# Back up your app layout before moving to a new Mac

Save a CubbyPad layout file before changing Macs or reorganizing your grid. Your layout, installed applications and license activation each need their own check.

By [Rudra Satani](https://cubbypad.com/about/), maker of CubbyPad · 26 October 2026

## There are three things to bring over

A working launcher setup depends on an arrangement, installed applications and a valid activation. A layout backup preserves the arrangement. It does not include every application or replace the license key from your receipt.

Treating those as separate items makes a move easier to verify. You can inspect the backup, check which apps exist on the new Mac and activate the license without confusing one step with another.

## Save the layout before making changes

1. On the old Mac, open Settings › Layout.

1. Use Back Up… and choose a location you can access from the new Mac.

1. Give the file a name that identifies the arrangement and date.

1. Keep the old copy until you have checked the restored layout.

1. Use Restore… on the new Mac to read the saved arrangement.

## Free an activation if your plan needs it

Under Solo, deactivate CubbyPad in Settings › License on the old Mac before activating the new one. Duo can keep two Macs active. If the old Mac is unavailable, contact support from the purchase email and include your order number; do not send a full license key.

## Check a real folder after restoring

Open a folder you know well and launch a couple of its apps. Install any missing software through its normal source. A familiar-looking icon position is useful, but a successful launch is the practical check that the new setup is ready for work.

Published by CubbyPad’s maker. See [about CubbyPad](https://cubbypad.com/about/) for the author and product details. For corrections, [get in touch](https://cubbypad.com/contact/).

## Put it into practice.

[Guide

### Set up layouts, Focus and iCloud sync

Keep separate app arrangements, pair them with a Focus, and share them through your own iCloud Drive.

Read guide ↗](https://cubbypad.com/guides/layouts/)[Guide

### Move your license to a new Mac

Deactivate the old Mac, then use the same key on the new one. Your license and your saved layouts are separate.

Read guide ↗](https://cubbypad.com/guides/move-license/)[Guide

### Find your license key again

Your key is in the receipt email from Dodo Payments. If you cannot find it, support can help without another purchase.

Read guide ↗](https://cubbypad.com/guides/recover-license/)

## More on layouts and workflows.

[### Open a folder of Mac apps together

CubbyPad’s Open All command launches the apps in a folder together. Keep the group small and purposeful for the start of a work or creative session.

Read article ↗](https://cubbypad.com/blog/open-folder-of-mac-apps-together/)[### Set up your app launcher for an external monitor

Configure the opening screen, grid readability and layout rules separately when moving a MacBook between a desk and its built-in display.

Read article ↗](https://cubbypad.com/blog/app-launcher-setup-external-display/)[### Keep custom app names clear across two Macs

Use recognizable launcher names and optional iCloud layout sync while keeping app installations and version differences separate.

Read article ↗](https://cubbypad.com/blog/custom-app-names-across-two-macs/)

## Make room for your apps.

Every feature. One-time purchase. Made for macOS 26.

[Find your plan](https://cubbypad.com/pricing/)

Source: https://cubbypad.com/blog/back-up-app-layout-before-moving-mac/