New Mac users might wonder how to put often-used apps, documents, and folders down into the Dock for quick access. Luckily, it’s quite easy. Here’s how.
How to Add an App Icon From the Mac Dock
1.) Open the Applications folder and find the icon of the app you wish to add to your Mac’s Dock. (This also works with folders and documents.)
2.) Hover your mouse pointer over the app, document, or folder icon you wish to add to the Dock, and click and hold your mouse button or trackpad.
3.) Drag the icon down to the Dock, to the location where you want to move it. (Note: You’ll notice the Dock has a dividing line. Applications need to be dropped on the left side of this line, while documents and folders should be dropped to the right side of the line.)
4.) Hover the icon over the spot you wish to drop to. You should see the icons move over to make room for the new icon.
5.) Release your mouse button, the app will drop into place on the Dock.
How to Remove an App Icon From the Mac Dock
There are two ways to remove an icon from the Dock.
Note: You can only remove an application icon from the Dock if the app is closed. If the Dock icon shows a dot beneath the icon, the app is currently running. Close the app before attempting to remove its icon from the Dock.
Method One
Method one is to right-click the icon while it sits in the Dock. You’ll see a pop-up menu appear. Hover your mouse over the “Options” menu item. A new menu will appear. Click “Remove from Dock.” The icon will disappear from the Dock.
Method Two
Method two is to hover your mouse pointer over the icon you wish to remove, and then click and hold. Begin dragging the icon up and away from the Dock to an empty space on your Mac’s Desktop. You’ll soon see a bubble with the word “Remove” in it. You can now release the mouse button. The icon will be gone from the Dock.
For more tips and tricks that can help you make better use of your Mac, iOS device, Apple Watch, or Apple TV, be sure to visit the “How To” section of our website.
