[Productivity] Hide many open documents, but not in the Dock

[patent10021]

I have about 20 TextEdit files and other app files open at one time. They're all minimized in a long row in the Dock. Taking up lots of space and distracting.

How do I "minimize" files without them appearing in the Dock? Or how can I hide them? Is the only option to use a separate desktop for the each app? But then every time I want to refer to a file I have to bring back that desktop.

 

[alex.houston]

You can minimize windows into the app icon: go to System Preferences > Dock, then make sure the option "Minimize windows into application icon" is checked. To get to a minimized window, control-click (right click) the app in the dock and choose the window you want to work on.

 

[patent10021]

You can minimize windows into the app icon: go to System Preferences > Dock, then make sure the option "Minimize windows into application icon" is checked. To get to a minimized window, control-click (right click) the app in the dock and choose the window you want to work on.

Thanks. Too bad a hover-over didn't reveal the names.

 

[alex.houston]

Yep, it would be nice if hover would work there. I use one of the following two options to make it easier for me to pick a minimized window:
1) With the mouse above the app icon in the dock, do your "App Expose" gesture (System Preferences > Trackpad > More Gestures); or
2) Use your secondary click gesture on the app icon in the dock ("Secondary click" options under System Preferences > Trackpad > Point & Click).

 

[patent10021]

Yeah I just ctrl-click. I really need to work more with Spaces and other macOS features for sanity.

 

[alex.houston]

Haha. Well, definitely at least try using two finger tap for the ctrl-click (secondary click). It's very convenient.