Comments
How to Use Launchpad on macOS
Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
macOSLaunchpadNavigationAppleApplicationsInterfaceComputerSystemLaunchFeatures
This content is available in 7 different language
Launchpad on macOS serves as a convenient and easy-to-use application launcher. It allows users to access their applications quickly, just like the home screen on an iPhone or iPad. By organizing all installed applications in one place, Launchpad helps users avoid a cluttered desktop and keeps everything neat.
Opening the Launchpad
Launchpad is designed to be user-friendly, and you can open it in a few different ways on your Mac:
- Using the Launchpad icon: Click the Launchpad icon in the Dock. It looks like a gray rocket on a gray background.
- Using gestures: If you have a trackpad, you can open Launchpad with your thumb and three fingers.
- Using the keyboard: Press the F4 key (or the key with the grid icon) on your Apple keyboard.
- Searching with Spotlight: Press Command (⌘) + Spacebar, type "Launchpad", and press Return to open it.
Navigating the Launchpad
After opening Launchpad, you'll see all of your apps displayed in a grid format similar to app icons on an iOS device. To navigate through these apps, you can:
- Scroll through pages: Use two fingers to swipe left or right on your trackpad, or use your keyboard’s arrow keys to move between pages of apps.
- Search for an app directly: When Launchpad is open, start typing the name of an app; this will begin the search and show similar apps, making navigation easier.
Organizing applications in Launchpad
Keeping your apps well organized in Launchpad can make them easier and faster to find. Here are a few ways to do this:
Reordering applications
You can rearrange the apps in Launchpad to your liking. To do this, click and hold an app icon until all the icons start to jiggle (this is how you rearrange apps on an iOS device). Then, drag it to the desired location. You can move apps between multiple pages by dragging them to the edge of the screen until the page changes.
Creating folders
Grouping similar applications together into folders can help make Launchpad more tidy. To create a folder, drag one app icon over another until you see them merge into one folder. After you create a folder, you can rename it by opening it and clicking the Name field, then typing the name you want.
Removing applications
If you want to delete apps from Launchpad, keep in mind that this action only applies to apps downloaded from the Mac App Store. Click and hold on an icon until they all start shaking. You’ll see an “x” in the top-left corner of the icon. Click this to delete the app. Be careful, as doing so will uninstall the app from your device.
Searching for apps using Launchpad
Launchpad includes a handy search feature that allows you to find specific apps quickly. On Launchpad's main screen, start typing the name of the app you're looking for. As you type, the results narrow down, making it easy to find what you need, even if you have many apps installed.
Additional tips for effectiveness
To maximize the efficiency of using Launchpad, consider these tips:
- Keyboard shortcuts can save time. For example, use the arrow keys to quickly navigate an app or page.
- Clean up Launchpad regularly by organizing apps into folders or uninstalling ones you no longer need.
- Give your folders custom names to better reflect the applications they contain, increasing readability.
Customizing the Launchpad
Although macOS doesn't offer extensive customization options for Launchpad, there are a few aspects you can modify to suit your needs:
Change the layout
To change the number of icons displayed per row or column, you can adjust your system's display resolution. Smaller resolutions display larger icons with fewer icons on the screen, while larger resolutions display more icons at once.
Use third-party tools
For users who want further customization, third-party applications such as Launchpad Manager can provide additional features, allowing greater control over sorting, organizing, and customizing the Launchpad.
Accessing the application from Launchpad
Once you find the application you want in Launchpad, launching it is as simple as clicking on the application icon. This action will immediately open the application, making Launchpad a rich and efficient tool for managing your application ecosystem.
Conclusion
Launchpad on macOS is a powerful tool that, when used efficiently, can greatly enhance productivity by keeping your applications organized and accessible. Although it offers simple functionalities, its effectiveness depends on how you choose to organize and use it. By understanding the basic mechanisms and employing strategies to keep it organized, you can maximize its potential and make your Mac experience seamless.
Further education
While this document gives a comprehensive guide to using Launchpad, remember that the best way to learn is through practical experience. Spend some time experimenting with different arrangements and organizing techniques to find what works best for your workflow. Since macOS is updated frequently, stay tuned for any feature changes or enhancements that can make your use even better!
If you find anything wrong with the article content, you can