Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

FlashSpace VS DockGroups

Compare FlashSpace VS DockGroups and see what are their differences

FlashSpace logo FlashSpace

Ultra-fast virtual workspace manager for macOS, enhancing native Spaces. Supports switching workspaces independently on displays, with hotkey-driven app management, multiple configurations, Picture-in-Picture mode, and SketchyBar integration.

DockGroups logo DockGroups

The app-grouping feature the Mac Dock never shipped.
  • FlashSpace Landing page
    Landing page //
    2025-06-10
  • DockGroups Main window
    Main window //
    2026-07-30
  • DockGroups Settings
    Settings //
    2026-07-30
  • DockGroups Tray icon
    Tray icon //
    2026-07-30

App Groups

  • Organize apps into named groups, each with a custom emoji icon, stored by bundle ID.

  • Pin important groups to the top of the sidebar.

  • Create and delete groups directly from the main panel โ€” no detour into Settings.

  • Default starter groups (Work, Creative, Utilities) appear on first launch.

  • Group data is saved atomically with owner-only file permissions, and the app tolerates missing fields so updates never wipe your groups.

The Floating Panel

  • A panel anchored next to your Dock that positions itself correctly whether your Dock sits at the bottom, left, or right of the screen.

  • Opens from the Dock icon or the menu bar; closes automatically when it loses focus.

  • A collapsible sidebar toggles between full labels (with shortcut badges) and a compact icon-only rail.

  • Frosted-glass or solid panel style, plus System / Light / Dark themes.

Open All / Close All โ€” the signature feature

  • Open All launches every app in a group with a small stagger (so macOS doesn't choke on simultaneous launches).

  • Close All does the reverse, and this is something no competing dock app offers:

  • Plain click โ†’ hides every app in the group

    • โŒฅ-click โ†’ quits them gracefully
    • โŒ˜-click โ†’ force-quits them
  • Live indicators show which apps in a group are currently running, and clicking a running app restores its windows โ€” including minimized ones.

In-Panel App Management

  • Add and remove apps right in the panel grid.

  • Drag to reorder apps within a group.

  • Right-click any app for Quit, Force Quit, or Show in Finder.

Keyboard Shortcuts

  • โŒ˜1โ€“9 switches groups inside the panel.

  • โŒฅโ‡ง1โ€“9 are true system-wide hotkeys that work even in full-screen apps โ€” with no Accessibility or Input Monitoring permissions needed.

Menu Bar Mode

  • An optional menu bar icon for quick access without using the Dock.

FlashSpace

Website
github.com
Pricing URL
-
$ Details
-
Release Date
-

DockGroups

$ Details
freemium $9.99 / One-off (Pro)
Release Date
2026 May

FlashSpace features and specs

  • Open-Source
    FlashSpace is open-source, allowing users to view, modify, and contribute to the code, fostering community collaboration and transparency.
  • Functionality for Flash Games
    FlashSpace provides a means to interact with and manage Flash-based applications, which can be valuable for preserving and using legacy Flash content.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    The project appears to be designed to work across different platforms, making it accessible to a wider audience using various operating systems.

Possible disadvantages of FlashSpace

  • Niche Use-Case
    With the decline of Flash support in modern browsers, the necessity for such a tool is limited to niche applications or legacy projects.
  • Potential Security Risks
    Interacting with Flash content can pose security concerns, as Flash has historically had various vulnerabilities that could be exploited.
  • Maintenance and Updates
    The project might not be actively maintained or frequently updated, which could lead to compatibility issues or unresolved bugs.

DockGroups features and specs

No features have been listed yet.

Analysis of FlashSpace

Overall verdict

  • FlashSpace is a lightweight, open-source, and free macOS workspace/virtual desktop manager that offers a fast and customizable alternative to macOS's native Spaces, making it a solid choice for users seeking better window and workspace management.

Why this product is good

  • Free and open-source, giving users transparency and no cost
  • Lightweight and fast compared to native macOS Spaces switching
  • Highly customizable with support for keyboard shortcuts and per-app workspace assignments
  • Provides a better multi-monitor and workspace workflow than macOS defaults
  • Actively developed on GitHub with community involvement

Recommended for

  • macOS power users who want faster workspace switching
  • Developers and professionals managing many apps and windows
  • Users frustrated with the slowness of native macOS Spaces
  • People who prefer open-source, customizable productivity tools
  • Multi-monitor setups needing efficient workspace organization

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to FlashSpace and DockGroups)
Productivity
80 80%
20% 20
Note Taking
100 100%
0% 0
OS & Utilities
72 72%
28% 28
Utilities
0 0%
100% 100

Questions & Answers

As answered by people managing FlashSpace and DockGroups.

Which are the primary technologies used for building your product?

DockGroups's answer:

SwiftUI & AppKit

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing FlashSpace and DockGroups, you can also consider the following products

SpacesforMac.xyz - Declutter your workspace and organize it in 1-click

DockFlow - Switch between dock presets on MacOS instantly

Spencer for Mac - Customize your workspace with profiles for any context or task โ€” whether youโ€™re working, browsing, or creating. Easily return to your favorite window setup anytime.

DockIt Space - Organize your Mac Dock like never before with custom profiles for different workflow, manual profiles and automatic dock ordering!.

Rectangle - Window management app based on Spectacle, written in Swift.

BetterStage.app - BetterStage is a macOS workspace manager for multi-monitor stages, per-monitor layouts, Tabbed Layouts, Snap Wheel/zones, and AI Staging Recipes. Free with 3 stages.