By default, every time you open a Mac application by clicking it on your Dock, the app icon will briefly “hop” in an animated sequence as the app loads. If you find this annoying, Apple makes it easy to turn off. Here’s how.

First, click the Apple logo in the upper-left corner of the screen and select “System Preferences.”

Launch System Preferences from the Apple Menu on a Mac

In System Preferences, click “Dock.”

In Dock preferences, uncheck the box beside “Animate Opening Applications.”

In "Dock" prefrences on Mac, uncheck "Animate opening applications."

After that, close System Preferences, and click an application icon in your dock to open it. You’ll notice that it opens instantly and no longer jumps away from the Dock. Despite not actually speeding anything up, this one small change actually makes your Mac feel a tad bit faster.

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Profile Photo for Benj Edwards Benj Edwards
Benj Edwards is a former Associate Editor for How-To Geek. Now, he is an AI and Machine Learning Reporter for Ars Technica. For over 15 years, he has written about technology and tech history for sites such as The Atlantic, Fast Company, PCMag, PCWorld, Macworld, Ars Technica, and Wired. In 2005, he created Vintage Computing and Gaming, a blog devoted to tech history. He also created The Culture of Tech podcast and regularly contributes to the Retronauts retrogaming podcast.
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