DockStacks

DockStacks gives your Mac a smarter Dock.

Instead of hunting through a cluttered Dock or digging through Launchpad and Finder, you get a sleek floating panel that sits right above your Dock icon and always one click away.Organize your apps, folders, files and weblinks into named stacks, switch between them instantly, and launch anything in seconds. It's the app and file launcher you didn't know macOS was missing.

DockStacks is developed by Michael Edwards | All rights reserved © 2026

DockStacks screen displayed on laptop

Key Features

  • Multiple Stacks – Create as many named stacks as you like and organize apps, folders, files and weblinks into focused groups. Switch stacks by clicking the tab bar or with a horizontal scroll swipe

  • Drag & Drop to Add Apps, Folders, Files and Weblinks – Drop any item from Finder directly onto the shelf to add it instantly. Rearrange items by dragging them into your preferred order

  • Auto-Hide Options – Automatically hide the panel when another app takes focus or dismiss it the moment you launch an app from the shelf

  • Always on Top – Pin DockStacks above all other windows so it's always reachable or disable the pin and let it sit at normal window level

  • Open at Login – Start DockStacks automatically when you log in, minimized if you prefer, so it's ready without being in your face

DockStacks settings menu displayed on a laptop

Built for MacOS

  • Customisable Appearance – Adjust panel transparency and background color hue to match your desktop aesthetic

  • Global Keyboard Shortcut – Assign any hotkey to instantly show or hide DockStacks from anywhere on your Mac, no matter which app is in front

  • Native macOS Design – Built entirely in SwiftUI with a frosted-glass aesthetic that feels right at home on macOS. Respects your system appearance and integrates with the Dock's right-click menu for quick shelf switching

  • DockStacks requires macOS 13 or later

Privacy-First

  • Password-Protected Stacks – Lock individual stacks with a password, stored securely in the macOS Keychain. Perfect for keeping sensitive or distraction-free workspaces private

  • Auto Locking – DockStacks automatically re-locks your password-protected stacks when your screen locks or after a set period of inactivity, keeping your apps, folders and files secure without any extra steps

  • Private by DesignDockStacks requires no internet connection and collects zero data about you or your apps, folders, files and weblinks. Everything including your stacks setup, stacked items and passwords stays entirely on your device

DockStacks password protected stack
DockStacks stack popup menu
DockStacks stack zero transparency option
DockStacks stack default transparency option

Common Questions

  • What is DockStacks?
    DockStacks is a macOS app that helps you organize your apps, folders and files into clean, quick-access stacks. It makes launching what you need feel faster and less cluttered

  • How is DockStacks different from the regular Dock?
    The regular Dock is one long row of apps, while DockStacks lets you group apps by purpose. That means less visual noise and easier switching between tasks

  • Can I create multiple stacks for different tasks?
    Yes. You can create multiple stacks for things like work, creative projects, meetings, or personal use, then adjust them anytime

  • Does DockStacks support keyboard shortcuts?
    Yes. DockStacks supports hotkeys so you can open and use your stacks without reaching for the mouse, to keep your workflow moving

  • Is DockStacks private? Do my app lists leave my Mac?
    DockStacks is designed to keep your setup local. Your stacks stay on your Mac, so your app, folder, file and weblink organization remains private and under your control

  • Who is DockStacks for?
    DockStacks is for anyone who uses lots of apps and wants a cleaner, more focused desktop. It’s especially helpful if you switch contexts often during the day

Support

We value your support in helping us improve and develop new features for DockStacks. Please email us with any general / support questions, or improvements suggestions. We aim to respond in 48 hours.

DockStacks is developed by Michael Edwards
All rights reserved © 2026

DockStacks - Your apps, files and weblinks, always one click away | Product Hunt
DockStacks stack color setting option

DockStacks Privacy Policy

Effective date: 19 May 2026DockStacks respects your privacy. This app is designed to work locally on your Mac.

1. Information We Collect

  • DockStacks does not collect personal data

  • DockStacks does not create user accounts

  • DockStacks does not use analytics, tracking, advertising SDKs, or third-party telemetry

2. Data Stored on Your Device

  • Shelf names, app shortcuts, layout, appearance settings, and app preferences are stored locally on your device

  • Shelf passwords are stored securely in the macOS Keychain

  • Passwords are not stored in plain text by the app

3. Data Sharing

  • DockStacks does not sell, rent, or share your personal data

  • DockStacks does not transmit your shelf data or passwords to external servers

  • Information shared via the Support page is used to respond to queries and not shared with third-parties

4. Internet and Network Use

  • DockStacks is designed to function without requiring an account or cloud backend for core functionality

  • If future features require network access, this policy will be updated before release

5. Permissions

  • Accessibility permission may be requested so DockStacks can align its panel behavior with the macOS Dock experience

  • You can deny or revoke permissions at any time in macOS System Settings

6. Data Export and Backup

  • If you choose to export settings, files are created only where you select

  • Exported settings do not include shelf passwords, these are securely stored in Keychain

7. Children’s Privacy

  • DockStacks is not directed to children under 13 and does not knowingly collect personal information from children

  • DockStacks is a local macOS app designed for general audiences and no data is collected or stored

8. Changes to This Policy

  • We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time

  • The updated version will include a new effective date

9. Contact