elementary OS User Handbook
eOS HomeTeamBlogSupportGet Involved
  • πŸ”΅Welcome to elementary OS
  • Overview
    • πŸ“˜Idea & Evolution
    • πŸ“˜Desktop Tour
      • πŸ“–Greeter
      • πŸ“–Panel
      • πŸ“–Dock
      • πŸ“–App Windows
      • πŸ“–Multitasking
    • πŸ“˜System Idiosyncrasies
      • πŸ“–Gestures
      • πŸ“–Hot Corners
      • πŸ“–Picture-in-Picture
      • πŸ“–Display Filters
      • πŸ“–Feedback App
      • πŸ“–Missing Habits
  • Get Started
    • πŸ“—Install elementary OS
      • πŸ“–Writing ISO with Etcher
      • πŸ“–Using GParted
    • πŸ“—Explore System Settings
      • πŸ“–Manage User Accounts
      • πŸ“–Control System Access
      • πŸ“–Set up Date & Time
      • πŸ“–Configure Network
      • πŸ“–Add Online Accounts
      • πŸ“–Stay Secure & Private
      • πŸ“–Adjust Power Settings
      • πŸ“–Set Language & Formats
      • πŸ“–Keyboard Settings
      • πŸ“–Mouse & Touchpad
    • πŸ“—Customize Desktop
      • πŸ“–Set up Visual Style
      • πŸ“–Change Wallpaper
      • πŸ“–Adjust Text Size
      • πŸ“–Configure Dock & Panel
      • πŸ“–Windows and Corners
    • πŸ“—Plug in Hardware
      • πŸ“–Connect via Bluetooth
      • πŸ“–Printers & Scanners
      • πŸ“–Hook up Tablet
  • Best Practices
    • πŸ“™Tips & Tricks
      • πŸ“–Add PPAs
      • πŸ“–Get More Tweaks
      • πŸ“–Max the AppCenter Out
      • πŸ“–Add More Fonts
      • πŸ“–Make QT apps look like GTK
    • πŸ“™2 Advanced
      • πŸ“–Open as Admin
      • πŸ“–Create Local Network
      • πŸ“–Plank Advanced Customization
  • Troubleshooting
    • πŸ“•Installation Issues
    • πŸ“•Common Issues
      • πŸ“–Grub menu 30 sec
      • πŸ“–Nvidia Drivers
      • πŸ“–Double Icons in Plank
      • πŸ“–Sound and Picture Issues
      • πŸ“–Ghost Updates
  • Extra Info
    • πŸ“’Useful Links
    • πŸ“’Feedback
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On this page
  • Manage Dock App Icons
  • Add Folders to Dock
  • Add Docklets
  • Available Docklets
  • Dock Preferences
  1. Overview
  2. Desktop Tour

Dock

Quickly access your apps, folders, and more features

PreviousPanelNextApp Windows

Last updated 1 year ago

Another important component of the desktop is Dock which is by default located at the bottom of the screen. The Dock app name is and it is promoted as the simplest dock on the planet.

The Dock gives you quick access to your favorite and currently-open apps, still its functionality is not limited with this only option. For example, right-click either icon in the Dock to see the available options it suggests.

Go on reading to find out what you can do with this simple but definitely useful app.

By default, the Dock hides off the bottom of the desktop when an app is maximized or overlaps it. Push your mouse cursor against the bottom-center of the desktop to reveal and use the Dock when it's hidden.

Manage Dock App Icons

Add an app icon to the Dock by any of the following method:

  • Drag and drop an app from the Apps Menu.

  • Secondary-click an app in the Apps Menu and select Add to Dock.

  • Secondary-click an open app's icon and choose Keep in Dock.

You can drag and drop icons within the Dock to rearrange them.

To remove an app icon from the Dock:

  • Drag it off and drop it in an empty space on your desktop.

  • Secondary-click the icon and uncheck Keep in Dock.

Add Folders to Dock

You can add your favorite folders to the Dock to have a quick access to them later on.

  1. Open Files and navigate to where the target folder is located.

  2. Drag and drop the folder to the Dock.

  3. Click the added folder to view and access its contents in the pop-up.

To remove the folder icon from the Dock, either drag it off the Dock, or secondary-click and uncheck Keep in Dock.

You can't drag and drop the added folder icon within the Dock, so put the folder right where you want it when dropping.

Add Docklets

To add a Docklet:

  1. Hold Ctrl on the keyboard and secondary-click anywhere on the Dock.

  2. In the pop-up, select Preferences.

  3. Go to the Docklets tab.

  4. Drag and drop a Docklet you need to the Dock.

To remove a Docklet, just drag it off the Dock and drop anywhere on the desktop.

Available Docklets

The following table explains the functionality of the Docklets you can add to your Dock.

Docklet
Description

Applications

Battery

Battery charge indicator. Hover the icon to see the percentage.

Clippy

Clipboard manager (text data, or emojis). - Hover the icon to see the last copied data. - Click the icon to see the entire list of copied data. You can select the necessary item and then paste where you need. - To delete all the records from the clipboard, click Clear.

Clock

Clock in the Dock. Secondary-click the Clock to select between analogue and digital modes.

CPU Monitor

Animated indicator of CPU and memory. Changes its color from green to red depending on how hard your devices are loaded. Hover the indicator to see the CPU and memory load in percentage terms.

Desktop

Shows your desktop. Click to minimize all open apps. Click again to restore.

Trash

Trash bin. - Click to open the trash bin folder in the Files. - Secondary-click to open the pop-up with the trash bin contents. There are also the options to open the trash bin folder, and to empty the trash.

Dock Preferences

You can change the Dock appearance and behavior in its preferences.

  1. Hold Ctrl on the keyboard and secondary-click anywhere on the Dock.

  2. In the pop-up, select Preferences.

  3. On the Appearance tab, you can select the Dock theme, specify its position on the desktop, and adjust the icons size.

You can always change this behavior in the .

You can't add, rearrange, or remove icons if they are locked in the .

Docklets are special appletsβ€”standalone toolsβ€”running inside Plank. For example, you can add a battery indicator, or even another applications menu. See for details.

Applications menu alternative to the . When added to the Dock, secondary-click the icon to open the categorized menu of all your installed applications.

On the Behaviour tab, you can change the manner of the Dock hide in respect to the position. You can also adjust the hide/unhide delays, lock the icons, and use more other options.

If the option to is enabled, you need to use the right Ctrl on your keyboard to open the Dock preferences.

If you feel prepared and experienced enough, try .

πŸ“˜
πŸ“–
apps windows
advanced Dock settings
Dock preferences
Dock preferences
the table below
Plank
reveal the pointer with Ctrl
stock one
Plank Dock
Available Docklets