Dock replacement

[stmarks]

Hi there,

Gradual convert to macOS from Windows here. I love the hardware, for example, trackpad.

However, one thing I do miss from Windows is their taskbar. I like being able to see different icons for different windows of the same app. For instance, if I have two Word documents open, I like to be able to see different icons for each document. I downloaded uBar but it doesn’t seem to do that, at least not during the trial period. I’ve read that I should just get used to Mission Control and I do like it, but I would also like the other option. Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[allan.nyholm]

There's no other way than go back to using Windows and the taskbar for that feature unless I can't comprehend what you actually mean? isn't there just a Word overlay for the documents you have open on Windows in the taskbar?
What are the differences in appearance for each Word document. What if you utilize the Dock's minimize to Dock where you'll have your Word documents that are currently open on the right-hand side of the Dock?

I was looking through what I might have in my arsenal for macOS and there's SwitchGlass that you might take a gander at, it's no replacement - as the Dock can't be replaced only misplaced and extended upon by using third party programs such as SwitchGlass and Panelicious. Both on the Mac App Store. You've already tried uBar. I wouldn't suggest ActiveDock2 as it appears somewhat alpha still.

It's kind of hard to make a proper suggestion as the taskbar on Windows and the Dock on macOS are two different approaches to handling apps and application windows

I guess you're talking about previews? when hovering Word in the Dock?? Then there's DockMate and DockView. DockMate DockView the latter is by the same author as the ActiveDock2 program I mentioned earlier.. might suit you though. There's a free trial for ActiveDock2 available too. All mentioned applications hooks onto the Dock or extends it while having the Dock in the background for the purpose of e.g the Time Machine recover screen. Doesn't require SIP to be off either. So there's that too.

Expect bugs and possible frustrations with either solution. DockMate is in active development last time I checked the MacEnhance Discord server and DockView is in beta still according to the website.

 

[DeltaMac]

If you right-click on the Word icon in the dock, you will see a menu which (along with some generic items) will show you all open Word documents (showing the document names when possible)

 

[Apple_Robert]

Using MacOS and trying to make it look and act like Windows doesn't work well. Best case is to wean yourself off the Windows experience some more.

 

[futurecore]

setup expose with your gestures. its a good way to see just your windows open for a certain app vs mission control showing every window or full screen app running

 

[stmarks]

Great tips, guys, thanks so much. Will try them out and see how they fit into my workflow.

 

[rovostrov]

Have you tried going into Dock settings in System Preferences? There is an option to "Minimize windows into appliation icon" if it is checked, un-check it and see if that works

 

[HDFan]

However, one thing I do miss from Windows is their taskbar. I like being able to see different icons for different windows of the same app.

Hyperdock allows you to click on an app in the dock and see all open windows for that app.

HyperDock

Select windows by moving the mouse over a dock item and more.

bahoom.com

 

[AZhappyjack]

Hyperdock allows you to click on an app in the dock and see all open windows for that app.

HyperDock

Select windows by moving the mouse over a dock item and more.

bahoom.com

Been a big fan of Hyperdock since I discovered it almost ten years ago.

 

[allan.nyholm]

HyperDock is a solid option too; me mentioning DockMate and DockView stems from the fact? that HyperDock doesn't appear to hook into much anymore on macOS Big Sur.
I can't vouch for HyperDock and its further development. I'm not in the know about any spectacular beta versions of HyperDock. Does any one have any insight here? Other than the developer himself?

On Mojave at least, HyperDock doesn't pick up on album cover art for iTunes if Apple Music and streaming rather than having downloaded the song playing.
I've tried HyperDock on Big Sur a number of times and eventually it would end in the Dock process crashing. I'm not saying that either approach by the means of DockView or DockMate are any better as they each struggle with theirs.

 

[HDFan]

HyperDock doesn't appear to hook into much anymore on macOS Big Sur.

Any examples? I haven't had any problems, and I have like 60 items in my dock.

HyperDock doesn't pick up on album cover art for iTunes if Apple Music and streaming rather than having downloaded the song playing.
I've tried HyperDock on Big Sur a number of times and eventually it would end in the Dock process crashing. I

For iTunes it does just show the iTunes main page, or nothing if you are showing the album.

Never had crashes.

 

[allan.nyholm]

Any examples? I haven't had any problems, and I have like 60 items in my dock.



For iTunes it does just show the iTunes main page, or nothing if you are showing the album.

Never had crashes.

No examples currently as I'm using Mojave and based on this thread I installed HyperDock. Even here I uninstalled because it didn't show my album cover art in the HyperDock popup overlay as I expected it would have. So that's where my comment stems from on HyperDock not having a good relationship with iTunes.

I haven't used Big Sur for a couple of days now. And all my experience is colored by the fact that I wasn't getting everything out HyperDock on Big Sur as I hoped. And not even on macOS Mojave's iTunes it would seem. I think, I'll do some investigating on the iTunes thing at least..

Do you use HyperDock from the Mac App Store or bahoom.com? I have it purchased on the Mac App Store when it was allowed in there. I could try that version.
I thought I had HyperDock in the Mac App Store listings.. I had mistaken it for CoverSutra I think .. I was fooled by the purple/pink icon appearance.


I'm sorry about the lack of examples. I wish I could bring some proper evidence to the table to back up my claims.

 

[HDFan]

Yeah, with iTunes it does not show cover art. All it knows are windows, and for iTunes that is the main iTunes page.