How to Show Dock on All Screens on macOS
Searching for how to show dock on all screens on your Mac? Allow me to start with the bad news: macOS doesn't actually support showing the dock on all screens simultaneously. You can't have your dock visible on every monitor at the same time, no matter what settings you change - trust me, it's been tried.
This surprises most multi-monitor Mac users. You'd think a premium operating system would handle multiple displays better. Windows users with tools like ObjectDock can create multiple docks. Linux users have endless customization options. But Mac users? We're stuck with one dock that either jumps between screens randomly or stays locked to one display.
The real solution is ExtraDock, a Mac app that creates multiple docks across all your monitors. But before we get there, let's cover what macOS can and can't do natively, so you understand your options.
Photo by Elle Hughes
The Truth: Can You Show Dock on All Screens on macOS?
Nope. macOS does not support showing the dock on all screens simultaneously. You get one dock, and that dock can only appear on one screen at a time.
This limitation has existed since Apple introduced multi-monitor support and continues through macOS Tahoe, Sequoia, Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey, and all previous versions. Apple has never added the ability to display the dock on multiple screens at once, despite years of user requests.
When people search for how to show dock on all screens, what they really want is a dock visible on every monitor without moving their mouse across displays. They want to launch apps from whichever screen they're currently using. That makes perfect sense for productivity.
What macOS offers instead is the ability to move the dock between screens. You can make the dock appear on different displays by changing which one is your primary display, or by using cursor gestures to move it. But at any given moment, the dock only exists on one screen.
This is different from the menu bar, which macOS does show across all displays. Apple made that choice for the menu bar but not for the dock. The reasoning might be that duplicate docks would "confuse" users or take up too much screen space. Whatever the reason, it leaves multi-monitor users frustrated.
The native workarounds help a little, but they don't solve the core problem. If you want actual docks on multiple screens, you need a third-party solution like ExtraDock. Let's look at what Apple does offer first.
Native macOS Workarounds (That Don't Actually Work)
Apple provides a few ways to manage the dock across multiple monitors. These are workarounds, not real solutions. They help the dock appear where you need it, but with significant limitations.
Method 1: Enable "Displays have Separate Spaces"
This setting makes the dock follow whichever screen you're actively using. When you click on a different monitor, the dock moves to that display after a moment.
Here's how to enable it:
Open System Settings from the Apple menu
Click Mission Control in the sidebar
Turn on "Displays have separate Spaces"
Log out and log back in for changes to take effect
After enabling this, the dock appears on whichever screen has your active window. Click something on your left monitor, and the dock moves there. Click your right monitor, and the dock follows.
The problem? The dock isn't visible on all screens. It just follows you around. You still can't see it on multiple displays at once. Plus, the dock takes a second or two to move, which interrupts your flow. If you're rapidly switching between monitors, you're constantly waiting for the dock to catch up.
This setting also affects how Spaces work across monitors, which might mess with other parts of your workflow. Some users report bugs where the dock gets stuck or doesn't follow properly.
Method 2: Put Dock on Bottom with Auto-Hide
This method lets you summon the dock on any screen by swiping your cursor down to the bottom edge. The dock stays hidden until you need it, then appears on whichever screen you're using.
Here's the setup:
Open System Settings and go to Desktop & Dock
Set "Position on screen" to Bottom
Enable "Automatically hide and show the Dock"
Now when you push your cursor to the bottom of any display and hold it there, the dock slides up on that screen. Move to a different monitor, swipe down, and the dock appears there instead.
This works better than the first method for some users. The dock appears on demand wherever you need it. But it's annoying to hide and show the dock constantly. You lose the visual reference of your open apps and favorites. Many users find auto-hide frustrating because the dock delays appearing, or it pops up accidentally when you don't want it.
Also, this only works when the dock is on the bottom. If you prefer your dock on the left or right side of the screen, this method won't help.
Method 3: Lock Dock to One Side
If you move the dock to the left or right edge of your screen, it stays locked to whichever monitor is your primary display. The dock won't jump between screens when you click on different monitors.
Here's how:
Open System Settings and go to Desktop & Dock
Change "Position on screen" to Left or Right
This gives you consistent dock placement, which some users prefer over the dock randomly moving. You always know where the dock is. The downside is obvious: if you're working on a different monitor, you have to move your cursor all the way across to reach the dock.
For users with three or more monitors arranged in a row, this means moving your mouse across multiple screens just to launch an app. It defeats the entire purpose of having multiple displays for efficiency.
Method 4: Change Primary Display
You can manually choose which monitor shows the dock by changing your primary display. The dock always appears on the primary display.
To change it:
Open System Settings and go to Displays
Click the display you want to make primary
Select "Main display" from the "Use as" dropdown menu
The white menu bar in the Displays arrangement view shows which screen is primary. You can drag that menu bar to a different screen to change the primary display quickly.
This doesn't solve the multi-screen dock problem at all. It just lets you pick which single screen gets the dock. You're still stuck with one dock on one monitor.
Why These Workarounds Fail
None of these methods give you what you actually want: a dock visible on all screens at the same time. They're all compromises that require extra mouse movement, waiting for the dock to appear, or accepting that the dock lives far from where you're working.
Apple designed macOS around a single dock, and these workarounds are band-aids on a fundamental limitation. For real multi-monitor dock support, you need a different solution.
The Real Solution: ExtraDock
ExtraDock is a Mac app that does what macOS should do natively: it creates multiple docks on multiple screens. Unlike the native workarounds, ExtraDock gives you actual separate docks that stay visible on each monitor simultaneously.
Here's how ExtraDock solves the problem. Instead of one dock that moves around or hides, you create as many docks as you need. Add your wanted apps, folders or widgets. Place them anywhere you would like.
Each ExtraDock stays exactly where you put it. They don't move. They don't follow your cursor. You get persistent, visible app launchers on every screen, which is what multi-monitor users have wanted from Apple for years.
ExtraDock works alongside your native Mac dock, not as a replacement. Your system dock keeps working normally. ExtraDock adds supplementary docks where the native one falls short. This is smarter than replacing the dock entirely, because Apple's dock is actually good - there's just only one of it.
Setting up ExtraDock takes about two minutes:
Download and install ExtraDock from the official website
Launch the app and click to create your first extra dock
Drag apps from Finder or your Applications folder into the new dock
Position the dock on any screen edge - top, bottom, left, or right
Repeat for additional monitors or workflow contexts
The app is native to macOS. It runs efficiently without draining battery or slowing down your system. ExtraDock works with macOS 12 and newer, including Tahoe
For multi-monitor setups, ExtraDock is transformative. Instead of hunting for apps on a single crowded dock or waiting for the dock to follow you between screens, you have dedicated launchers exactly where you need them. Your left monitor becomes your communication hub. Your center screen stays focused on primary work. Finally, your right monitor handles utilities and reference apps. Or whatever other order you prefer, your docks your rules.
ExtraDock also works great on a single large display. Create multiple docks organized by context: one for morning tasks, another for deep work, a third for creative projects. Show and hide different docks depending on what you're working on.
If you've been searching for how to show dock on all screens on Mac, ExtraDock is the answer. It's not a workaround or compromise. It's the actual solution that gives you multiple visible docks across all your displays.
Step-by-Step: Using Native macOS Methods
If you want to try the native workarounds before using ExtraDock, here's how to set them up. These won't give you docks on all screens simultaneously, but they might help manage the single dock across multiple monitors.
Enable Displays have Separate Spaces:
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner
Select System Settings
Click Mission Control in the sidebar
Toggle on "Displays have separate Spaces"
Log out of your Mac
Log back in for the change to take effect
After logging back in, the dock will move to whichever screen has your active window. This doesn't show the dock on all screens, but it makes the dock follow you between monitors.
Set Up Bottom Dock with Auto-Hide:
Open System Settings from the Apple menu
Go to Desktop & Dock
Change "Position on screen" to Bottom
Enable "Automatically hide and show the Dock"
Close System Settings
Now push your cursor to the bottom of any screen and hold it there. The dock will slide up on that display. Move to another monitor, swipe down, and the dock appears there instead.
Change Which Screen Shows the Dock:
Open System Settings and click Displays
Click Arrange
Look for the white menu bar on one of the display previews
Drag that white bar to a different display
Close System Settings
The dock will now appear on whichever screen has the menu bar. This changes your primary display.
These methods help manage the single dock across multiple monitors, but remember: you're still working with one dock that moves around. For actual multiple docks on multiple screens, ExtraDock remains the only real solution.
ExtraDock vs Native macOS Dock Options
Here's how ExtraDock compares to what macOS offers natively:
Simultaneous Docks on Multiple Screens:
Native macOS: No, only one dock at a time
ExtraDock: Yes, unlimited docks on all screens
Docks Stay in Fixed Positions:
Native macOS: No, dock moves between screens or follows cursor
ExtraDock: Yes, each dock stays exactly where you place it
Setup Complexity:
Native macOS: Requires enabling settings, nothing too complex.
ExtraDock: Quick setup with drag-and-drop.
Dock Visibility:
Native macOS: One dock visible on one screen, or hidden until you swipe
ExtraDock: Multiple docks visible simultaneously, or hide individual docks as needed
Organization by Context:
Native macOS: All apps share one dock
ExtraDock: Create separate docks for different workflows or app categories
Works Alongside System Dock:
Native macOS: Only native dock exists
ExtraDock: Adds complimentary docks while keeping native dock functional
Performance Impact:
Native macOS: None
ExtraDock: Minimal resource usage, native macOS app
Cost:
Native macOS: Free, built into the operating system
ExtraDock: Paid app with yearly or lifetime options
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have dock on all screens Mac?
No, macOS does not support showing the dock on all screens simultaneously. Apple only allows one dock at a time. You can move the dock between screens using native settings, but it won't appear on multiple displays at once. For actual multiple docks on all screens, use ExtraDock, which creates separate docks for each monitor.
How do I get my dock to show on both monitors?
Enable "Displays have separate Spaces" in Mission Control settings, then log out and back in. The dock will follow whichever monitor you're actively using. Alternatively, put the dock on the bottom with auto-hide enabled, then swipe down on any screen to show it. Neither method shows the dock on both monitors simultaneously - it just moves between them. ExtraDock is the only solution for true multiple docks.
Why does my Mac dock keep moving to other screen?
If "Displays have separate Spaces" is enabled, the dock moves to whichever screen has your active window. This is intentional behavior. To stop the dock from moving, turn off that setting or position the dock on the left or right side instead of the bottom. You can also use ExtraDock to create fixed docks on specific screens that never move.
What is the best way to use dock with multiple monitors?
The best solution is ExtraDock, which creates separate docks on each monitor that stay visible simultaneously. If you prefer native options, enable "Displays have separate Spaces" so the dock follows your active screen, or put the dock on the bottom with auto-hide so you can summon it on any display. For productivity, dedicated docks on each monitor (via ExtraDock) beats all native workarounds.
Does "Displays have separate Spaces" show dock on all screens?
No. This setting makes the dock move to whichever screen has your active window, but the dock still only appears on one screen at a time. It's not visible on multiple displays simultaneously. The name "Displays have separate Spaces" refers to how macOS handles virtual desktops (Spaces) across monitors, not dock visibility. You need ExtraDock for actual multi-screen dock visibility.
Can I create multiple docks on Mac?
Not with native macOS. Apple only provides one system dock. However, ExtraDock lets you create unlimited additional docks positioned anywhere on any screen. Each dock works independently with its own apps and settings, giving you the multi-dock setup that macOS should have included by default.
Final Thoughts
If you came here searching for how to show dock on all screens on Mac, you now know the truth: macOS can't do it natively. Apple gives you one dock. ExtraDock gives you multiple.
The native methods work for some users. Enable "Displays have separate Spaces" if you want the dock to follow your active window. Use auto-hide on the bottom if you're okay summoning the dock when needed.
But these are all compromises. They make you adjust your workflow to fit Apple's limitations instead of giving you the tools you need.
ExtraDock actually solves the problem. It creates real multiple docks that stay visible on all your screens simultaneously. No cursor gestures, no waiting for the dock to move, no hunting across displays. Just dedicated app launchers exactly where you need them.
For multi-monitor Mac users tired of fighting with a single dock, ExtraDock is the solution Apple should have built years ago. It's lightweight, native to macOS, and does exactly one thing exceptionally well: it gives you more docks where you need them.
Try ExtraDock and see the difference multiple docks make for your workflow. Finally get the multi-screen dock experience Mac users have wanted all along.
