Finder Sidebar vs Dock vs Screen-Edge Bookmarks: How to Choose Folder Shortcuts on Mac

Your current project, Downloads, a collection of assets—when you open the same folders every day, giving them a fixed shortcut can save you from navigating the same paths repeatedly.

The Finder sidebar and Dock both offer built-in ways to keep folders accessible. Screen-edge bookmark apps such as EZFolderPin provide another way to arrange and recognize those shortcuts.

A useful starting point is where you normally begin: inside a Finder window, from the Dock, or while working in another app.

This article is written by the developer of EZFolderPin. We explain all three approaches, including when the built-in options are enough.

Start with the way you work

These recommendations are based on the interaction each option provides. Start with the one closest to your existing habits, then decide whether another shortcut would help.

Finder sidebar: for work that already happens in Finder

If you regularly have Finder open to organize documents, move files, or browse project directories, the sidebar is a natural place for your everyday folders.

Drag a folder into the sidebar’s Favorites section, then click its entry to visit it. Drag entries to reorder them. If the sidebar is hidden, choose View → Show Sidebar. Apple’s sidebar instructions

Apps that use the standard macOS Open and Save dialogs also provide sidebar access to common locations. If your main goal is finding project folders when opening or saving documents, start by organizing the system sidebar. Apple’s Finder settings guide

We suggest keeping long-term locations here: work documents, personal files, and your main resource directories. A recognizable order is usually more useful than an ever-growing list.

If that covers your daily needs, the built-in option is enough.

Dock folders: for choosing a file from a folder’s contents

If you tend to start from the Dock, add a folder to its folder area near the Trash. With a bottom Dock, this is to the right of the divider; with a vertical Dock, it is below it. Apple’s Dock instructions

Click the folder to expand its contents, then choose an item. To browse in a full Finder window, select Open in Finder. Control-click the Dock folder to adjust its presentation, including List or Grid view. Apple’s Dock folder guide

This suits tasks where you want to inspect the available files before opening one—for example, choosing a downloaded PDF or an image from a delivery folder.

The Dock itself can also sit on the left or right edge of the screen. If you already use a side Dock, try keeping a folder or two there before deciding whether you need a separate collection of folder shortcuts.

Screen-edge bookmarks: for a separate set of frequently used folders

If you move between an editor, browser, or design app and want a dedicated set of folder shortcuts, EZFolderPin’s screen-edge bookmarks may fit your workflow.

After adding a folder, give its bookmark a display name, color, and short mark. Position the group on the left or right screen edge, then adjust its height, width, and order. Clicking a bookmark opens its folder in Finder; hovering shows its name, path, and availability.

For example, you could use blue for your current project, brown for Downloads, and purple for design resources. The colors and text marks help you recognize the shortcuts as you become familiar with them.

EZFolderPin focuses on opening folders. Browsing their contents and working with files happens in Finder. You can close the bookmark manager and keep the app running to leave the bookmarks at the screen edge.

Version 1.2.0 requires macOS 14.0 or later. The first three bookmarks in your saved order are free forever. An optional seven-day full trial or a one-time lifetime purchase supports up to ten bookmarks. The trial does not renew or charge you automatically. See the EZFolderPin product page for details.

For one or two folders that are hard to find, try the sidebar and Dock first. If you want more control over shortcut names, colors, and placement, consider whether edge bookmarks would help.

Give the same folders different roles

Suppose your everyday locations are Projects, Downloads, and Design Resources. Here is one way to arrange them.

Projects: choose based on where you start working. Keep the project in the sidebar if Finder is usually open. If you spend most of your time in other apps and want a recognizable shortcut to open the project directory, try an edge bookmark.

Downloads: keep it in the Dock when you usually want to pick a file. After receiving an attachment, for example, expand Downloads and choose the file you just received.

Design Resources: use the sidebar when file dialogs are part of the task. If you regularly visit this folder while importing or saving assets, sidebar access fits that sequence.

A folder can appear in more than one place. Choose locations that match the paths you actually take through your workday.

Common questions

Does adding a shortcut move or copy the folder?

Adding a sidebar entry, Dock item, or EZFolderPin bookmark creates access to the existing location. It does not copy the whole folder or create a backup.

Does removing a shortcut delete the files?

Removing a sidebar entry or Dock item removes the shortcut. Removing an EZFolderPin bookmark also leaves the original folder in place. This is different from moving the actual folder to the Trash in Finder. Apple’s sidebar guide, Dock guide

Can a shortcut open a folder on a disconnected external drive?

The drive needs to be connected and accessible first. Keeping a shortcut does not create a local copy of the files. If EZFolderPin reports that a drive is offline, keep the bookmark and try again after reconnecting or mounting the drive.

Should I add every folder I use?

Start with three frequent destinations. After a few days, notice which shortcuts you actually use, then add or remove entries. Folders you visit occasionally can remain accessible through your usual navigation.

Begin with the sidebar and Dock, then add edge bookmarks if they solve a specific need. The useful setup is the one that puts your folders where you naturally reach for them.