DockDoor alternative for Mac: Tangrid vs DockDoor

DockDoor is a free, open-source Mac app that shows an app's windows when you hover its Dock icon, and adds a preview-based window switcher. Tangrid is a macOS window manager that covers the same two jobs and also decides where windows live, with snapping, automatic layouts, and saved Workspaces. DockDoor makes the Dock a better place to choose a window; Tangrid uses the Dock as one of several ways to reach a window and keep it in place.

In short

Best at: DockDoor is best at Dock-centred previews, with several preview layouts, folder pop, and calendar cards.
Tangrid adds: Tangrid adds snapping, Auto Flow layouts, search-led switching, and Workspaces.
The deciding question: Do you want a better Dock, or a window manager that also improves the Dock?

Module by module

Both apps preview windows, so the table covers the two modules they share: the Dock and window switching.

Module	DockDoor	Tangrid
Dock preview	Yes Hovering a Dock icon shows live previews of that app's windows, with multiple preview layouts, a compact list view, folder pop, and calendar integration.	Yes Dock Preview shows an app's windows across displays when you hover its Dock icon, and window actions such as close, minimise, and full screen run from the preview.
Window switching and search	Yes Option+Tab opens a switcher with live previews and keyboard navigation, and DockDoor also extends the behaviour of Command+Tab.	Yes Window Switcher covers all windows or the current app, offers horizontal and vertical layouts, and searches by window title or app name.

Where Tangrid goes further

Tangrid covers these modules too.

Placing and arranging windows

Snap Assistant places a window with the mouse or a shortcut, and Auto Flow keeps managed windows arranged as they open and close. DockDoor offers window actions such as maximise and centre from a preview, but it does not provide a snapping workflow or automatic tiling.

Grouping related windows

Tab Grouping keeps related windows in one tiled slot, with reordering, whole-group movement, and merging, so a project stops consuming a separate tile for every window.

Restoring a project

Workspaces save a named layout and restore it on demand, including window positions, sizes, tab groups, and the target desktop.

Choose DockDoor if

The Dock is where you look for windows, and you want previews, folder pop, and calendar cards there.
You want a scriptable surface, because DockDoor exposes window queries to AppleScript and returns JSON.
You want a free, open-source Dock utility and you are happy to keep window placement in another app.

Choose Tangrid if

You want Dock previews, switching, snapping, and automatic layouts in one app.
You would rather search for a window by title or app name than browse a preview grid.
You want a project layout saved and restored, including its tab groups and target desktop.

Frequently asked questions

Is DockDoor free?

DockDoor's window preview app is free and open source under the GPL-3.0 licence, and the developer states it has no paywall. DockDoor Pro is a separate paid app from the same developer, priced at $20 for three Macs as of September 2026.

What is a good DockDoor alternative for Mac?

Tangrid is a DockDoor alternative for Mac users who want window placement as well as Dock previews. It keeps hover previews on Dock icons and adds snapping, Auto Flow, a title search, and saved Workspaces.

Does DockDoor tile windows automatically?

No. DockDoor focuses on Dock previews, switching, and Dock behaviour. It exposes window actions such as maximise and centre, but it does not offer automatic tiling or a snapping workflow.

Do Tangrid and DockDoor need the same permissions?

Both apps need Accessibility and Screen Recording to move windows and show live previews. Tangrid uses Accessibility for window movement and Screen Recording for previews, and DockDoor states that both permissions are required for it to function.