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TinkerTool VS DockGroups

Compare TinkerTool VS DockGroups and see what are their differences

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Contents:
  1. ยป Base Details
  2. ยป Videos
  3. ยป Reviews
  4. ยป Alternatives

TinkerTool logo TinkerTool

Tinker with the hidden settings of your Mac

DockGroups logo DockGroups

The app-grouping feature the Mac Dock never shipped.
  • TinkerTool Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-07
  • 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.

TinkerTool

Website
bresink.com
Pricing URL
-
$ Details
-
Release Date
-
Edit details

DockGroups

Website
dockgroups.com
Pricing URL
Official DockGroups Pricing
$ Details
freemium $9.99 / One-off (Pro)
Release Date
2026 May
Edit details

TinkerTool features and specs

  • Customization
    TinkerTool allows users to access and modify a wide range of macOS settings and hidden preferences, enhancing the ability to tailor the operating system to personal needs.
  • Freeware
    It is a free application, meaning users can enjoy all of its features without any cost, which makes it accessible for everyone.
  • Non-Intrusive
    TinkerTool makes changes only to user preferences and does not require administrative privileges, so it is non-intrusive and maintains system integrity.
  • Safe to Use
    Since TinkerTool doesn't modify any system files or settings, it minimizes the risk of causing any critical system issues.
  • Regular Updates
    The tool is regularly updated to ensure compatibility with the latest versions of macOS, ensuring that users can continue to benefit from its features.

Possible disadvantages of TinkerTool

  • Limited Scope
    While it provides a wide range of customization options, it does not allow for deep system changes, which may be limiting for advanced users seeking more extensive modifications.
  • Requires Knowledge
    For users unfamiliar with macOS configurations, the range of options might be overwhelming and could lead to unintended changes if not used carefully.
  • No Direct Support
    Being a freeware product, it may lack dedicated customer support, which could be an inconvenience if users encounter issues or have questions.

DockGroups features and specs

No features have been listed yet.

TinkerTool videos

+ Add

Using TinkerTool To Customize Your Mac (MacMost Now 827)

More videos:

  • Review - Customize the Look & Feel of Mac OS X with TinkerTool [How-To]

DockGroups videos

No DockGroups videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Add video

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to TinkerTool and DockGroups)

TinkerTool

DockGroups

Mac
100 100%
Mac
0% 0
Mac Tools
0 0%
Mac Tools
100% 100
Productivity
77 77%
Productivity
23% 23
Utilities
70 70%
Utilities
30% 30

Questions & Answers

As answered by people managing TinkerTool and DockGroups.

Which are the primary technologies used for building your product?

DockGroups's answer:

SwiftUI & AppKit

User comments

Share your experience with using TinkerTool and DockGroups. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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What are some alternatives?

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

Alfred - Alfred is an award-winning app for macOS which boosts your efficiency with hotkeys, keywords, text expansion and more. Search your Mac and the web, and be more productive with custom actions to control your Mac.

DockFlow - Switch between dock presets on MacOS instantly

Lacona - Fast, simple, powerful keyboard-driven commands for Mac

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

Onyx by Titanium - This website provides operating system utilities for macOS

MacPilot - Unlock over 1200 features in Mac OS X and optimize your system!

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