DockDoor 1.31.2 macOS

Windows users are already familiar with the convenience of previewing open windows simply by hovering over taskbar icons. On macOS, however, this functionality isn’t built in—and the only way to get it is through a third-party app.

DockDoor brings window previews to the macOS Dock, making dock previews its core feature. Hover over an app’s Dock icon to instantly see previews of all its open windows, making it faster and easier to switch between tasks. As a bonus, DockDoor also includes an alternative Alt-Tab switcher that shows live window previews.

The app is open source, lightweight, and remarkably easy to set up and use. While it’s not entirely perfect yet, DockDoor offers a highly practical solution for users who miss Windows-style window previews and want a more visual way to manage apps on macOS.

Preview app windows via the Dock

There are a few limitations to keep in mind. Previews don’t work for minimized windows, and if a window is partially offscreen, the hidden portions will also be cut off in the preview. In addition, previews aren’t updated in real time—when window contents change, it can take up to around 30 seconds for the preview to refresh.

Alt-Tab switching with previews

DockDoor also offers an alternative Alt-Tab–style window switcher, accessible via the Ctrl + Tab shortcut. It allows you to cycle through active windows and switch between them, while displaying live previews—similar to the experience Windows users are accustomed to.

The feature works well overall, but it shares some of the same constraints. Minimized windows aren’t included, and when many windows are open, navigation becomes less fluid since only three previews can be displayed at a time.

Promising, but still a work in progress

DockDoor shows a lot of potential and delivers a genuinely useful feature set for macOS users who want window previews. However, its current limitations—restricted Dock previews, delayed refresh rates, and an Alt-Tab shortcut that isn’t customizable—mean it still needs refinement.

Key Features:

• Preview active app windows by hovering over their Dock icons

• Resizable window previews with adjustable delay and window buffer

• Windows-style Alt-Tab switching with live window previews

• Fast Ctrl + Tab shortcut for cycling through open windows

• Lightweight and easy-to-use interface

• Open-source and free to use

• Seamless integration with the macOS Dock

• Helps visually identify and switch between multiple open windows

Limitations to note:

• Does not support minimized windows

• Preview refresh rate is not real-time

• Alt-Tab view shows a maximum of three windows at once

Compatibility: macOS 13.0 or later
Homepage https://dockdoor.net/