boringBar

Taskbar-style dock replacement for macOS

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Category
Status Bar
WM Type
—
License
paid
Open Source
No
Keybindings
Yes
Scripting
No
Last Update
—

Features

  • Desktop-specific window grouping
  • Thumbnail window previews on hover
  • Scroll to switch Spaces
  • Searchable app launcher
  • Notification badges and attention pulses
  • App pinning
  • Multi-display support
  • Hide native macOS Dock
  • Show Desktop quick access

About

boringBar replaces the macOS Dock with a Windows-style taskbar that groups open windows by Space. Click any entry to switch to that window, scroll on the bar to move between desktops, and hover for thumbnail previews. Includes a searchable app launcher accessible via a global hotkey.

Who It's For

boringBar is for macOS users who find the Dock's spatial model confusing when juggling many open windows across multiple Spaces. If you're coming from Windows and miss a taskbar that shows exactly what's open on the current desktop — or if you routinely work across five or more Spaces and want one-click navigation without memorising keyboard shortcuts — boringBar is built for you.

How It Works

boringBar adds a persistent taskbar that lists every open window on the current Space. Windows are grouped by application, and the bar updates as you switch Spaces. Hovering over an entry shows a live thumbnail preview so you can visually confirm which window you want before clicking. Scrolling on the bar moves between Spaces. The bar size is adjustable (small, medium, or large).

The bar also includes a searchable app launcher accessible via a configurable global hotkey. Notification badges from apps are surfaced directly in the bar, and windows that need attention pulse to draw focus. The native macOS Dock can be hidden entirely so boringBar becomes the sole launcher and switcher.

boringBar requires Accessibility and Screen Recording permissions — both are used to enumerate windows and capture thumbnails.

Compared to Alternatives

Compared to using macOS Mission Control, boringBar keeps open windows accessible in a single persistent bar rather than requiring a gesture and a full-screen Exposé view. Compared to the native Dock, boringBar scopes its window list to the active Space rather than showing all app icons regardless of what's open, making it easier to track what is running where.

Requirements

  • macOS 14 Sonoma or later
  • Accessibility permissions required
  • Screen Recording permissions required
  • SIP status not documented by the developer
  • 14-day free trial; $7.99/year (Personal, 1 device) after trial

Getting Started

Download boringBar from boringbar.app, grant Accessibility and Screen Recording permissions when prompted, and optionally hide the native Dock via System Settings → Dock & Menu Bar. Use the in-app settings to configure bar size (small/medium/large), grouping behaviour, and your global hotkey for the app launcher.

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