Trying not to use Dock

[acousticbiker]

The dock takes up way too much space, so I'm trying to find ways to replace it with menubar functionality.

- Launchey works for showing app icons (selected favorites) but there doesn't seem to be a way for it to show any open apps (and costs $, anyone aware of a free app with similar functionality?)
- Any app that allows access/empty trash from menubar?
- Any app that allows Finder folder/subfolder/file access hierarchically in the menubar?

 

[Apple_Robert]

Why not hide the dock until you need it, and or use short-cut keys to access the needed programs from the hidden dock?

 

[acousticbiker]

That's another option and even if I want to not use it, it has to be hidden (I just made it the smallest size possible and have no apps pinned to dock). I considered it but think it's too intrusive and would like to have a visual on open apps.

I'm not as into short cut keys but how would one do that?

 

[mj_]

Trying not to use the dock in macOS is like trying not to use the steering wheel in a car. Sure, it may work for a while but eventually things will go wrong. Very, very wrong.

The dock is at the very core of macOS's user interface and usability mantra. I don't think there's a way to get rid of it for good. If it bothers you so much then just move it to either side and make sure it's hidden.

 

[Weaselboy]

The dock takes up way too much space, so I'm trying to find ways to replace it with menubar functionality.

- Launchey works for showing app icons (selected favorites) but there doesn't seem to be a way for it to show any open apps (and costs $, anyone aware of a free app with similar functionality?)
- Any app that allows access/empty trash from menubar?
- Any app that allows Finder folder/subfolder/file access hierarchically in the menubar?

It is more of a keyboard shortcut app, and not a menu bar app, but the launcher Alfred can do everything you listed. Not free though.

 

[willmtaylor]

You’re gonna cut off your nose to spite your face.

Just hide it. You still get functionality without taking up space when unused.

Otherwise you're going to spend more time and energy on the workaround than it's even worth.