Slide Series Install Guides
Installation guide
Step-by-step instructions for every DockedByDesign mounting system. Pick yours below.
Under-Desk MacBook Mount
The SlideUnder attaches to the underside of your desk. Your MacBook slides in from the front and stays completely hidden — yet instantly accessible. Available in Standard (100W / 40Gbps) and Pro (240W / 80Gbps TB5).
Test fit & test connectors — rubber feet facing down
Before drilling anything, slide your MacBook into the dock. The rubber feet on the bottom of your MacBook must face downward. The dock is precision-fitted from the bottom up — inserting it upside-down will misalign the USB-C connectors by ~0.2–0.3 mm and the connection won't seat properly.
Once inserted, plug in a USB-C cable and confirm the connection seats cleanly and your Mac recognises it. Better to discover any issue now than after the dock is screwed to the ceiling of your desk.
There is intentionally a small gap (~0.2–0.3 mm) at the top of the slot. This accounts for slight variations in the rubber seam around the display lid. It's normal — don't try to force the MacBook up.
Find your position & mark the depth
With the MacBook already in the dock, hold the whole assembly against the underside of your desk. Align the front of the MacBook flush with the desk edge. When you're happy with the position, draw a pencil line along the back of the dock so you know exactly where to place it after removing the MacBook.
Keep the MacBook in the dock while you find the position — the combined weight helps you feel if the placement is stable.
Remove MacBook & position the dock
Slide the MacBook out. Place the empty dock against the underside of the desk, aligned with your pencil line. Pro version: place the washers onto the screws before marking — the washer thickness affects the exact hole position, so marking with washers in place is more accurate.
Mark screw holes & pre-drill
With the dock held firmly in position, mark all 4 screw points through the mounting holes with a pencil. Remove the dock, then pre-drill pilot holes at each mark. Pre-drilling gives a cleaner, more precise result — especially on hard or thick wood.
Use a drill bit slightly narrower than the screw diameter so the threads still bite into the wood.
Secure the dock
Position the dock on the pilot holes and drive in all 4 screws. Pro version: fit the washers first, then screw in. Don't fully tighten yet — leave the screws slightly loose for now.
The two screw holes where the MacBook slides in are deliberately pill-shaped (slotted). Slide the MacBook in and check the fit before fully tightening — too tight? Push the arms slightly outward, then tighten the screws at the outer end of the slots. Too loose? Push the arms slightly inward and tighten there instead. The slots also give a little tolerance if your pilot holes aren't perfectly placed. Once the fit feels right, lock all 4 screws down fully.
Slide in MacBook & connect
Slide your MacBook in, rubber feet down. Connect your USB-C cable (or angled adapter if clearance is tight). Route cables along the underside of the desk for a clean finish.
If the dock connected cleanly during your initial test but the USB-C connection won't seat now that it's screwed under the desk, the angle of the arms has most likely shifted slightly as you tightened down. Re-align them:
- Slightly unscrew the screws in the arms — just enough that the arms can move and adjust.
- Seat your MacBook correctly in the dock (rubber feet down) and confirm the USB-C connection seats cleanly.
- With the MacBook in place, gently push the arms inward against the frame of the MacBook so they sit flush at the correct angle.
- Carefully remove the MacBook without disturbing the arms, then screw the arms down firmly to lock that angle in.
Desk-Edge MacBook Mount
The SlideEdge mounts to the underside of your desk at the front edge. Your MacBook slides in and sits right at the edge — visible, accessible, and out of the way. Available in Standard (100W / 40Gbps) and Pro (240W / 80Gbps TB5).
Test fit & test connectors
Slide your MacBook into the dock — it sits on its side, rubber feet facing outward. The dock has a built-in ledge on the left side: when the MacBook is inserted correctly, you'll see the rubber feet through it. The design also guides the MacBook in from about 3 cm away from the USB-C ports, so the connector engages safely every time. Plug in a USB-C cable and confirm the connection seats cleanly before moving on.
Position & mark
Keep the MacBook in the dock. Hold the whole assembly against the underside of your desk and position it along the edge until it feels right. Mark the screw holes with a pencil, then remove the MacBook before drilling.
Check that nothing blocks the MacBook when it slides out — drawers, legs, or monitor arms.
Place the washers & screw in the dock
Align the dock with your marked points and drive in the screws. The included washers sit between the screw head and the desk surface — always use them. They protect against over-tightening and keep everything sitting flush. Tighten until firm, but don't force it beyond that.
Slide in MacBook & connect
Slide your MacBook in and connect your USB-C cable (or angled adapter if needed). Route the cable along the underside of the desk for a clean finish.
Wall-Mounted MacBook Dock
The SlideWall mounts flat against the wall and angles outward — your MacBook slots in from the front with the Apple logo facing you, connecting at the bottom. A second rear slot is built in for storing documents or notebooks. Available in Standard (100W / 40Gbps) and Pro (240W / 80Gbps TB5).
Test fit & test connectors
Slide your MacBook into the front slot — Apple logo facing forward, connecting at the bottom. The slot is shaped around the curvature of the MacBook's bottom corners, so it can only be inserted the right way. Plug in a USB-C cable and confirm the connection seats cleanly before moving on.
The rear slot is for storing documents, notebooks, or anything flat — not for the MacBook.
Mark the washer position
Hold the dock against the wall in your chosen position. At the center bottom of the dock there is a cutout — this is where the washer sits. Mark that point with a pencil, then mark a second dot 7 mm above it. That upper dot is where you'll place the washer before sliding the dock into position.
Place the washer & position the dock
Place the washer on your marked dot, then slide the dock down over it so the cutout locks over the washer. Straighten the dock — eyeballing works fine, or use a bubble level if you want it precise. Once level, mark the 2 screw holes at the top through the mounting holes with a pencil.
Drill & mount
Remove the dock and drill pilot holes at your 2 marked points. Place the washer back, slide the dock over it, and drive in the 2 screws to secure it fully.
Tighten until firm — the washers protect against over-tightening.
Slide in MacBook & connect
Slide your MacBook into the front slot, Apple logo facing forward. Connect your USB-C cable and route it neatly along the wall.