DockZen: One Click to a Distraction-Free Mac Dock

The Problem

You sit down to focus. But your Dock is full of apps you don't need right now—Slack with 12 unread messages, Mail with that red badge, Chrome tabs you'll "check later." Every glance is a potential distraction.

Hiding windows isn't enough. Cmd+H hides the window, but the app stays in your Dock, badge and all, tempting you to click.

The Solution

DockZen removes apps from your Dock entirely—not just hides them. One click, and only your chosen apps remain. No willpower required.

Why I built this

Instead of relying on willpower, I change my environment. I needed a simple app that can clear my dock for deep focus. I built DockZen for that purpose. Hope it helps you as well.

How It Works

1. Click DockZen in your menu bar
2. Choose which apps stay (your code editor, notes, music—whatever you need)
3. Hit "Start Focus" — everything else closes and disappears from your Dock

That's it. Your Dock now shows only what matters.

How is DockZen different from the alternatives?

Other tools create a separate "replacement" dock.
DockZen works with your native macOS Dock—no new UI to learn.

Hiding windows (Cmd+H) leaves the app in your Dock.
DockZen removes apps from your Dock entirely—badge and all.

Most focus apps require complex setup and multiple settings.
DockZen is one click. Done.

Many utilities run heavy background processes.
DockZen is lightweight with no bloat—quit it anytime, no traces left.

Features

• One-Click Focus Mode — Remove all apps except your essentials instantly
• Easy Refocus — New distractions appeared? Click again to clean up
• Works With Any App — VS Code, Chrome, Notion, Slack, Figma—any Mac app
• Native & Lightweight — No replacement dock, no heavy processes
• Apple Notarized — Safe, signed, and easily uninstallable
• Unsaved Work Protected — macOS prompts you to save before any app closes

Perfect For

• Deep work sessions — Just your editor and notes, nothing else
• Screen recordings & presentations — Clean Dock, professional look
• Video calls — No embarrassing app badges when you share your screen
• ADHD focus strategies — Remove temptation, not just hide it
• Daily standups — Start each session with a clean slate

Frequently Asked Questions

Does DockZen replace my Dock?
No. DockZen works with your existing macOS Dock. It closes apps and removes them from the Dock—no hacks, no replacement UI.

How is this different from hiding apps with Cmd+H?
Cmd+H hides the window but leaves the app in your Dock (badge and all). DockZen removes the app from the Dock entirely so you're not tempted to click it.

Will I lose unsaved work?
No. When DockZen closes an app, macOS shows the standard "save your work" prompt. You can save, cancel, or discard—your work is always protected.

Is it safe?
Yes. DockZen is notarized by Apple, uses no private APIs, has no background bloat, and uninstalls cleanly by dragging to Trash.

Does it work with [specific app]?
If it runs on macOS and shows in your Dock, DockZen works with it.

Install in 30 Seconds

1. Download DockZen
2. Move to Applications
3. Click the menu bar icon → Start Focus
4. Enjoy your clean Dock

Built by a developer who got tired of staring at Slack badges during deep work.

Focus well.