# F4 opens Spotlight: how to use it for your app grid

CubbyPad’s F4 option makes the Launchpad or Spotlight key open its grid while CubbyPad is running. You can keep Command–Space assigned to Spotlight.

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

## The key’s icon and its action can differ

Some Mac keyboards label F4 with a Launchpad icon; newer ones use a Spotlight icon. The drawing on the key does not guarantee which app will open after a macOS change. First decide whether you want F4 to open Spotlight or a separate app grid.

CubbyPad provides an F4 key option under Settings › Opening. It changes the action while the app is running and the option is enabled. Quitting CubbyPad returns the key to its usual behavior.

## Set up one opening control at a time

1. Open CubbyPad from Applications and make sure your license is active.

1. Open Settings › Opening and enable F4 key.

1. Close Settings and press the key to test the grid.

1. Leave Command–Space assigned to Spotlight if you still use it for other searches.

## If the key still opens the wrong thing

Check that CubbyPad is running and that F4 key remains enabled. Test the recorded CubbyPad shortcut separately. If that shortcut works, the problem is with the key path rather than the grid or your layout. Include your keyboard model and macOS version when contacting support.

## Keep another way into the grid

A Dock icon, menu bar icon or Shift–Command–Space gives you an opening method when you are using another keyboard. Opening controls are preferences; changing one does not require rebuilding your folders or reinstalling the app.

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

### Choose how to open the app grid

Set up the keyboard shortcut, F4, a three-finger pinch, a hot corner, or the Dock and menu bar icons.

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

### When CubbyPad does not open as expected

Check the installation, license and opening controls before changing your layout or reinstalling the app.

Read guide ↗](https://cubbypad.com/guides/troubleshooting/)

## More on launchpad and tahoe.

[### Use a three-finger pinch to open your Mac apps

CubbyPad can open its app grid with a three-finger trackpad pinch and close it when you spread your fingers. Check the gesture choice if macOS opens a different view.

Read article ↗](https://cubbypad.com/blog/three-finger-pinch-app-launcher-mac/)[### Open your app grid with a hot corner on Mac

A CubbyPad hot corner opens the grid when your pointer arrives at a chosen screen corner. Pair it with the right display setting, especially when you use an external monitor.

Read article ↗](https://cubbypad.com/blog/hot-corner-app-launcher-mac/)[### Keyboard launcher or visual app grid: which fits your Mac?

Typing is quick when you remember a name. A visual grid helps when you remember an icon or a group. CubbyPad combines both without making you choose one habit.

Read article ↗](https://cubbypad.com/blog/keyboard-launcher-vs-visual-app-grid/)

## 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/f4-opens-spotlight-instead-of-launchpad/