# DockDoor

> Free Dock window previews and Alt-Tab switcher for macOS

DockDoor is a free, open-source macOS app that shows previews of an app's open windows when you point at its Dock icon, much like the Windows taskbar. It also adds an Option-Tab switcher that lists every window, shows windows above the built-in Command-Tab switcher, and has optional gestures and Dock widgets. Every feature is free under GPL-3.0. DockDoor Pro, a separate $20 app from the same developer, replaces the Dock entirely.

- **Category:** Desktop Utilities
- **Made by:** Ethan Bills
- **Website:** https://dockdoor.net
- **Runs on:** macOS
- **Facts last checked:** Oct 9, 2026

## Pricing

DockDoor is free to use.

- **Pricing model:** Free
- **Free plan:** Every feature is free, with no trial, subscription or paywall. DockDoor Pro, a separate app from the same developer that replaces the Dock, is a $20 one-time purchase.
- **Free trial:** None listed.

| Plan | Price | What you get |
| --- | --- | --- |
| DockDoor | $0 | Dock previews, the Option-Tab window switcher, Command-Tab previews, gestures and widgets. Open source under GPL-3.0 and funded by donations. |

Read from https://dockdoor.net/ on Oct 9, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with DockDoor before buying.

## Key features

- **Window previews on Dock icons:** Pointing at an app in the Dock shows all of its open windows, including minimized and hidden ones and those on other Spaces and displays, as thumbnails, a list of titles or large previews.
- **Window controls on each preview:** Buttons on a preview close, minimize or quit without switching apps, and further buttons close or minimize every window of that app at once.
- **Option-Tab window switcher:** Holding Option and pressing Tab lists every open window, not just every app. Typing searches the list, and Command with W, M or Q closes, minimizes or quits.
- **Windows in Command-Tab:** While Command-Tab is held, DockDoor shows the highlighted app's windows above the built-in app switcher so a specific window can be picked.
- **Folder Pop and music controls:** Hovering a Dock folder lists its contents for opening or dragging, and hovering an app that is playing audio shows a player, with synced lyrics for Spotify and Apple Music.
- **AppleScript and command line:** AppleScript commands open the switcher or a preview, focus, close, center or snap windows, and return lists of apps and windows as JSON for scripts.

## Good for

- People coming from Windows who miss taskbar previews and Alt+Tab
- Mac users who keep many windows of the same app open
- Anyone who wants a free utility with no analytics or tracking

## Worth knowing

- macOS only: it needs macOS 13 Ventura or later, and the Liquid Glass look needs macOS 26 or later.
- It requires both the Accessibility and Screen Recording permissions to find windows and draw their previews.
- The FAQ says a few apps built with unusual UI frameworks may show fewer windows or skip some actions.
- Per-display Docks, profiles and the widget library belong to DockDoor Pro, a separate $20 app, not to this one.

## Works with

AppleScript, Parall, BetterTouchTool, Karabiner-Elements, Logitech Options+, Spotify, Apple Music

**Tags:** Window management, Open source, Works offline

## Alternatives

- [AltTab](https://toolgpa.com/tools/alttab): Windows-style window switcher for macOS, free and open source. [Compare](https://toolgpa.com/compare/alttab-vs-dockdoor)
- [Swish](https://toolgpa.com/tools/swish): Trackpad-gesture window manager for macOS. [Compare](https://toolgpa.com/compare/dockdoor-vs-swish)
- [Rectangle](https://toolgpa.com/tools/rectangle): Free, open-source window snapping for macOS. [Compare](https://toolgpa.com/compare/dockdoor-vs-rectangle)

## Sources

The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 9, 2026:

- https://dockdoor.net/
- https://dockdoor.net/docs
- https://dockdoor.net/works-with
- https://dockdoor.net/donate

Page: https://toolgpa.com/tools/dockdoor
Listed by ToolGPA (toolgpa.com).