The Mac dock is a versatile tool that enhances the functionality of your computer. However, as you continue to add apps, you may find that the dock is getting cluttered. If you’re looking to remove apps from the dock on your Mac, this article will guide you through the process. These steps are simple and easy to follow, even for the least tech-savvy person. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive right into it.
Steps:
Step 1 – Click on the App You Want to Remove
Open the dock by placing your cursor at the bottom of your Mac screen. Once it appears, navigate to the app you want to remove and click on it.
Tip 1: Use the Keyboard Shortcut
A quicker way to open the dock is by using the keyboard shortcut “Command + Option + D.”
Step 2 – Hold Down the App Icon
Continue holding down the app icon until a menu of options appears.
Tip 2: Use Two Fingers on the Trackpad
If you’re using a MacBook with a trackpad, you can hold down the app icon with two fingers to bring up the same menu.
Step 3 – Click on “Options”
The menu that appears when you hold down the app icon will have various options. Click on “Options” at the bottom of the list.
Step 4 – Click on “Remove from Dock”
Once you click on “Options,” a submenu will appear. Click on “Remove from Dock.”
Step 5 – The App Will Disappear from the Dock
After you click “Remove from Dock,” the app icon will disappear from the dock.
Step 6 – Empty the Trash Can
If removing the app from the dock doesn’t remove the app from your Mac, it has to be deleted from the applications folder. Open the Applications folder, locate the application, and drag it to the trash.
Tip 3: Optimize Storage Space on Your Mac
Deleting unused apps not only clears up your dock but also frees up storage space on your Mac. Regularly removing apps that you no longer use can speed up your Mac’s performance.
Step 7 – Restart Your Mac
Restarting your Mac will clear the system’s cache and refresh the dock.
Tip 4: Use Terminal Commands
Advanced users can use terminal commands to remove apps from the dock.
Step 8 – Access Terminal
Open Terminal by clicking on it in the Applications folder or by using Spotlight search.
Step 9 – Type in the Terminal Command
To remove an app from the dock using a terminal command, type in the command: defaults write com.apple.dock persistent-apps -array-add ‘{“tile-type”=”spacer-tile”;}’
Step 10 – Press Enter
After typing in the command, press enter to execute it.
Step 11 – Restart Your Mac
Restart your Mac to see the changes made by the terminal command.
Step 12 – Undo Terminal Commands
If you wish to undo the changes made by the terminal command, type in the command: defaults delete com.apple.dock persistent-apps; killall Dock
Explanation:
Removing apps from the dock on your Mac is a simple process that can be done in a few steps. However, you should note that removing an app from the dock does not delete it from your Mac. It only removes the app’s shortcut from the dock. To completely delete an app from your Mac, navigate to the Applications folder, locate the app, and drag it to the trash.
Additionally, you can optimize your Mac’s performance by deleting unused apps. Regularly removing apps that you no longer use can free up storage space on your Mac, which can help speed up your computer.
Tips and Tricks:
Tip 5: Group Apps in the Dock
You can group similar apps in the dock to minimize clutter. To do this, drag one app icon on top of another app icon. This will create a folder for those apps in the dock.
Tip 6: Customize the Dock’s Appearance
You can customize the dock’s appearance to suit your preferences. You can adjust the size of the dock, the position of the dock, and the icons’ size.
Tip 7: Use the Dock to Switch between Apps
The dock is not just a shortcut for apps. You can use the dock to switch between open apps by clicking on the app icon.
Tip 8: Use the Dock to Open Recently Used Files
If you right-click on an app’s icon in the dock, you can see a list of the app’s recently used files. This is a quick and convenient way to access files you’ve recently worked on.
Tip 9: Change the Dock’s Behavior
You can change how the dock behaves by going to System Preferences > Dock. Here, you can adjust the dock’s size, set it to auto-hide when not in use, and more.
Tip 10: Reorder Apps in the Dock
You can easily reorder apps in the dock by clicking and dragging the app icon to the desired location. This can help you arrange your apps in a way that’s easy for you to find.
In conclusion, removing apps from the dock on your Mac is a simple process that requires only a few steps. By regularly removing unused apps and optimizing the dock’s appearance, you can improve your Mac’s performance and minimize clutter. With these tips and tricks, you can make the most of your Mac’s dock and enjoy a clutter-free desktop.
Advantages and Disadvantages: How to Remove Apps from Dock on Mac
If you are using a Mac, you might want to customize the Dock to make it more convenient for you. One way to do this is to remove the apps that you rarely use from the Dock. By doing this, you can free up some space on the Dock and make it more organized. However, there are also some advantages and disadvantages of removing apps from the Dock on Mac.
Advantages
| 1 | You can customize the Dock to your preference |
| 2 | You can free up space on the Dock |
| 3 | You can make the Dock less cluttered and more organized |
| 4 | You can reduce the number of distractions when working |
| 5 | You can make it easier and faster to find the apps you need |
| 6 | You can reduce the chances of accidentally opening the wrong app |
| 7 | You can create a more streamlined and efficient workflow |
| 8 | You can personalize your Mac and make it feel more your own |
| 9 | You can remove the apps that you don’t want others to see or access |
| 10 | You can change the Dock to match your mood, style, or project |
Disadvantages
| 1 | You might forget where you placed the removed apps |
| 2 | You might need the removed apps in the future |
| 3 | You might have to search for the removed apps in Launchpad or Finder |
| 4 | You might accidentally delete the apps when trying to remove them from the Dock |
| 5 | You might lose the sense of familiarity and comfort with the Dock |
| 6 | You might create a Dock that is too minimalistic and lacks variety |
| 7 | You might overlook some useful features or functions of the removed apps |
| 8 | You might remove the apps that are essential for the Mac to run properly |
| 9 | You might have to repeat the process of removing apps if you change your mind frequently |
| 10 | You might feel the urge to constantly tweak and fine-tune the Dock instead of doing productive tasks |
Overall, the decision of whether to remove apps from the Dock on Mac depends on your personal preference, usage, and productivity. It is advisable to experiment and see how it affects your workflow before committing to a certain configuration. You can always add or remove apps from the Dock anytime, so don’t be afraid to explore and find what works best for you.
FAQ
1. How do I remove an app from the dock?
To remove an app from the dock on your Mac, click and hold on the app icon in the dock until a menu appears. Then, select “Remove from Dock.”
2. Can I remove all apps from the dock?
Yes, you can remove all apps from the dock by simply dragging them out of the dock or using the “Remove from Dock” option.
3. What happens when I remove an app from the dock?
When you remove an app from the dock, the app is not deleted from your computer. It will still be accessible through the Applications folder or Launchpad.
4. How do I add an app back to the dock?
To add an app back to the dock, simply open the Applications folder, find the app you want to add, drag it to the dock and release it.
5. Can I rearrange the order of apps in the dock?
Yes, you can rearrange the order of apps in the dock by clicking and dragging the app icons to different positions.
6. How many apps can I have in the dock?
There is no set limit to the number of apps you can have in the dock, but it is recommended to keep the number at a manageable level to prevent clutter.
7. How do I hide the dock on my Mac?
To hide the dock on your Mac, go to System Preferences, select “Dock,” and check the box next to “Automatically hide and show the Dock.”
8. Can I change the size of the icons in the dock?
Yes, you can change the size of the icons in the dock by going to System Preferences, selecting “Dock,” and using the “Icon size” slider.
9. Can I change the appearance of the dock?
Yes, you can change the appearance of the dock by going to System Preferences, selecting “Dock,” and choosing from the available options for “Position on screen” and “Minimize windows.”
10. How do I create a folder in the dock?
To create a folder in the dock, simply drag one app icon on top of another app icon until a folder is automatically created. You can then drag and drop additional app icons into the folder.
11. How do I remove a folder from the dock?
To remove a folder from the dock, click and hold on the folder icon until a menu appears. Then, select “Remove from Dock.”
12. Can I customize the contents of a folder in the dock?
Yes, you can customize the contents of a folder in the dock by clicking the folder icon and selecting “Open in Finder.” From there, you can add or remove app icons as needed.
13. How do I reset the dock to its default settings?
To reset the dock to its default settings, go to Finder, click “Go” in the menu bar, select “Go to Folder,” type in “~/Library/Preferences” and hit enter. Then, find the file called “com.apple.dock.plist,” move it to the trash, and restart your computer.
How to Remove Apps from Dock on Mac
The Dock is a convenient feature on Mac that allows you to access your favorite applications easily. However, as time goes by, you may find that your Dock is cluttered with apps that you don’t use frequently, making it harder to find the ones you need. Removing unused apps from the Dock can help declutter your workspace and make it easier to locate your most essential applications.
The process of removing apps from the Mac Dock is quite simple. First, click on the app icon that you want to remove and hold it down until you see a menu. Next, drag the icon away from the Dock and release it. The app icon will disappear from the Dock, and you have successfully removed it.
Alternatively, you can right-click on the app icon and select “Remove from Dock” from the menu. This option is faster than dragging the icon away from the Dock, but it works only if the app is already open. If the app is not open, you will not see the “Remove from Dock” option.
Conclusion and Closing
Removing unused apps from the Dock can make your workspace look cleaner and more organized, which, in turn, can make you more productive. The process of removing apps from the Dock is straightforward and easy to do. If you ever want to add the app back to the Dock, you can find it in the Applications folder and drag it back to the Dock.
We hope this article has been helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. Thank you for reading, and until next time!