macOS Sidebar vs Dock: When to Use Each

If you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem, you’ve probably seen both the Dock and Sidebar in macOS — but what’s the difference? And when should you use one over the other?

In this post, we’ll break down the Sidebar vs Dock debate and introduce a third, more flexible option for power users: the extraDock.

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🧭 What is the macOS Dock?

The Dock is Apple’s launcher that sits at the bottom (or side) of your screen. It’s used for:

• Launching frequently used apps
• Switching between open applications
• Accessing folders like Downloads or the Trash

It’s fixed in position, only appears on one monitor at a time, and can’t be duplicated.

Pros:

✅ Fast access to pinned apps
✅ Supports drag-and-drop to open files
✅ Always visible (if you want it)

Cons:

❌ Only one Dock at a time
❌ Moves between monitors
❌ Limited customization

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📁 What is the Sidebar in macOS?

The Sidebar appears in Finder windows and certain apps. It helps you:

• Navigate folders, drives, or cloud storage
• Quickly access recent files
• Bookmark frequently-used locations

Think of it as a file-focused navigator, not a launcher.

Pros:

✅ Great for file management
✅ Works well with Finder workflows
✅ Fully customizable folder list

Cons:

❌ Not global — only inside apps like Finder
❌ No app launching or multitasking help
❌ Can’t be placed freely

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🧠 Sidebar vs Dock: Which Should You Use?

Feature	Dock	Sidebar
App launching	✅ Yes	❌ No
File/folder navigation	❌ Limited	✅ Yes
Floating / free placement	❌ No	❌ No
Multi-monitor support	❌ Limited	❌ No
Custom layouts	❌ Limited	✅ Kinda

They both serve a purpose — but if you want ultimate control over how your tools are laid out across screens…

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💡 Meet extraDock: The Power User’s Alternative

extraDock brings the best of both worlds:

• Launch apps, folders, files — like a Dock
• Drag anywhere — like a floating sidebar
• Use multiple docks across screens
• Customize layouts for any workflow

Whether you want a design launcher, a dev tools bar, or just faster access on your second monitor — extraDock is built for it.

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⚡ When to Use Which

Task	Best Tool
Quickly launch apps	Dock or extraDock
Access recent folders/files	Sidebar
Multi-monitor setups	extraDock
Floating utility bar	extraDock
Default file browsing	Sidebar
Workflow-specific toolbars	extraDock

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🧪 Try extraDock and Build Your Own Sidebar-Dock Combo

extraDock doesn’t replace the system Dock or Sidebar — it complements them. Add what Apple left out.

➡️ Download extraDock now

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🔗 Related Articles

• macOS Dock Alternatives Compared: From DragThing to extraDock
• Floating Dock on macOS: Myth or Possibility?
• How to Add an Extra Dock to Your Mac in 2 Minutes

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Written by Frank Karro — dev behind extraDock, the utility that lets your Dock grow up.