8 MacOS Like Docks for Ubuntu

You might not be running macOS but you’re a GNU/Linux user so you have the option to switch your style up and make your app launcher similar to the dock on macOS.

The dock apps here are top-class so don’t blame me if you have a tough time picking one of them. On the plus side, you can use them all!

1. Docky

Docky is among the most popular MacOS-like dock for Ubuntu complete with documentation and a variety of themes for customization.

To install the latest build of the current Docky stable branch on Ubuntu/Linux Mint, use the following Docky Stable PPA to install it using following commands.

$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:docky-core/stable
$ sudo apt-get update
$ sudo apt-get install docky

2. Plank

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Plank is arguably the most awesome of docks as it was built to be the simplest dock on the planet.

So awesome that it is also a library that can be extended to create other docks with even more advanced functionalities.

To install the latest build of the current Plank Docky on Ubuntu/Linux Mint, use the following Plank PPA to install it using following commands.

$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ricotz/docky
$ sudo apt-get update
$ sudo apt-get install plank

3. Latte Dock

Latte Dock is based on plasma frameworks and it offers both an elegant and intuitive UI/UX for all plasmoids and tasks.

To install the latest build of the current Latte Dock on Ubuntu/Linux Mint use the following PPA, but you must have Plasma 5.9.0 desktop environment to install it.

$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:rikmills/latte-dock
$ sudo apt update 
$ sudo apt install latte-dock

4. Cairo Dock

Cairo Dock featured a unified style independent of your desktop environment with a focus on being lightweight, swift, and customizable.

To install the latest build of the current Cairo Dock on Ubuntu/Linux Mint, use the following Cairo Dock PPA to install it using following commands.

$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:cairo-dock-team/ppa
$ sudo apt-get update
$ sudo apt-get install cairo-dock cairo-dock-plug-ins

5. Gnome Panel

Gnome Panel is a customizable panel creator that is part of the GnomeFlashback project. You can use it to add all sorts of applets to your desktop.

Gnome Panel is included in the official Ubuntu/Linux Mint repositories, you can install it using apt package manager as shown.

$ sudo apt-get update
$ sudo apt-get install gnome-panel

6. Avant Window Navigator

Avant Window Navigator has an excellent support for themes coupled with the ability to embed external applets with ease.

Avant Window Navigator is available from the PPA for Ubuntu/Linux Mint. To add the PPA and install Avant Window Navigator, use the following commands.

$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:mbaum2000/avant-window-navigator
$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt install --install-recommends avant-window-navigator

7. DockBarX

DockBarX is a lightweight dock app that can work as a stand-alone panel replacement called DockX among other things including being an applet for Avant Window Navigator.

To add the main DockBarX PPA and install the application in Ubuntu (and derivatives), use the following commands:

$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:dockbar-main/ppa
$ sudo apt-get update
$ sudo apt-get install dockbarx

8. Gnome DO

Gnome Do has a focus on efficiency. if you know what you are looking for, Do will help you locate it faster.

To add the main Do PPA and install the application in Ubuntu (and derivatives), use the following commands:

$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:do-core/ppa
$ sudo apt-get update
$ sudo apt-get install gnome-do

Ideally, we would have made a top 10 list but many of the projects I came across are either too old or have been ended. Do you know any titles that I missed? Let me know in the comments section below.