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Getting started

Getting started with Dockset

Install Dockset, save your current Dock, and choose a setup that fits the way you work.

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Install and open Dockset

  1. Download Dockset and open Dockset.dmg.
  2. Drag Dockset into Applications. Open it from Applications, then eject the disk image.
  3. Activate it with the license key from your purchase email. You can reopen the activation window with Activate Dockset… in the menu bar menu.

Dockset requires macOS 13 Ventura or later and works on Apple silicon and Intel Macs. Once it is open, look for its icon in the menu bar.

Save the Dock you already use

Choose Manage Docks… from the menu bar. On first setup, choose Create from Current Dock to save your pinned apps and spacers without changing the Dock you are using. Choose Start Empty to build a layout from scratch.

Give the profile a useful name, such as Everyday. A profile is a saved arrangement of Dock items, not a saved set of windows or browser tabs.

Choose your Dock setup

Open Settings… from the menu bar and find Dock setup.

  • macOS Dock only: keep Apple’s Dock and switch between saved app layouts.
  • Both: keep Apple’s Dock and add a custom Dock for widgets, apps, files, and links.
  • Custom Dock + auto-hide macOS Dock: use a custom Dock as your main workspace. Apple’s Dock remains available at its screen edge.

If you are unsure, start with Both. Try a small widget Dock before moving your apps. Compare the three setups.

Build your first custom Dock

  1. In Manage Docks, open the profile selector and choose New profile → Custom Dock.
  2. Use the add menu to choose Apps… or Widget…. Start with a few favorites, a Focus Timer, and Calendar.
  3. Drag the items into order.
  4. In Settings, select this profile under Custom Dock, then choose its Position and Display.

Start with a small everyday setup: familiar apps, a timer, and the next meeting. You do not need to fill the whole Dock on day one.

A first custom Dock: Finder, Safari, Messages, Focus Timer, and Calendar.

Connect the features you need

Open a widget and follow its setup prompt. Calendar and Reminders need access to the corresponding data on your Mac. Business widgets need their own account connection. The website demo uses sample data.

App badges have a separate Accessibility access option in Settings. Optional smooth switching for macOS profiles uses Screen Recording permission to hold a picture of your wallpaper during a switch. You do not need every optional permission to start using Dockset.

If the custom Dock is missing, check that Dock setup includes it and that you have selected a custom profile. For more help, contact support.