no subscription. Immediate buy. Thank you!
— Carsten Pohlink
My setup
- Left DockSids : using files - Right Dockside : recent files
— TOMOHIKO KANEKO
Very helpful app
Very helpfull app. you should try it first!
— Wawan Kuncoro
Great app + great dev
Great app and developer already fixed a bug I found and implemented a simple feature suggestion all before my trial even expired.
— Robert
Productivity booster
A nice productivity-enhancing tool indeed. I found it very useful.
— Ervins
Immediate buy
This is gonna be great. I didn't know that this thing makes some workflow thingies sooo much better for me. Well designed, no subscription. Immediate buy. Thank you!
— Carsten Pohlink
My setup
- Left DockSids : using files - Right Dockside : recent files
— TOMOHIKO KANEKO
Very helpful app
Very helpfull app. you should try it first!
— Wawan Kuncoro
Great app + great dev
Great app and developer already fixed a bug I found and implemented a simple feature suggestion all before my trial even expired.
— Robert
Productivity booster
A nice productivity-enhancing tool indeed. I found it very useful.
— Ervins
Immediate buy
This is gonna be great. I didn't know that this thing makes some workflow thingies sooo much better for me. Well designed, no subscription. Immediate buy. Thank you!
— Carsten Pohlink
My setup
- Left DockSids : using files - Right Dockside : recent files
— TOMOHIKO KANEKO
Dockside is the perfect companion to your Dock
Whether you're studying for exams, tackling creative projects, managing tasks at work, coding your next app, or simply using your Mac for everyday tasks, Dockside is the ultimate Dock companion—streamlining your workflow and always ready when you need it. Dockside speaks your language—supporting Chinese, Spanish, German, Korean, and Japanese.
As featured in
Flexibility
Wherever your Dock goes, Dockside follows
Works with the Dock in any mode—bottom, left, or right. Pin to any screen, pin to any edge. Your setup, your rules.
Customise your experience
Make the Dockside work for you
Dockside offers extensive customisation with fine-grained controls, allowing you to tailor its behavior, appearance, and functionality to suit your workflow. Set up drop zones to run workflows and automation—Shortcuts, AppleScript, CLI commands, utilities, and more—right from the shelf. Explore the features below.
Shelf features:
Drag and Drop Anything
Easily drag and drop files, folders, apps, images, videos, links, and even plain text.
Create Quick Notes
Capture quick notes, a click away for those times when you need to jot something down quickly. Supports different types and opens using existing apps.
Utilities
Dockside offers a range of file utilities on the items in shelf - reduce file size, compress as zip, remove image metadata, extract text from image, upload to cloud to generate a shareable link and many more...
App Drawer
Drag and drop apps into Dockside for quick access, and they will automatically be stored in the App Drawer!
More than just a shelf:
Downloads and Screenshots
By default, your most recent downloads and screenshots live in Dockside, ready to share—you can customise that shelf to be whatever you want.
Recents, Folders, Clipboard History, Media, System Monitor
Configure shelves for more than files: keep favorite folders or Recents as usual, add a media shelf to control Spotify or Apple Music from the shelf, monitor your Mac with live system readouts, or build a widget shelf for the panels you rely on—all in one place.
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 & gestures
Use familiar macOS shortcuts—copy, paste, select all, and delete—just like Finder. On trackpad or mouse, swipe up or down on the shelf to expand and paginate through everything; swipe left or right to expand and reveal more rows or panels.
Drop zones:
Run Shortcuts, Scripts, Utilities, CLI commands–your whole workflow—from one place.
Four Zones. Unlimited Possibilities.
Set up to four drop zones on your shelf—each one triggers a different action. Configure the action, destination and post-drop actions to create a custom workflow.
Script It Your Way
Run Shortcuts, Scripts, Utilities, CLI commands–your whole workflow—from one place. Automate renaming, convert formats, sync folders, or pipe files into your favourite tools & apps—no Terminal window required.
Utilities
Compress, convert, upload, or send files to any app that supports them. Your existing workflows, right on the shelf.
Power User Ready
Built for anyone who likes to automate. Chain scripts, Shortcuts, and utilities so the right action runs on the right zone—every time. Less clicking, more doing.
Utilities & Integrations:
Optimise Images, Videos, and PDFs (via Clop)
Easily reduce file sizes with a single click for streamlined storage and sharing. Uses Clop app, fully integrated into Dockside.
Upload Files to the Cloud (via Dropshare)
Upload files and instantly share links using Dropshare app, which supports over 29 cloud services.
Apple Shortcuts and Services
Run workflow-related Shortcuts directly from shelf items and access Services seamlessly within Dockside.
Third-Party App Integration, Scripting, and Automation
Integrate your app with Dockside with ease, and automate your workflows using AppleScript. Check out our detailed Integration User Guide for step-by-step instructions.
Want to know more, check our detailed usage guide: Dockside Usage Tips
Controls and Settings:
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 OR use this shelf to monitor your favourite folders or even Recent files.
Customise Drag and Drop Behaviour
Control how items behave when dragged—choose to copy, move, or customise the action based on your workflow needs.
Feature requests or bugs? Submit it here
Licensing
Pay Once, Use Forever.
Simple pricing, one choice, no hidden fees, no subscriptions.
Lifetime
standard
Personal use
$ 5.99
Lifetime License- Lifetime license
- Up to 3 devices
- Unlimited updates and support
Buying in Greater China? Dockside is also sold by our authorised partner DIGITALYCHEE (数码荔枝) — see official stores on our Resellers page. Gumroad (above) remains our global store; use only authorised sellers so your license stays eligible for support and updates.
Privacy first
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.
Are you a developer, looking to integrate your app with Dockside? Check out: Third-party App Integrations
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. See the product roadmap and feel free to drop in your feature requests.
How can I customise Dockside to suit my workflow?
Dockside offers various customisation 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.
Does Dockside integrate with other apps OR others app integrate with Dockside?
Yes, apps can integrate with Dockside to send plain text or files/folders to the shelf. See Third-party App Integrations for more info.
Is this a Dock replacement app?
No, Dockside is more like a Dock companion app. See Dockside Usage Tips