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DragThing
DragThing
4.4
0.0

Desktop launcher utility.

4.4
Based on 113 user ratesRead reviews & comments

DragThing overview

DragThing is a desktop launcher utility that can launch applications, open documents and folders, store text and picture clippings, and do many other customizable actions with a single click or keystroke.

DragThing is the original dock designed to tidy up your Macintosh desktop:
  • It puts all your documents, folders, and applications just a single click away. Highly flexible, it allows multiple docks, each customized to suit your exact needs.
  • It stores frequently-used clippings such as text and pictures, and lets you easily paste them into other applications with just a click.

DragThing also allows you to define a wide variety of hot keys. These hot keys can open items in docks, control various other aspects of DragThing and even control the visibility of and switching between other applications running on your Mac.

DragThing can also provide you with a Trash on your desktop, play sounds in response to actions like ejecting a CD, and a lot more besides.

DragThing is shareware. That means that you can download a copy freely to see if you like it, and if you decide to use it you should pay for your copy. In return for paying you will receive a serial number which will disable the reminder message at startup, and enable some extra features including floating dock windows and hot keys to open dock items.

What’s new in version 5.9.17

Updated on Nov 17 2016

Version 5.9.17:
Fixed:
  • Badges on application icons not showing
  • Loading colour sets
  • Opening links in the Help menu
View older DragThing updates

Information

License

Free

Size

5.9 MB

Downloads

194143

App requirements

  • Intel 32
  • OS X 10.7.4 or later
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0.0

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  • Comments

  • User Ratings

stanoliver
stanoliver
Feb 27 2021
5.9.17
0.0
Feb 27 2021
0.0
Version: 5.9.17
I finally had to move to iCollections as DragThing was getting increasingly irksome (e.g. had to relaunch every time after attaching an external monitor as the tabs got screwed up). Took a while to configure iCollections the way I wanted but it really is superior in almost every way, and a lot more flexible. Thanks DragThing for making things easier for me for 18 years, but time to move on!
mydesign
mydesign
Dec 3 2019
5.9.17
0.0
Dec 3 2019
0.0
Version: 5.9.17
Macupdate says that´s FREE, It does not seam so...
RavenNevermore
RavenNevermore
Nov 29 2019
5.9.17
5.0
Nov 29 2019
5.0
Version: 5.9.17
For everyone lamenting the demise of DT and looking for a replacement; check out TabLauncher. It's pretty much the same thing, and there is a free Lite version. It's on the Mac App Store. I have been using DragThing every since the late 90s... even with SpotLight andLaunchPad, I use DragThing almost daily. Sad to see it go, but happy I found a replacement.
AndreasMt
AndreasMt
Jul 15 2019
5.9.17
5.0
Jul 15 2019
5.0
Version: 5.9.17
I'm DragThing user from few years. Because of DragThing will not be available for macOS 10.15, I started to search a replacement. Recently I found iCollections and gave it a try. It imported all my docks and layers from DragThing! I also found it look more modern than DragThing. It is 64bit app, so will work on future macOS versions. I think iCollections has more config options and integrates better with macOS. Also must mention prompt support answers. Highly recommend as DragThing upgrade.
Altech
Altech
Jun 25 2019
5.9.17
4.5
Jun 25 2019
4.5
Version: 5.9.17
I cannot believe that Dragthing works in Mojave 10.14.5. Just got a new iMac 27" i9 and didn't think it would work. But much to my surprise it did. Had to reconnect a few icons but no biggie. No glitches yet. Very happy it works. Been using it for many, many years and 3 Mac's (probably 20 years).
I don't think it will work with Catalina OS. But I didn't think it would work in Mojave OS. LOL
I have also loaded up Overflow 2.5.9 just in case Dragthing comes crashing down.
KatRoss
KatRoss
Mar 23 2019
5.9.17
5.0
Mar 23 2019
5.0
Version: 5.9.17
Dragthing will be miss, I have it since ever? . I have tried so many apps to be ready when it will not work any longer but no luck. The only solution I found and it works pretty well, is to create two folders, one for the alias of the apps that were in Dragthing and one for the folders I use that were in a different drawer. I put the two folders in the dock (you can keep the original where is more convenient for you), and even changed the icon that looks like Dragthing but with different color, for the Apps folder. If you option click the folders in the dock, I chose Sort by Name, Display as Folder and View content as Automatic.This way both folders work similar to Dragthing: just one click and the folder displays its content, another click and I open what I need. The only thing I couldn't find yet is how to replace the sounds that I love so much. But for now it's a good replacement, free and easy to do.
TeRRyZx
TeRRyZx
Feb 7 2019
5.9.17
5.0
Feb 7 2019
5.0
Version: 5.9.17
BEST APP EVER!!!
Tomq
Tomq
Jan 5 2019
5.9.17
0.0
Jan 5 2019
0.0
Version: 5.9.17
As a long-time very happy user of DragThing I am sad to hear that it will not be updated to work with future 64-bit-only MacOS’s. I have created Palettes using Keyboard Maestro. They are not anywhere as powerful and customizable as DragThing’s toobars, but they do work well. I will probably start replacing my DT toolbars with KM’s palettes in preparation for the late 2019 MacOS that will break DT. Thanks for the many years of outstanding service!!
Note that DT is now a free download on the DT website.
davidinracine
davidinracine
Nov 11 2018
5.9.17
4.5
Nov 11 2018
4.5
Version: 5.9.17
I adore DragThing. It's been part of my Mac environment since around OS 10.3 or 10.4 (can't remember). Dragthing – you will be missed!
Fahirsch
Fahirsch
Oct 4 2018
5.9.17
5.0
Oct 4 2018
5.0
Version: 5.9.17
I upgraded to Mojave and now the icons are all OK. (see my comments of October 13, 2017. Let's enjoy the last year of Dragthing
Mikemuc
Mikemuc
Sep 29 2018
5.9.17
5.0
Sep 29 2018
5.0
Version: 5.9.17
Developer says that it will die. He won't update it from 32 to 64-Bit. Who knows something better?
Scott-C-H-
Scott-C-H-
Oct 27 2017
5.9.17
5.0
Oct 27 2017
5.0
Version: 5.9.17
For the first time in many years, James Thomson cracked and failed to release an update for the new OS release (High Sierra in this case). It is now clear that DragThing is deprecated. And Jame's own word supports this observation. DragThing developer discussed the current state of DragThing in the following podcast clip. Check it out at the 36:10 mark, especially after 36:38 mark.

https://www.macobserver.com/podcasts/tmo-background-mode-interview-tla-systems-founder-james-thomson/

He openly admits that he does not even have a development environment set up to work on updating DragThing for the latest OS. He also openly admits that he has not found enough incentive to put more effort into DragThing. Considering how much effort he will need to put into modernizing DragThing (6 months to a year), and the current state of the Mac app market (people are pretty much settled on Apple's default Dock, plus advanced users have settled on using a keyboard-based launcher such as LaunchBar, Alfred, and even Spotlight), it is extremely likely that he will eventually drop it altogether. Nearly all his revenue nowadays comes from PCalc, and there is not enough money to be made for DragThing.

Check out PCalc. It's far more useful than DragThing at this point albeit for a completely different purpose. James Thomson is an exceptional software developer!
Fahirsch
Fahirsch
Oct 13 2017
5.9.17
5.0
Oct 13 2017
5.0
Version: 5.9.17
It's still working in my High Sierra iMac. The only problem (since installing High Sierra) is that some icons have strange colorings and when launching the specific file the icons return to normal
Programhappy
Programhappy
Sep 20 2017
5.9.17
0.0
Sep 20 2017
0.0
Version: 5.9.17
As a long-time user and paying customer, I think it's absolute bull**** that the developer still has not fixed the option to disable DragThing's icon in the main dock. It has been YEARS since he said he would get it done.
Scott-C-H-
Scott-C-H-
Aug 23 2017
5.9.17
5.0
Aug 23 2017
5.0
Version: 5.9.17
.
Aargl
Aargl
Apr 15 2017
5.9.17
3.0
Apr 15 2017
3.0
Version: 5.9.17
A nice and venerable app, but just a look at the Version History page tells you that no consistent improvement has been made for the last decade! :-o For example, an option to make a single drawer visible when moving mouse to a screen corner would be fantastic! (there's one option but it acts on all drawers...) An option to see the content of folders with just a click, and then to keep seeing other elements' content without having to click again (as in MaxMenus or Application Wizard) would be awesome! In fact, to do everything I want, I still have to use MaxMenus (for corners menus — still working in OS 10.9), FinderPop (for menu bar empty area — as it doesn't work any more in MaxMenus), Application Wizard (to fire up an in-position menu with a shortcut, for my applications — sorted in subfolders) AND DragThing (for Active Apps drawer and other things) while only one app could do all those things together... :-/ In my opinion, DragThing was the best candidate to sum up all those things but I've no hope to see it some day...
Scott-C-H-
Scott-C-H-
Jan 24 2017
5.9.17
5.0
Jan 24 2017
5.0
Version: 5.9.17
I have only good things to say about the DragThing developer. DragThing also has sentimental value for long-time Mac users. However, it has become apparent that the developer hasn't found enough incentive to put more effort into this utility and that he is far more interested in developing PCalc on iOS. Don't take my word for it. Listen to what the DragThing developer has to say about DragThing, at 36:10, especially after 36:38 mark. https://www.macobserver.com/podcasts/tmo-background-mode-interview-tla-systems-founder-james-thomson/ Personally, I have moved on. I just make good use of the Dock, Spotlight, and LaunchPad on OS X, and I found that not having DragThing wasn't a big deal. No need to worry about my workflow affected by whatever some indie developer feel like doing. No need to tinker with additional utilities. The less software to maintain, the better.
MalcolmM_
MalcolmM_
Dec 16 2016
5.9.17
4.0
Dec 16 2016
4.0
Version: 5.9.17
Can't say I use this app very often, it's rather useful when it comes to some period of work or during performing a project. I evaluated this launcher while writing the article. It was very convenient to customize browsers, dictionaries other writing tools during a week of work. It saved me much time. Although I'm not using the app anymore, it left very positive impression for me.
Fariborz
Fariborz
Nov 16 2016
5.9.17
0.0
Nov 16 2016
0.0
Version: 5.9.17
I have nothing to say against the performance and the credibility of this application. It functions like a charm with any System configuration you work with. My only complaint is the old interface that doesn’t match the new standards on our Macs. I for example use an iMac 5K and DragThing looks very outdated if not ugly. Hope the developer would consider polishing the surface of this app as well because under the hood it works great. Thanks.
piquadratpi2
piquadratpi2
Oct 30 2016
5.9.16
5.0
Oct 30 2016
5.0
Version: 5.9.16
It's a wonderful piece of software which I use since Mac OS 9! And I think it's a big help for everyone and in every OS X! Always updated if a new OS is appearing. A big 'thank you' to the developer!
RavenNevermore
RavenNevermore
Nov 29 2019
5.0
Nov 29 2019
5.0
Version: null
AndreasMt
AndreasMt
Jul 15 2019
5.0
Jul 15 2019
5.0
Version: null
KatRoss
KatRoss
Mar 23 2019
5.0
Mar 23 2019
5.0
Version: null
TeRRyZx
TeRRyZx
Feb 7 2019
5.0
Feb 7 2019
5.0
Version: null
davidinracine
davidinracine
Nov 11 2018
4.5
Nov 11 2018
4.5
Version: null
Mikemuc
Mikemuc
Sep 29 2018
5.0
Sep 29 2018
5.0
Version: null
DrPfaff
DrPfaff
Jun 14 2018
4.0
Jun 14 2018
4.0
Version: null
Fahirsch
Fahirsch
Oct 13 2017
5.0
Oct 13 2017
5.0
Version: null
Scott-C-H-
Scott-C-H-
Aug 23 2017
5.0
Aug 23 2017
5.0
Version: null
Aargl
Aargl
Apr 15 2017
3.0
Apr 15 2017
3.0
Version: null
MalcolmM_
MalcolmM_
Dec 16 2016
4.0
Dec 16 2016
4.0
Version: null
piquadratpi2
piquadratpi2
Oct 30 2016
5.0
Oct 30 2016
5.0
Version: null
Somnus
Somnus
Oct 30 2016
5.0
Oct 30 2016
5.0
Version: null
momijigari
momijigari
Jun 4 2016
5.0
Jun 4 2016
5.0
Version: null
rick-stringer
rick-stringer
Jun 3 2016
5.0
Jun 3 2016
5.0
Version: null
Tim27
Tim27
Jun 3 2016
5.0
Jun 3 2016
5.0
Version: null
B-Jefferson-Le-Blanc
Jun 2 2016
5.0
Version: null
Diarbyrag
Diarbyrag
Jun 2 2016
5.0
Jun 2 2016
5.0
Version: null
Mbhayes
Mbhayes
Jun 2 2016
5.0
Jun 2 2016
5.0
Version: null
Yazarim
Yazarim
Jun 2 2016
5.0
Jun 2 2016
5.0
Version: null
Altech
Altech
Feb 22 2016
4.5
Feb 22 2016
4.5
Version: null
MacFredX
MacFredX
Jan 8 2016
5.0
Jan 8 2016
5.0
Version: null
Hkim
Hkim
Dec 7 2015
3.0
Dec 7 2015
3.0
Version: null
Kernos
Kernos
Oct 10 2015
5.0
Oct 10 2015
5.0
Version: null
Frankp
Frankp
Sep 30 2015
4.0
Sep 30 2015
4.0
Version: null
Reskator
Reskator
Feb 21 2015
0.5
Feb 21 2015
0.5
Version: null
brightonpete
brightonpete
Dec 29 2014
5.0
Dec 29 2014
5.0
Version: null
Ronnb
Ronnb
Dec 6 2014
3.0
Dec 6 2014
3.0
Version: null
Drscott
Drscott
Oct 29 2014
5.0
Oct 29 2014
5.0
Version: null
Macguruguy
Macguruguy
Oct 17 2014
0.5
Oct 17 2014
0.5
Version: null
JLTO3
JLTO3
Jul 23 2014
5.0
Jul 23 2014
5.0
Version: null
Cyzor
Cyzor
Jun 21 2014
5.0
Jun 21 2014
5.0
Version: null
Steve-Hechler
Steve-Hechler
Feb 26 2014
2.5
Feb 26 2014
2.5
Version: null
Kranboll
Kranboll
Feb 26 2014
4.0
Feb 26 2014
4.0
Version: null
Cocoanut
Cocoanut
Jan 15 2014
4.0
Jan 15 2014
4.0
Version: null
Herbert-Kroemer
Herbert-Kroemer
Jan 1 2014
1.5
Jan 1 2014
1.5
Version: null
Jazzyguy
Jazzyguy
Oct 8 2013
5.0
Oct 8 2013
5.0
Version: null
DonkeyKong
DonkeyKong
Oct 7 2013
4.0
Oct 7 2013
4.0
Version: null
trungpt
trungpt
Jul 4 2013
5.0
Jul 4 2013
5.0
Version: null
Dawda
Dawda
Jan 23 2013
4.0
Jan 23 2013
4.0
Version: null
How would you rate DragThing?
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