# Your first ten minutes with CubbyPad

Set up one reliable opening control, check your imported apps, and make a small useful arrangement before changing every appearance setting.

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

## Get the installed copy ready

Move CubbyPad from its disk image into Applications, open it and activate the license. If macOS needs first-open approval, follow the official installation guide. Do this before diagnosing a shortcut or spending time arranging a grid that has not yet unlocked.

## Choose one reliable entrance

Start with Shift–Command–Space if you want Command–Space to remain Spotlight. Test opening from an ordinary app, closing the grid and opening it again. Keep the Dock or menu bar icon available so you can always return to Settings.

Add F4, a pinch or a hot corner once that first route is reliable. You can keep several methods, but learning one at a time makes a conflict easier to identify.

## Make one page useful

1. Check whether an old Launchpad arrangement is available to import.

1. Put a handful of daily apps in recognizable positions.

1. Create one task folder and give it a clear name.

1. Try search by an app’s name or initials.

## Keep a recovery point

Save a layout backup before experimenting with Organize or a different grid size. Your first goal is a launcher you can find your way around. Icon packs, automatic rules and additional layouts can follow once the basic route feels familiar.

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

### Install CubbyPad on your Mac

Download the app, move it to Applications and approve the first launch. CubbyPad needs macOS 26 Tahoe or later and a paid license.

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

### Move apps and make folders

Drag apps into place, move a group together, rename a folder and hide an app without removing it from your Mac.

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

## More on launchpad and tahoe.

[### Use the Dock and an app grid together

Keep a short Dock for your most immediate tools and use CubbyPad’s pages and folders for the wider app library.

Read article ↗](https://cubbypad.com/blog/dock-and-app-grid-on-mac/)[### Applications folder or app launcher: what is the difference?

Applications holds installed software in Finder. CubbyPad provides a separate arrangement of icons used to find and open that software.

Read article ↗](https://cubbypad.com/blog/applications-folder-vs-app-launcher/)[### Spotlight app categories or your own launcher folders?

Built-in app browsing and a custom grid solve different organization needs. Choose by whether you want categories supplied for you or groups you maintain yourself.

Read article ↗](https://cubbypad.com/blog/spotlight-categories-vs-custom-app-folders/)

## 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/first-ten-minutes-with-cubbypad/