How to Use the Command 'dockutil' (with Examples)

Dockutil is a versatile command-line utility designed to manage items in the macOS dock. It provides an efficient means to customize dock settings for individual users, manipulating applications, directories, URLs, and spacer tiles directly from the terminal without the need for manual adjustments via the graphical user interface. This becomes especially useful in environments where multiple machines need to be configured uniformly, such as in corporate or educational settings.

Use Case 1: Add an Application to the End of the Current User’s Dock

Code:

dockutil --add path/to/application

Motivation:

Adding applications to the dock is a common requirement for creating a personalized workspace or standard machine setup. By automating this process, it ensures consistency, saves time, and reduces the potential for errors inherent in manual configurations across multiple computers.

Explanation:

• dockutil: The command that initiates the utility.
• --add: A flag that specifies the action to add an item to the dock.
• path/to/application: The file path to the application being added. This should be the absolute path to the .app package for accurate targeting.

Example Output:

Upon executing the command, the specified application will appear at the far right end of the dock. This visual feedback confirms that the task was successfully executed.

Use Case 2: Replace One Application with Another in the Current User’s Dock

Code:

dockutil --add /path/to/application --replacing 'dock_item_label'

Motivation:

In some scenarios, an application may need to be replaced with an updated or alternative version without altering the dock’s overall arrangement. This is particularly useful when software updates occur, necessitating replacements for deprecated applications or when deploying a new standard tool across all devices.

Explanation:

• dockutil --add /path/to/application: This component remains consistent in its purpose to add a specified application.
• --replacing 'dock_item_label': Identifies the current dock item by its label, allowing the specified application to replace it with minimal disturbance to dock order.

Example Output:

The specified application will seamlessly take the place of the existing item, retaining its relative position among other dock icons.

Use Case 3: Add a Directory with View Options and Display It as a Folder Icon or Stack

Code:

dockutil --add /path/to/directory --view grid|fan|list|auto --display folder|stack

Motivation:

Configuring directories on the dock with specific view settings improves accessibility by tailoring the user experience to suit routine activities, like quickly browsing files or folders. This facility is vital for maintaining productivity in a range of professional sectors.

Explanation:

• dockutil --add /path/to/directory: Specifies the directory to be included in the dock.
• --view grid|fan|list|auto: Determines the method for displaying the folder’s contents. Options include:
  • grid: Displays items in a grid view.
  • fan: Arranges items in a fan-like layout.
  • list: Presents files in a list format.
  • auto: Automatically selects the best view based on the number of items.
• --display folder|stack: Chooses between showing the folder as a single icon (folder) or as a stack that fans out when clicked (stack).

Example Output:

The directory appears as specified on the dock, providing a tailored interactive element for users.

Use Case 4: Add a URL Dock Item After Another Item

Code:

dockutil --add vnc://example_server.local --label 'Example VNC' --after dock_item_label

Motivation:

Integrating URL links directly in the dock such as for rapid access to remote servers or web applications streamlines workflow, especially in networked and cloud-based operations. This direct access bypasses the need to search for network connections, thereby increasing productivity.

Explanation:

• dockutil --add vnc://example_server.local: Introduces a URL item linked to a remote VNC server.
• --label 'Example VNC': Assigns a custom label to the new URL item for easy identification.
• --after dock_item_label: Instructs dockutil to position the new URL directly after a specified existing dock item, preserving the user’s preferred dock order.

Example Output:

A newly created VNC shortcut appears on the dock, placed precisely after the identified item, making remote access a single-click action.

Use Case 5: Remove an Application from the Dock Given Its Dock Label Name

Code:

dockutil --remove 'dock_item_label'

Motivation:

Removing applications that are no longer necessary from the dock helps maintain a clean and efficient workspace. Regularly updating the dock’s contents in this way helps in reducing clutter and optimizing the user’s working environment.

Explanation:

• dockutil --remove 'dock_item_label': Directs the command to find and remove the item specified by its label name, targeting it directly among the dock’s current contents.

Example Output:

The specified application or link is removed instantly from the dock, ensuring the user interface remains relevant and uncluttered.

Use Case 6: Add a Spacer in a Section After an Application

Code:

dockutil --add '' --type spacer|small-spacer|flex-spacer --section apps --after dock_item_label

Motivation:

Adding spacer tiles in the dock can help categorize tasks by visually segmenting different applications or collections of dock items. This is particularly useful for users who rely heavily on organization to manage numerous shortcuts effectively.

Explanation:

• dockutil --add '': Initiates the addition of an empty item, specified as a spacer.
• --type spacer|small-spacer|flex-spacer: Defines the size and flexibility of the spacer:
  • spacer: Standard-sized spacer.
  • small-spacer: A smaller version of the spacer.
  • flex-spacer: A spacer that dynamically adjusts based on available dock space.
• --section apps: Specifies the dock section (typically the applications section) where the spacer will be inserted.
• --after dock_item_label: Dictates where to place the spacer relative to an already-existing item.

Example Output:

The specified spacer appears within the dock, helping visually organize application placement.

Use Case 7: Remove All Spacer Tiles

Code:

dockutil --remove spacer-tiles

Motivation:

As needs evolve, previously inserted spacers may require removal to reclaim dock space and refine its layout. Removing all spacers in one command provides an efficient way to reset the dock, facilitating any organizational overhaul.

Explanation:

• dockutil --remove spacer-tiles: Specifically targets all spacer tiles within the dock for removal, involving no direct item name, for efficient mass removal.

Example Output:

Every spacer tile disappears from the dock, returning it to a more compact and concentrated layout.

Conclusion:

Dockutil is an invaluable tool for managing macOS docks, affording users and administrators alike a powerful way to customize and organize applications, directories, URLs, and spacers through command line scripts. Whether tailoring environments for personal efficiency, or setting up standardized interfaces across an organization, dockutil serves as a robust component in any macOS management toolkit.