The Dock gives you easy access to often-used applications, documents, and minimized windows. It can be customized to include specific applications, folders, and documents that you use frequently. This allows quick and easy access to these files any time you need them.

Customizing the Dock

To set the size of the Dock and its items, drag the slider to adjust the size.

 

To enable Dock icon magnification, check the box next to "Magnification." Then, drag the slider to adjust the size. With magnification turned on, you can point at an item in the Dock it will grow so you can see it better.

 

This is what it will look like with magnification on.

 

To change the position of the Dock on the screen, select one of three options: Left, Bottom, Right.

 

You can also change the effect that is displayed when you minimize a window. The options are "Genie Effect" and "Scale Effect." While the "Genie Effect" is cool, it uses more system resources than the "Scale Effect." Thus, if you are trying to save battery life, select the scale option.

Genie Effect
Shrinks the window into the dock as if a genie was shrinking into a lamp.

Scale Effect
Just shrinks the icon into the dock

Checking the "Animate opening applications" box will cause the applications icon in the dock to bounce each time you open that application.

 

If you wish to save desktop space, select the "Automatically hide and show the Dock" option. This will minimize the dock until you move your mouse to the edge of the screen where the dock is positioned.

To add an item to the Dock, simply drag it to the desired position in the Dock. You can also move items within the Dock to different positions. If you wish to remove an item from the Dock, simply drag it off of the dock and it will be removed permanently.