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.Organise your apps, folders and files 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

Key Features

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

  • Drag & Drop to Add Apps, Folders and Files – Drop any app 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, minimised if you prefer, so it's ready without being in your face

Built for MacOS

  • Customisable Appearance – Adjust panel transparency and background colour 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

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

Privacy Policy

Effective: 1 May 2026DockStacks does not collect, transmit, or share any personal data.All data created by the app, including shelf names, app shortcuts, layout preferences, and settings is stored locally on your device only. It never leaves your Mac.Shelf passwords are stored exclusively in the macOS Keychain using Apple's secure credential storage. Passwords are never stored in plain text and are not included in any settings export you create.DockStacks requires no account, no sign-in, and no internet connection. There are no analytics, no advertising SDKs, and no third-party tracking of any kind.Because all data is stored on your device, you can remove it at any time by deleting the app. Shelf passwords can be cleared via Keychain Access or by removing password-protected stacks before uninstalling.DockStacks is not directed to children under 13 and does not knowingly collect personal information from children.This policy may be updated if new features requiring network access are introduced. Any such changes will be reflected in an updated effective date prior to release.If you require any additional information, reach out via the Contact page.

Common Questions

  • What is DockStacks?
    DockStacks is a macOS app that helps you organize your apps 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 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 questions, support or improvements. We aim to respond in 48 hours.

DockStacks is developed by Michael Edwards
All rights reserved © 2026