Are you tired of losing your Dock on Mac every time you switch between applications or accidentally hiding it? Do you wish your Dock could stay visible all the time? You’re not alone! Many Mac users struggle with keeping the Dock visible, but luckily there are several methods you can use to solve this problem. In this blog post, we will discuss the challenge of keeping Dock on Mac visible and provide you with different methods to do so.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Keeping Dock on Mac Visible
Mac users often face the issue where the Dock gets hidden, either accidentally or due to switching between applications. This creates inconvenience for users who need to access the frequently used applications quickly. The Dock contains a list of essential applications and a Trash Bin, and users need to access these items on a frequent basis. When the Dock gets hidden, it becomes challenging for users to access these items quickly and efficiently.
The Dock is an essential aspect of the Mac operating system that needs to be visible, accessible, and functional at all times. It can be very frustrating when it is not visible, as it can slow down productivity and make simple tasks tedious.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before proceeding with the methods, here are a few required preparations that you need to consider:
- A Mac computer (any model)
- The latest version of macOS installed on your Mac
Method 1: Via Dock System Preferences
The first method to keep Dock visible on Mac involves using the Dock System Preferences. This method is relatively straightforward and does not require any additional software.
Method:
- Click on the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen.
- Select ‘System Preferences’.
- Click on ‘Dock’ icon.
- Select the option ‘Automatically hide and show Dock’
Pros:
- Straightforward process
- No additional software is required
Cons:
- You cannot keep Dock visible all the time.
Method 2: Using Terminal
The second method involves using Terminal to keep Dock visible on Mac. Terminal is a tool on Mac that allows users to execute commands to perform specific functions. However, before proceeding with this method, it is essential to take note that improper use of Terminal can cause damage to your computer’s system files.
Method:
- Open Terminal on your Mac by clicking on the spotlight search icon in the top right corner of your screen and typing ‘Terminal.’
- Type in the following command, "defaults write com.apple.dock autohide-time-modifier -int 0; killall Dock"
- Press Enter.
Pros:
- Allows Dock to be visible all the time.
Cons:
- Improper use of Terminal can cause damage to your computer’s system files.
- Not a straightforward process for beginners.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Software
The third method involves using third-party software to keep Dock visible on Mac. There are several third-party applications that allow users to customize their Dock. One such software is the ‘cDock’ application, which can be downloaded from the internet for free.
Method:
- Download and install the cDock application on your Mac from a reliable site like Github.
- Open cDock.
- Click on ‘Preferences.’
- Select ‘Keep dock always visible’.
Pros:
- Offers more customization options for the Dock
- Allows Dock to be visible all the time.
Cons:
- Third-party software can sometimes be unreliable
Method 4: Customizing the Dock Size
The fourth method involves customizing the size of the Dock to keep it visible on Mac. This method allows you to make your Dock larger so that it does not disappear when switching between applications.
Method:
- Click on the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen.
- Select ‘System Preferences’.
- Click on ‘Dock’ icon.
- Adjust the size of the Dock to the largest size.
Pros:
- Allows Dock to be visible all the time.
- Easy and straightforward process.
Cons:
- The Dock size might not be suitable for everyone
- The larger the Dock size, the more space it takes up on the screen
Why Can’t I Keep Dock on Mac Visible?
There are several reasons why you might not be able to keep Dock on Mac visible, including:
1. System Preferences: You might have accidentally selected the option ‘Automatically hide and show Dock’ in your System Preferences.
Fix: Follow Method 1 mentioned above or adjust your Dock size through Method 4 to keep it visible all the time.
2. Third-Party Application: The third-party application that you have downloaded to customize your Dock might be causing the issue.
Fix: Uninstall the third-party application from your computer and opt for other methods to keep Dock visible.
3. Operating System Failure: System bugs or operating system failures can cause issues with Dock visibility.
Fix: Contact Apple support or download software updates to fix these bugs.
Additional Tips
1. Keyboard Shortcut: Press ‘Option + Command + D’ to toggle Dock visibility.
2. Restart Dock: Open Terminal and type the following command: "killall Dock" to restart the Dock.
3. Center the Dock: Move the Dock icon separator to the left or right to center the Dock.
5 FAQs about Keeping Dock on Mac Visible
Q1: How do I make Dock on Mac visible all the time in macOS Big Sur?
A: Follow Method 1 or Method 4 to keep Dock visible all the time in macOS Big Sur.
Q2: Can third-party applications harm your computer?
A: Yes, download applications from trusted websites only, or use Mac App Store applications.
Q3: Is there a way to customize the Dock’s color?
A: Yes, third-party applications like cDock offer color customizations.
Q4: How can I adjust my Dock’s position?
A: Click ‘System Preferences,’ select ‘Dock,’ and choose Left, Right, or Bottom.
Q5: Why can’t I see the Dock in full-screen mode?
A: The Dock gets hidden in full-screen mode by default. However, it can be toggled by hovering your cursor to the bottom of the screen.
In Conclusion
Dock visibility is an essential aspect of the Mac operating system, and it can be frustrating when it keeps disappearing. In this blog post, we have provided you with various methods to keep Dock visible on your Mac. Follow these methods to increase productivity, and remember to take precautions while using Terminal or downloading third-party software.