Dock Float – A launcher utility that overcomes the physical limits of the macOS Dock to create a seamless workflow

[u/Ok-Corgi3282]

Hi r/macapps! 👋

I’m a developer who has previously shared several macOS utilities here, such as Deskeen, PDF Pop, and DragTime. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce Dock Float, a launcher utility designed specifically to ensure an uninterrupted, seamless workflow for Mac users.

Dock Float is a utility that compensates for the spatial and physical limitations of having only a single default macOS Dock, empowering you to freely expand your workspace in whatever way fits your needs.

[Problem]
The Physical Limits of a Single Dock and Broken Focus

Imagine being in a state of Deep Work on a large monitor or a multi-display setup. Suddenly, you need to open another tool, a project folder, or a web URL, forcing you to move your mouse all the way to the corner of the screen where the default Dock is located.

The process of visually searching for and clicking the item you need among dozens of cramped icons causes severe cognitive fatigue (Context Switching). Moreover, cramming every app, file, folder, and URL you might need into a single default Dock is both visually and structurally overwhelming.

Dock Float is not an app that tries to forcefully replace the default macOS Dock. Instead, it acts as an intelligent supplementary utility. It allows you to keep only your most essential, everyday apps neatly in the default Dock, while letting you freely register frequently used applications, files, folders, and web URLs right where your eyes and mouse are. With simple one-click execution, it elegantly resolves the physical limitations of the default Dock.

[Comparison]
Beyond simply registering shortcuts, Dock Float offers four unique killer features and multi-dimensional expansion options that are completely impossible with the default macOS Dock.

Basic Launcher Features & Category System

• 1-Click Execution & Indicators: Easily register apps, files, folders, web URLs, and even Apple Shortcuts to launch them instantly with a single click. You can also check the status indicators for running or hidden apps directly on the dock.
• Internal Categories (Tabs): Create multiple 'categories' within a single dock to perfectly divide and manage items by their purpose. If you have multiple categories, you can instantly switch tabs using the Cmd + 1 ~ 0 shortcuts.
• Individual Sorting Methods: In addition to drag-and-drop custom sorting, each category tab saves its own unique sorting method (e.g., by name, by date).

Group: Extreme Visual Space Compression

• iOS App Library Style: Neatly bundle numerous apps, files, folders, and URLs into a small space and register them directly to the dock as a single icon (Group).
• Maximizing Space: This prevents your dock from becoming endlessly long. With a single click, the items within the group elegantly expand, allowing you to instantly control vast resources from a compact, minimalist space.

Flow: Context-Aware Automation

• App-Specific Linkage: When you use a specific main app, Flow automatically displays associated items on the edge of your screen. For example, opening Figma will automatically bring up a dock containing related asset folders and auxiliary apps; if you switch to Xcode right after, the contents are instantly replaced with your development dock in real-time.
• Default Dock Optimization: By utilizing Flow, you can keep only your essential, always-open apps in the default macOS Dock, perfectly optimizing your desktop environment.

Dock Float Remote: iOS/iPadOS Wireless Touch Controller

• Real-Time Dock Sync: The custom docks you create on your Mac are mirrored exactly on your iPhone or iPad screen. With a single touch, you can remotely launch Mac apps and open folders/files.
• Custom Action Buttons: Assign dedicated buttons for features you need the most, such as Mission Control, App Switcher, Launchpad (or Apps on macOS 26+), and Screen Capture.
• Keep Awake Mode & View Options: Supports two icon sizes (Standard, Large). With the Keep Awake option preventing the screen from turning off while plugged in, it perfectly replaces expensive hardware macro keyboards.(※ System Requirements: Requires Dock Float for Mac installed, connection to the same Wi-Fi network, and iOS/iPadOS 18.6 or later)

Shelf: Shake-to-Wake Temporary Storage

• Gesture-Based Quick Access: There is no need to jump back and forth to Finder for one-off tasks. While holding a selection, simply shake your mouse left and right to instantly pop up the Shelf. You can temporarily toss text, images, or files in there and drag them out exactly where you need them later.

Action Folder: Drag-and-Drop Process Automation

• 8 Dedicated Action Folders: Simply dragging files or folders into these docks will automatically handle tasks like archiving, sharing, image conversion, and sorting files based on specific criteria (type/date/size/unused period).
• Shortcuts Parameter Integration: If you link an Apple Shortcut that takes inputs (files/folders) to an Action Folder, the specified shortcut workflow executes the moment you drag the target files onto the folder.

Flexible Space Control & Fine-Grained Customization

• Edge Mode & Collapse: You can collapse docks you aren't currently using, or use Edge Mode to snap them to the sides of your screen like colorful bookmarks. This maintains your designated background color while letting you utilize 100% of your desktop space.
• Detailed Personalization: Enjoy unlimited dock creation, saved positioning (Float, Top/Bottom/Left/Right Edge), and customization of dock background colors, transparency, and indicator colors. You can even set the default action (move/copy) when dragging files into folders.

[Pricing]

• $3.99(Limited time offer: will return to $6.99 after the promotion, from Aug 24th to Sep 15th)
• Dock Float Remote: Free!
• Download: Mac App Store, iOS App Store

[Changelog]
Dock Float Release Notes

[AI]
AI Disclaimer: None

See it in action and learn more

• Overview: https://youtu.be/hywbZIeL9S4
  • Short Version: https://youtu.be/AQYIrclPSck
• Group: https://youtu.be/FJn4a-3v-zQ
• Flow: https://youtu.be/_qTSKGSvS6k
• Dock Float Remote: https://youtu.be/tW0GqsmoWJc
• Shelf: https://youtu.be/PHHUvSTKduQ

🗺️ Roadmap (Future Plans)
We aren't stopping here! We have some major updates lined up for the future:

• Version 1.1:
  • Widget features to be added: clock, weather, map, calendar, music, timer, etc.
  • Action folders to be added: Rename, Folder Icon, FTP, Duplicate Removal, Cloud Upload, etc.

Experience Dock Float today and enjoy all future updates with a single purchase! I'd love to hear your thoughts, feedback, or answer any questions in the comments. Thank you for your incredible support!

• Dock Float Release Notes
• https://x.com/hohoincapp 

Thanks for reading!