How to Add Downloads to Dock

How to put Downloads on Dock?

There are several methods we recommend following to add downloads to Dock, and together we’ll explore these methods step-by-step below.

We’ll walk you through the following ways to help you put downloads on your Dock:

• From Finder sidebar
• From home directory
• Using right-click (context menu) to add downloads
• Drag and drop Downloads from any location  

A note from our experts: 

 

Sometimes your Dock can play hide-and-seek. While it's easy enough to bring back, it can be irritating. Issues are usually linked to glitches or system errors, which is why we encourage you to try boosting your Mac’s performance–a great way to do that is by limiting your start-up items with MacKeeper’s Login Items features. That way, you can help reduce the chances of system glitches when you power up your device.

 

Here’s how to use the Login Items tool to keep your device and downloads optimized:

1. Download MacKeeper and launch the app.
2. Click on Login Items.  
3. Press Start Scan.  
4. Tick or untick your programs or apps to manage what opens upon startup.

1. From Finder sidebar

One of the quickest ways to add Downloads to Dock is straight from the Finder sidebar. We consider this method to be especially convenient because the Downloads folder is usually already listed there, so you don’t have to search for it.

Here’s how to add Downloads from the Finder sidebar:

1. Open Finder.
2. Look for your Downloads folder.
3. Click and hold the folder to drag it to Dock.

2. From home directory

For an equally simple method to put Downloads on your Dock, you can add it from your Home directory. We’ve found this method to be especially helpful if Downloads aren't showing in the Finder sidebar. Once found, you can then drag it to your Dock.

Here’s how to add Downloads from the Home directory:

1. Open Finder.  
2. Click on Go > Home.
3. Look for Downloads, then click and drag the folder icon into your Dock.

3. Use right-click (context menu) to add downloads

Dragging the Downloads folder isn’t your only option to get the folder added to your Dock. Below, we’ll share how to locate and save your downloads to your home page.  

Here’s how to use the right-click function to add downloads:  

1. Launch Finder.  
2. Find your Downloads folder in the Finder list and right-click.
3. From the context menu, select Add to Dock.

An extra hint from us: 

 

You’ve gone to drag your Downloads to your Dock only to notice it’s not at the bottom of your screen. How frustrating! It’s likely due to Automatic Hide being enabled or you’re still in full-screen mode. Instead of panicking, check out our article on why Dock disappeared on Mac and find the steps to help you keep it visible.

4. Drag and drop Downloads folder from any location

Sometimes your downloads might not have saved where you expected them to. In this instance, you might want to do a Spotlight search to view stray data that has been scattered on your MacBook.  

Here’s how to find your Downloads via Spotlight search to then add to the Dock:

1. Click on the Search icon in the top-right corner of your screen.
2. In the Spotlight Search bar, type in Downloads.
3. From the list, you’ll be able to click and drag Downloads to your Dock.  

A question to ask yourself: 

 

Is your startup noticeably slower since adding Downloads to your Dock? It might be time to remove large files you no longer need. Check out our guide on how to delete downloads on Mac to reclaim space and speed up your device with some much-needed digital purging.  

Why to add the Download Folder to your Dock?

Now that we’ve explored how to add downloads to your Dock, you might wonder what the point is in putting the folder on your home screen. Putting downloads in Dock offers plenty of advantages, and our Clario Tech experts aren't the only people who think so.

When we asked, several Mac users shared the following reasons behind their decision to add Downloads to their Dock:

• Easily monitor download progress: Having the Download Folder in clear view makes it easier to see when a large download is complete and ready to be opened.  
• Keeping files organized: The last thing you want is having downloaded content files scattered all over the Library. Instead, keeping them in one folder makes organizing files on Mac much simpler. 
• Easy to export: When a downloaded photo, media file, or work document needs to be shared via Mail or iMessage, it can easily be uploaded and sent by opening the folder, finding your content, and right-clicking to bring up the Share… option.

So, if you’re a regular downloader, adding downloads to your Dock is an efficient way to keep your content organized and accessible. Should you change your mind, you can always remove apps from Dock on Mac.

Keeping your Downloads folder accessible on the Dock

Now that we’ve shown you how to put downloads on Dock, you’ll soon have a more organized Mac that’ll make it easier to find and open your files. Whether you’ve dragged the folder to your Dock or found it via the Finder sidebar, you’ll appreciate the quick access to your content.

To further enhance your Mac activities, we encourage you to use MacKeeper’s Login Item—a macOS-targeted feature that can streamline your devices’ performance by limiting the number of startup apps that demand significant system resources. With a helping hand from us, your Mac will be ready to go as soon as you turn it on.