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Sidebar

Try a Dock alternative

Sidebar is a Mac Dock replacement for you if you want app and folder previews, playback controls, and a desktop layout you can tailor to each screen.

by Sidebar · 71% positive (283)

Get it on Setapp Developer website ↗
Helps you Customize your Dock 8 Customize how your Mac looks 44 Control music from anywhere 29 Access files faster 28

What you get

Keep your apps, folders, and playback controls within reach.

Sidebar gives you an alternative to the Mac Dock where you can reach your apps and folders while seeing more before you switch. Hover over an app icon to preview its open windows, or peek inside folders to see their files. You can reserve space for the sidebar so your windows don’t slide underneath it.

You can check what’s playing, pause or resume playback, and adjust or mute system sound without opening the media app. An integrated calendar puts your schedule nearby. When you need to reach something on your desktop, Clear View hides all your apps in one click.

You can also make the sidebar fit your workspace: choose its style and color, change the background blur, use a floating layout, or assign custom app icons. If you work across multiple screens, you can give each one a different sidebar layout.

  • See before you switch

    You can preview open app windows and folder contents before deciding where to go.

  • Keep windows clear

    You can reserve sidebar space so your windows stay out from underneath it.

  • Control playback nearby

    You can see what’s playing, pause or resume it, and adjust or mute system sound without opening the media app.

  • Reach your desktop

    You can hide all your apps in one click when you need access to your desktop.

  • Tailor each screen

    You can set a different sidebar layout for each connected screen and adjust its appearance to suit your workspace.

Best for

  • You want more previews and controls than your Dock provides
  • You use multiple screens with different workspace layouts
  • You want to personalize your desktop’s appearance

Skip it if

You don’t need it if the standard Dock already gives you the access and layout you want.

Screenshots

Sidebar screenshot 1 Sidebar screenshot 2 Sidebar screenshot 3 Sidebar screenshot 4 Sidebar screenshot 5

From the developer

Replace your Dock with Sidebar for additional functionality and more customization options. Preview app windows and the contents of your folders, control multimedia directly in the sidebar, leverage the integrated calendar, set custom app icons, and more with Sidebar.
Read the full description

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