

In earlier versions, the Dock gave open apps other markings, such as triangles. In macOS 10.12 Sierra, open apps are denoted by a small dot underneath the icon (or on its side, if you’ve moved your Dock to the left or right edge of the screen). Clicking an app either opens it or switches to it. Opening and Switching to Apps via the Dock - More commonly, the first section of your Dock contains apps that are either currently open or that you have saved to the Dock for quick access. You might also see icons for Mail, Reminders, or other Handoff-savvy apps.įor more on Handoff, check out Scholle McFarland’s “ Sierra: A Take Control Crash Course,” which has an entire chapter about it. Click that icon to open the iPhone’s Web page in Safari on your Mac. The Handoff section contains only a single icon and appears only if your Mac is receiving a Handoff signal from another iOS device or Mac.įor instance, if you open a Web page in Safari on a compatible iPhone, you might see a Safari icon at the left or top of your Dock. Using Handoff in the Dock - Let’s dispense with Handoff first, since it’s a one-trick pony and not something that many Mac users who we know use. Today’s Dock is split into three sections, marked by dividing lines: Handoff, apps, and a third area that contains documents, folders, and the Trash. We’ll explain everything the Dock does, from the basics to tweaky capabilities that may be new to you. You’ve probably used the Dock so often and for so long that you don’t think about it.

It displays open applications, offers a quick way to launch favorite apps, and holds shortcuts for documents and folders. In fact, the Dock actually predates Mac OS X, since it was also prominent in NeXTSTEP. The Dock has been a core aspect of the Mac experience since the earliest days of Mac OS X. MacOS Hidden Treasures: Dominate the Dock #1644: Explaining Mastodon and the Fediverse, HomePod Software 16.3 and tvOS 16.3, GoTo breach.#1645: AirPlay iPhone to Mac for remote video, Siri learns to restart iPhones, Apple's Q1 2023 financials.1646: Security-focused OS updates, Photos Workbench review, Mastodon client wishlist, Apple-related conferences.1647: Focus-caused notification issues, site-specific browser examples, virtualizing Windows on M-series Macs.#1648: iPhone passcode thefts, Center Cam improves webcam eye contact, APFS Uncertainty Principle.
