How to add "Applications" folder to the left side of the Dock?

[kukata81]

I understand you'd like the forum post written in English with a suitable title. Here is the text:

Title: How to add "Applications" folder to the left side of the Dock?

Hello everyone,

I'm looking for some help with a macOS question. I've always used Launchpad, and I'm very used to it, but now I want to do something specific.

I'm trying to add the "Applications" folder to the left side of the Dock, right next to the Finder icon. I know that by default, the Applications folder appears on the right side, but I would like to move it to the left.

Does anyone know how I can do this? I would appreciate any tips or instructions.

 

[Gregg2]

I don't believe that is possible. I've seen a similar/identical question asked on this forum and others, and have never seen anyone post a way to do this. Macs are customizable to an extent. This action lies outside those extents.

 

[BrianBaughn]

You could use Automator to create a simple application to do that and put it in the dock.

 

[kukata81]

I don't think it will work either. I've tried a lot of commands in Terminal, I've added something, but it won't open. I hope they at least make the "Launchpad" replacement so we can arrange the applications ourselves.

 

[kukata81]

You could use Automator to create a simple application to do that and put it in the dock.

View attachment 2552842

Thanks! I hope I can do it, I've never used Automator.

 

[kukata81]

You could use Automator to create a simple application to do that and put it in the dock.

View attachment 2552842

I did it, but unfortunately that's how the folder opens, I wish it was just a scrollable one. Thanks, I learned something anyway

 

[Fishrrman]

As others have said, probably can't be done.
BUT

You CAN put the Applications AND the Utilities folders in the dock -- on the "other end".
Here you see how mine are set up (I never cared for "the bottom" as the dock position):

The folders "fit right in" next to the trash can.

How to do this:
Open your "main drive" (default name is Macintosh HD, I belive), so that you can see the icon for your Applications folder.
Grab the Applications icon with the mouse and drag it to the dock next to the trash can (not "over" the trash can, you don't want it go in there).
When you let go, the folder should stay in the dock.
Now, it needs a couple of adjustments.
CONTROL-click on the folder and choose thusly:
sort by - name
display as - folder
view contents as - list or grid (your choice)

I also put my "Utilities" folder into the dock, using the same procedure.
I prefer seeing the contents "as a list". Makes it easy to just click on the folder icon, then choose from the list.

 

[kukata81]

That's exactly how I did it. I wanted to do it on the other end, but it doesn't work. Hopefully they improve the other one.

 

[Grumpus]

You can use script Editor.app to create an app to open /Applications and then put that app in the Dock.

Launch script Editor.app and click the New Document button. In the script editor window, type the single line:

do shell script "open /Applications"

In the script Editor.app menu bar, click File -> Export... In the export popup, change File Format: to Application, and change Export As: to AppsFolder.app. Click the Save button to save the AppsFolder.app somewhere. Now you can drag AppsFolder.app to the Dock.

 

[kukata81]

You can use script Editor.app to create an app to open /Applications and then put that app in the Dock.

Launch script Editor.app and click the New Document button. In the script editor window, type the single line:

do shell script "open /Applications"

In the script Editor.app menu bar, click File -> Export... In the export popup, change File Format: to Application, and change Export As: to AppsFolder.app. Click the Save button to save the AppsFolder.app somewhere. Now you can drag AppsFolder.app to the Dock.

It works like this, but my goal is not to open a folder with Finder, but like the "Downloads" folder opens when it pops up from the dock. This is how I want it. But apparently there's no way.

 

[bogdanw]

You can add the Applications folder to the left side of the Dock with a configuration profile, but it just opens in Finder. It doesn't work in fan or grid mode.

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
    <key>PayloadContent</key>
    <array>
        <dict>
            <key>PayloadDisplayName</key>
            <string>Dock</string>
            <key>PayloadIdentifier</key>
            <string>com.apple.dock.17560B0A-B272-42F9-B7C8-9CB4ED488C14</string>
            <key>PayloadType</key>
            <string>com.apple.dock</string>
            <key>PayloadUUID</key>
            <string>17560B0A-B272-42F9-B7C8-9CB4ED488C14</string>
            <key>PayloadVersion</key>
            <integer>1</integer>
            <key>static-apps</key>
            <array>
                <dict>
                    <key>tile-data</key>
                    <dict>
                        <key>file-data</key>
                        <dict>
                            <key>_CFURLString</key>
                            <string>/Applications</string>
                            <key>_CFURLStringType</key>
                            <integer>0</integer>
                        </dict>
                        <key>file-type</key>
                        <integer>1</integer>
                        <key>label</key>
                        <string>Applicaitons</string>
                    </dict>
                    <key>tile-type</key>
                    <string>file-tile</string>
                </dict>
            </array>
        </dict>
    </array>
    <key>PayloadDisplayName</key>
    <string>dock</string>
    <key>PayloadIdentifier</key>
    <string>iMazing-Profile-Editor.9D891E8C-EC4F-4C06-9E0C-33A0511D3C03</string>
    <key>PayloadScope</key>
    <string>User</string>
    <key>PayloadType</key>
    <string>Configuration</string>
    <key>PayloadUUID</key>
    <string>9D891E8C-EC4F-4C06-9E0C-33A0511D3C03</string>
    <key>PayloadVersion</key>
    <integer>1</integer>
    <key>TargetDeviceType</key>
    <integer>5</integer>
</dict>
</plist>

Created with iMazing Profile Editor https://apps.apple.com/app/id1487860882


Dock device management payload settings for Apple devices
https://support.apple.com/guide/deployment/dock-payload-settings-depef1fdf19/web

 

[kukata81]

Thanks everyone for the answers! I'll keep it on my right and get used to it.

 

[Gregg2]

And someday you will scratch your head and wonder, "Why did I want that folder on the left?"

 

[MacGizmo]

Or... you could just install LaunchNow - it's free. Looks like you can use two different styles (Tahoe or Sequoia). I've not used it (never use LaunchPad either), but it looks good.