Customizing Mac Launchpad allows users to organize applications, adjust layout settings, and streamline app access for improved productivity. The default Launchpad interface displays all installed applications in a grid format, but macOS provides multiple ways to personalize this experience—from simple drag-and-drop organization to advanced Terminal commands for grid customization. Users frustrated with cluttered layouts or unwanted app icons can leverage built-in features like folder creation, hot corners for quick access, and even third-party tools to refine their Launchpad setup.

Key customization options include:

• Rearranging and organizing apps by dragging icons to new positions, creating folders, or moving apps between pages ^[1][2][4]
• Adjusting grid layout via Terminal commands to change the number of rows and columns (e.g., defaults write com.apple.dock springboard-columns -int 5) ^[5][7]
• Setting up shortcuts such as Hot Corners, keyboard triggers (e.g., F4 key), or Dock icon modifications for faster access ^[3][4][10]
• Removing unwanted apps by holding the Option key to reveal delete buttons or using third-party tools like Launchpad-Control to hide apps without uninstalling them ^[2][10]

Customizing Mac Launchpad for Efficiency

Organizing and Managing Apps in Launchpad

Launchpad’s primary function is to provide quick access to applications, but its default organization may not suit every user’s workflow. The interface allows manual rearrangement of app icons, folder creation, and app removal—though some limitations exist, particularly with system or developer-installed apps. Users can drag apps to reposition them, combine them into folders (by dragging one app onto another), or delete apps entirely by holding the Option key ^[2][4]. However, apps installed by suites like Adobe or Maxon often create persistent folders that cannot be easily removed without affecting the underlying software ^[1].

For users dealing with excessive clutter, third-party tools offer additional control. Launchpad-Control, mentioned in ^[10], enables selective hiding of apps from Launchpad without uninstalling them—a useful workaround for pre-installed or system-critical applications. This tool addresses a common frustration where macOS automatically populates Launchpad with every installed app, including those rarely used.

Key actions for app organization:

• Drag and drop apps to rearrange their order or move them between pages. Drag an app to the edge of the screen to create a new page ^[1][4].
• Create folders by dragging one app icon onto another, then rename the folder for better categorization (e.g., "Design Tools" for Adobe apps) ^[2][10].
• Delete apps by holding the Option (⌥) key until icons jiggle, then clicking the X button. Note: This uninstalls the app from your Mac ^[2][4].
• Hide unwanted apps using Launchpad-Control (third-party tool) to exclude specific apps without deletion ^[10].
• Reset Launchpad to default settings via Terminal with the command defaults write com.apple.dock ResetLaunchPad -bool true; killall Dock ^[4][7].

Adjusting Launchpad Layout and Accessibility

The default grid layout in Launchpad may not optimize screen real estate, especially on larger displays. Users can modify the number of rows and columns using Terminal commands, though this requires comfort with command-line tools. For example, increasing columns to 9 and rows to 6 creates a denser grid, while reducing them to 5x5 spreads icons out ^[5]. These changes persist until manually reversed or after major macOS updates, which may reset settings ^[1].

Accessibility shortcuts further enhance Launchpad’s utility. Hot Corners can be configured to open Launchpad when the cursor moves to a screen corner, while keyboard shortcuts (e.g., F4 key or custom combinations) provide instant access ^[3][4]. Users can also enable a windowed mode by holding the Launchpad icon in the Dock, which some find less disruptive than the full-screen view ^[2].

Steps to customize layout and access:

• Change grid size via Terminal:
• Open Terminal and enter:

defaults write com.apple.dock springboard-rows -int 6
defaults write com.apple.dock springboard-columns -int 9 killall Dock

• Example configurations:
• 5x5 for a sparse layout ^[5]
• 20x20 for maximum density (may require scrolling) ^[5]
• Set up Hot Corners:
• Go to System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Hot Corners and assign a corner to Launchpad ^[3].
• Customize keyboard shortcuts:
• Navigate to System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Launchpad & Dock and modify or add shortcuts ^[4][10].
• Enable windowed mode:
• Hold the Launchpad icon in the Dock to trigger a smaller, windowed view ^[2].
• Add an Applications folder to the Dock as an alternative to Launchpad for quicker access to all apps ^[2].