How-To Guides

Browse How-To Guides articles with direct answers, practical examples, and links to the official Otterdock documentation.

How to Use Otterdock Widgets on macOS Desktop and Notification Center

Select a group, then click any individual app, file, folder, or link to open it directly. Widgets are included for free in both editions.

2026-09-17·7 min read

How to Organize Your macOS Dock into Workflow Groups

Step-by-step guide to organizing your macOS Dock with workflow-based groups. Covers native folders, third-party tools, and best practices for a clean Dock.

2026-09-15·8 min read

How to Add Folders to the Mac Dock and Customize Views

Learn how to add folders to your Mac Dock, customize fan and grid views, mix file aliases, and keep project folders organized without deleting original files.

2026-09-15·5 min read

How to Group Apps on Your macOS Dock (3 Methods)

macOS does not natively support app grouping on the Dock. Here are 3 methods to group apps: Dock folders, Otterdock workflow groups, and app launcher alternatives.

2026-09-15·6 min read

How to Customize Dock Icons on macOS: Skins, Colors, and Shapes

Change Dock folder icons on macOS using built-in tools, custom images, or Otterdock icon skins like Shelf, Glass, Gradient, and more.

2026-09-15·6 min read

How to Launch Apps Faster on Mac: Spotlight, Dock Groups, and Shortcuts

Compare 5 ways to launch apps faster on macOS: Spotlight, Dock, Dock groups with Otterdock, keyboard shortcuts, and third-party launchers like Raycast.

2026-09-15·7 min read

Otterdock Global Keyboard Shortcuts: Open Dock Groups from Any App

Use Otterdock global hotkeys (Ctrl+1–6) to open Dock groups from any app. No mouse needed, no Accessibility permission required. Full keyboard navigation inside popups.

2026-08-13·6 min read

How to Use Your macOS Dock Without a Mouse: Keyboard-Only Workflow

A step-by-step guide to using your macOS Dock entirely with the keyboard. Covers native shortcuts, Otterdock global hotkeys, and popup keyboard navigation.

2026-08-13·7 min read

How to Organize Apps and Projects in the macOS Tahoe Dock

Organize apps and project files on macOS Tahoe using Spotlight Apps search, Dock folder stacks, and optional Otterdock groups for focused daily workflows.

2026-09-15·5 min read

How to Install Otterdock on macOS 14 or Later

Install Otterdock from the official download, create your first workflow group, and choose click mode or optional hover mode.

2026-09-15·6 min read

Mac Dock Workflow Setup: A Repeatable System for Projects and Roles

Build a project-based Mac Dock that keeps apps, files, folders, and links together without replacing Apple’s Dock.

2026-09-15·8 min read