4 Reasons To Move The Mac Dock To The Side

Summary

The article advocates for moving the Mac Dock to the side of the screen for improved screen space utilization, better compatibility with vertical screen set-ups, symmetry with desktop icons, and encouragement of a more selective approach to Dock organization.

Abstract

The author of the article initially held a skeptical view towards placing the Mac Dock on the side of the screen but has since become a convert after experiencing the benefits firsthand. The primary advantage is the efficient use of vertical screen space, which is particularly valuable given the landscape orientation of most screens and the top-to-bottom reading pattern. This is especially useful for those with a vertical screen configuration, as it avoids obstructing the flow between screens. Additionally, positioning the Dock on the left creates a visually pleasing symmetry with the default right-aligned desktop icons, facilitating quick access to frequently used items. The smaller size of the side Dock also encourages users to be more selective about which apps they keep readily accessible, promoting a tidier and more focused workspace.

Opinions

The author believes that placing the Dock at the bottom of the screen is a waste of valuable vertical screen space.
Having the Dock on the left-hand side is particularly beneficial for users with a vertical screen set-up, as it prevents the Dock from creating a barrier between screens.
The side Dock complements the default right-aligned desktop icons, creating an aesthetically pleasing and functional desktop layout.
The reduced size of the side Dock is seen as an advantage because it forces users to prioritize their most essential apps, rather than cluttering the Dock with seldom-used programs.
The author suggests that the side Dock arrangement is superior for productivity, as it minimizes distractions and aligns with the natural reading flow from top to bottom.

Here’s why I’m a complete convert to putting the Dock on the left-hand side on the screen

The Mac Dock sits more comfortably on the left edge

I’d always thought there was something wrong with people who put the Mac Dock on the side of the screen. Desperate attention seekers suffering from a deficit of parental love or some such. I was wrong. Spectacularly so.

For the past few months I’ve been working with the Dock stuck to the left-hand side of the screen and it’s a much better way of working — partly because of my slightly peculiar screen set-up, but mostly because it is just better for several reasons, which I’ll elaborate on here.

2. It doesn’t get in the way of vertical screen set-ups

This is my desk. Don’t judge me.

Remember that odd screen set-up I talked about? I have my MacBook Pro sitting underneath my external monitor, rather than off to the side.

In that configuration, which I admit is a little unusual, it makes no sense to have the Dock running along the bottom of the external display because it puts a barrier between the two screens.

I’ve become a big fan of this screen configuration, because it allows you to keep your focus on the main work you’re doing on the primary, external screen — which is at eye level — whilst keeping secondary apps (such as TweetDeck or Slack) on the laptop display. It creates a better hierarchy than having two screens side-by-side, which I find more distracting. And I’m a journalist with the attention span of a six-month-old spaniel — I don’t need any more distractions.

3. It creates symmetry with desktop icons on the right

By default, the Mac aligns desktop icons on the right-hand side of the screen. Since I’ve bought the Mac, I’ve become a bit obsessive about desktop tidiness, only keeping a strip of essential shortcuts and folders down the right. With the app windows sitting between the Dock on the left and the icons on the right, it creates a neat symmetry and gives me quick access to the things I need most often.

4. It forces you to be picky

If any of the reasons on this list are a bit of a stretch, it’s this one, but…

One of the disadvantages of having the Dock on the side is that it’s smaller, there’s less space for icons to stretch out. When I had my Dock along the foot of the screen, I whacked pretty much every installed program in there, because there was space. That’s not so easy with the condensed space down the side, unless you go for stupidly small icons.

However, I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing. There’s probably only half a dozen apps that you use on a daily basis, and the rest can be easily found with Spotlight search or Launchpad.

Apps aren’t children. Being forced to pick your favourites isn’t a moral vacuum.

4 Reasons To Move The Mac Dock To The Side

Here’s why I’m a complete convert to putting the Dock on the left-hand side on the screen

1. It’s a better use of screen space

2. It doesn’t get in the way of vertical screen set-ups

3. It creates symmetry with desktop icons on the right

4. It forces you to be picky