Is there a way to customise list view for the ‘Downloads’ folder in the dock?

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Level 1

4 points

Is there a way to customise list view for the ‘Downloads’ folder in the dock?

Currently the list that it brings up is 45 files long, and for some reason ‘sort by date’ only shows files in descending order, so the most recent ones are right at the top of the list of 45. This means that I have to scroll up through the list to get to the most recent item. I can’t find any settings to change ‘sort by date’ to ascending.

For contrast, if I select fan view it shows 11 files, with the most recent one at the bottom. Sorting it this way just makes sense. Descending order, sorted by date seems to the default for fan view (it also can't be changed to ascending order), but the fact it only shows 11 files is a frustrating limit (I really hate odd numbers lol).

To be blunt, I don’t like fan view at all.

I hate the fact it shows image previews in the list, rather than just showing icons, it makes it look messy. I also dislike how much screen space it takes up to display so few files…and I just find the animation very annoying.

All I want is the ability to make some adjustments to the way the 'Downloads' folder in the dock displays itself so that it's organised in a way that actually makes logical sense.

A list of files with the most recent at the bottom, and the option to adjust how many files it shows. Is this possible?

(Mac Mini M4 - MacOS Tahoe 26.2)

Mac mini, macOS 26.2

Posted on Feb 6, 2026 4:10 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

beckettr

Level 1

8 points

Feb 6, 2026 4:48 AM in response to Haaam

After digging into this and testing a bunch of combinations, I’m 99% sure it’s just not possible to customize the Downloads stack in the Dock the way you’re describing. macOS only lets you change the sort field (e.g. Date Added) and the view (Fan / Grid / List), not the sort direction or how many items are shown.

It’s not the answer you want, but if you specifically care about “most recent at the bottom,” Fan view is the only Dock option that behaves that way.

Grid view is a bit of a compromise: it still fills from bottom to top, but the grid opens with the view already scrolled to the top, so you at least see more recent items without having to scroll like in List view.

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Answer 2

Feb 6, 2026 7:38 AM in response to Haaam

I believe our friend, @beckettr, has the Dock icon behavior covered. 👍🏽

However, you do realize that you can open the Downloads folder directly by command-clicking the Dock icon, yes?

Combine that with any of the View and sort options you can now set there in the Finder window and you should be good to go.

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Answer 3

leroydouglas

Level 10

199,596 points

Feb 6, 2026 8:35 AM in response to Haaam

Stack in the Dock...you are limited

You can open the Options and change the Sort by...

—Click the Stack in the Dock holding the Control Command keys to have it open directly in Finder—

In the Finder you can reverse the Ascending /Desending order by click the caret in the head area

Control Click anywhere in the column header area to select more options there...

you can submit your Apple Feedback here: Product Feedback - Apple

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