How to Pin Apps to the Mac Dock
Pinning keeps your favorite apps readily accessible in the Dock. Follow these simple methods:
Method 1: Drag Directly from Launchpad or Finder
- Launch Launchpad (click its icon in the Dock or use F4/Launchpad key).
- Locate the desired app icon.
- Click, hold, and drag the app icon directly down into the Dock area (left or right side of the divider) beside existing apps.
- Release the mouse button/trackpad when the icons move apart.
Or
- Open a new Finder window.
- Navigate to Applications in the sidebar.
- Click, hold, and drag the desired app icon down into the desired position in the Dock.
- Release the mouse button/trackpad.
Method 2: Pin a Currently Running App
- Launch the application normally (double-click it in Finder, use Spotlight, etc.). Its icon will appear in the Dock.
- Right-click (or Control-click) the app's icon now visible in the Dock.
- Hover over Options in the context menu.
- Select Keep in Dock.
Removing Pinned Apps
- Click, hold, and drag the app icon upwards and away from the Dock.
- Release the mouse button/trackpad when you see the "Remove" label or a small poof cloud animation.
