Why You Should Stop Using the Dock (and What to Do Instead)
Alex Morgan
Productivity expert and software developer. Alex has been optimizing workflows for over a decade.
Let’s be honest—the Dock looks nice, but it's not fast. It encourages mouse usage, clutter, and micro-delays. If you want to move faster, it might be time to say goodbye.
What’s Wrong with the Dock?
- Visual hunting: You scan for icons, wasting precious seconds.
- Clutter: Too many icons = decision fatigue.
- Poor for multitasking: No direct access to specific windows.
Faster Alternatives
1. Spotlight
Use ⌘ + Space to launch apps via keyboard.
2. Mission Control
Control + Arrow Keys helps move between spaces faster than clicking the Dock.
3. Third-Party Launchers
Tools like Alfred or Raycast can speed things up, but they still require typing.
Go Dock-Free with Assignee
Why rely on visual cues when your fingers already know the way?
Assignee lets you:
- Assign apps to dedicated shortcuts
- Jump between apps or windows with zero lag
- Stay keyboard-first all day
Example:
- Control + 1 → Browser
- Control + 2 → Code editor
- Control + 3 → Notes
Try It for One Day
Hide your Dock (System Settings → Dock → “Automatically hide and show the Dock”) and switch only with shortcuts.
By the end of the day, you’ll be hooked.
Assignee makes it permanent—with even more control.
