KnockOutDock for Mac

Used KnockOutDock for Mac?

KnockOutDock Analysis

AI Assisted Content · July 14, 2026

Not written by CNET Staff.

KnockOutDock is a free application designed for Mac users, enhancing the desktop experience by providing customizable dock options. This utility allows users to personalize their dock's appearance and functionality, offering features such as transparency effects and background modifications. With a user-friendly interface, KnockOutDock makes it easy to adjust settings to create a unique desktop aesthetic.

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Tranquility

Free

The program caters to users looking for a more visually appealing and organized workspace. It supports various customization options, enabling users to choose different styles and effects that suit their preferences. KnockOutDock is particularly useful for those who spend significant time on their Macs and wish to improve their productivity through enhanced visual appeal.

KnockOutDock for Mac

Used KnockOutDock for Mac?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: October 25, 2006

Latest update: July 14, 2026

Version: 1.3

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Mac

Operating System

Mac OS X 10.3
Mac OS X 10.4
Mac OS X
Mac OS X 10.2
Mac OS X 10.3.9

Additional Requirements: Mac OS X 10.3 or later

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 191

Downloads Last Week: 0

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User Reviews

4.7/5

3 User Votes

Lifesaver! Wish it worked in Leopard.
bugsi1September 2, 2008
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />This application finally ended years of frustration with Apple's dock. I hate the dock, I don't want the dock, but on VERY rare occasions, I NEED the dock (like when I accidentally window-shade (Er, sorry "yellow ball") an application's window and it shrinks into the dock. I absolutely rely on KnockOutDock to rid myself of the ever-popping-up dock. Unfortunately, it doesn't work in Leopard. PLEASE upgrade this to work with Leopard!!!
At Last!
tan_ru2000March 4, 2007
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />At last I can be rid of that dam thing, when I first got OSX I didn't mind the dock but it got more & more annoying, always getting in the way & popping up at the worst possible moment. I used Onyx to hide it under the top menubar but it still managed to rear it's ugly head now & then just to taunt me! I now use DragThing or FruitMenu, both work well, the latter being more of a sexed-up Apple Menu if you like the OS9 vibe, or DragThing being exactly what the OSX dock SHOULD have been but never was.
Nice Applescript finally gets the Dock out of the...
quadratJune 4, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
...way<br />This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br /><p>I have been frustrated by the Dock taking up valuable screen space when it's not hidden or popping up when I don't want it when it is hidden. This script quickly moves the Dock to the just under the menu bar, anchored on the right side. (System Preferences doesn't allow you these options.) Moving your mouse to anywhere just under the menu bar (not just the right corner) will make the Dock appear. You run the script once and your Dock is set.</p> <p>I found the default KnockoutDock settings made the Dock too small for my liking, but the script is very simple and easy to edit with Apple's Script Editor. I bumped the icon sizes up from 16 pixels to 24 pixels, recompiled the script, ran it and now the Dock looks like I want.</p> <p>My only caveat is that it can sometimes be tricky to get the cursor positioned just under the menu bar. (With the old Apple-approved locations at the sides or bottom of the screen, it was easy to simply push the cursor all the way to the screen edge to get the Dock to pop up.) But I'm getting better with practice.</p> <p>In answer to the previous comments, at least one of which seems to be from someone who didn't even try the script: 1) KnockoutDock does not let you turn the Dock on and off, it uses the usual hide/show function to make the Dock appear when you mouse to its location. 2) The activation area <b>is</b> the same as the Dock location, not just the upper right corner as the description states.</p>

Developer’s Description

make the Dock as unobtrusive as possible

KnockOutDock is a simple script that sets the Dock's preferences to be as unobtrusive and miniscule as possible. You will not lose any features of Dashboard, Expose Program switching or Screensaver hot corner activation.

It has been created for people who:

dislike the dock and don't use it in their workflow
don't want to use the command line
don't want to lose Expose or Dashboard functionality
want to deploy a quick solution over a network

After running KnockOutDock, the Dock will be unobtrusive and miniscule. It will only reappear if you hover your mouse for a second at the 'top edge of the desktop picture just below the menu bar'. Settings can be restored easily.