How to customise the Dock on a Mac

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

The Dock is the row of icons at the bottom of the screen. Arranging it with the apps you use every day, and removing the ones you never open, saves time.

These steps are for recent versions of macOS, where the settings app is called System Settings. The pictures are simplified diagrams, not screenshots.

Step by step

1. Add an app

   Open Finder, click Applications and drag the app into the left part of the Dock. An app that is running can also be kept: right-click its Dock icon and choose Options, Keep in Dock.

   Done

2. Remove an app

   Drag its icon out of the Dock until Remove appears, then let go. The app is not deleted.

   Done

3. Rearrange icons

   Drag an icon left or right to a new place.

   Done

4. Change size and magnification

   Open System Settings, Desktop & Dock. Drag the Size slider, and switch on Magnification to enlarge icons as the pointer passes over them.

   Done

5. Move it or hide it

   Set Position on screen to Left, Bottom or Right. Switch on "Automatically hide and show the Dock" to gain screen space; it reappears when you move the pointer to that edge.

   Done

Good to know

Folders and files go in the right part of the Dock, next to the Bin. Drag your Downloads or Documents folder there for quick access.

To stop recently used apps from appearing, switch off "Show suggested and recent apps in Dock".

The quick way to hide or show the Dock is Option + Command + D.

In short: Drag apps in and out. System Settings, Desktop & Dock for size, position and hiding.