Dock alternative application launcher

[robgendreau]

Thought I'd seek some advice from Mac users who spend a lot of time with graphics programs.

I have a lot of graphics programs and utilites. I know I should maybe pare down, but after years of accumulation there are some programs I still love to use even if I could find the same function in a newer application.

I'm looking for a utility that I could use for grouping a bunch of photo applications together, and that would be available as a list I could choose from quickly from the mouse (or trackpad) to launch one or more. I've accomplished something like this in LaunchBar with a folder full of aliases, or a custom list (and you can do some of the same stuff in Alfred). But I'd like something that I could use with a mouse, like a floating palette or something that could popup. I did that with the same folders and aliases by dropping it on the dock, but I'm wondering if there's a better way, particular if I wanted to launch a set of programs or files.

And is there a utility that can batch quit applications? Lots of ways to launch maybe three at once, but I haven't seen anything that makes it easy to quit a bunch of them. Or at least to close up a bunch of windows but only in a certain group of applications.

Thanks,
Rob

 

[Ray2]

AppleScript?? There's a checkbox to place it on the task bar. After that its a function of what you instruct it to do.

 

[bhtwo]

You could give Essentials a try...

http://habitatus.net/essentials/

 

[Ray2]

Have you looked at using Spaces? I believe its designed with this in mind. Plus you already have it.

 

[simonsi]

Put a folder on your dock (in the area next to the Trash), put aliases of the Apps you want in the folder. Set it to display as a list and away you go...

 

[bhtwo]

Put a folder on your dock (in the area next to the Trash), put aliases of the Apps you want in the folder. Set it to display as a list and away you go...

This.

 

[robgendreau]

I mentioned in the OP that I had done this with aliases. Sorta OK. I guess I'm not a fan of the Dock. I'd like to be able to select and deselect more easily, and customize not only the applications but also some files associated with them. I suppose I've gotten spoiled by LaunchBar and/or Alfred and what you can do with those applications.

Gonna try DragThing; I had used it a long time ago and maybe worth a second look.

And I use TotalSpaces instead of Spaces; much better.

Thanks.