DockAnchor
A macOS utility that locks the Dock to a single display in multi-monitor setups, preventing automatic movement for a stable workspace.
What is DockAnchor?
DockAnchor is a macOS utility that locks the system Dock to a single display in a multi-monitor setup. It solves the problem of the Dock automatically jumping between screens when the cursor approaches the bottom edge, which can be distracting and disrupt workflow. The app runs natively in the background, intercepting mouse events to keep the Dock anchored to a user-selected monitor.
Mac users with multiple displays who find the automatic Dock movement disruptive, particularly professionals, developers, and creatives seeking a stable, predictable workspace across monitors.
Developers choose DockAnchor because it offers a system-level, non-destructive solution that doesn't restart the Dock—avoiding flashes and delays—and provides real-time display management with profiles, automation, and a native, lightweight background presence.
Overview
DockAnchor is a simple macOS utility that stops the Dock from moving between displays. Lock your Dock to a single screen for a more stable, distraction-free workspace. Ideal for multi-monitor setups. Lightweight, native, and runs quietly in the background.
Use Cases
Best For
- Preventing the macOS Dock from moving between monitors automatically
- Creating a stable, anchored Dock position in a multi-display office setup
- Eliminating distractions caused by the Dock jumping screens during focused work
- Managing Dock behavior dynamically with profiles based on connected displays
- Keeping the Dock on a specific monitor, like a primary or built-in display
- Improving workflow predictability in professional multi-monitor environments
Not Ideal For
- Single-monitor Mac setups where the Dock movement issue doesn't exist
- Users who prefer the default macOS dynamic Dock behavior for quick cross-screen access
- Managed or corporate Mac environments where system accessibility permissions are restricted or prohibited
- Cross-platform workflows requiring Dock management on Windows or Linux systems
Pros & Cons
Pros
Intercepts mouse events at the OS level to block Dock movement entirely, avoiding the visual flashes and delays associated with dock-restarting scripts, as described in the README.
Visually maps connected monitors with friendly names and updates dynamically when displays are added, removed, or rearranged, providing clear UI feedback from the app's interface.
Supports creating profiles that can automatically switch or move the Dock based on connected hardware, enabling customized anchoring for different workspace configurations.
Runs quietly with menu bar and Dock icons, allowing protection to stay active even when the main window is closed, as highlighted in the features list.
Cons
Requires granting full accessibility access in System Preferences to function, which can be a security concern for users and a barrier in locked-down IT environments, as admitted in the README.
Exclusively available for macOS, with no support for Windows or Linux, restricting its utility for users in multi-platform or heterogeneous computing setups.
Relies on low-level system APIs for event monitoring and display detection, which could break with macOS updates, necessitating frequent app updates and posing compatibility risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
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