# Full-screen or windowed app launcher on Mac?

CubbyPad can use the full screen, keep the Dock visible or open in a centered window. Choose the presentation that fits your display and how often you switch apps.

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

## Full screen gives browsing its own space

A full-screen grid is useful when you want a clear view of your apps without the current window behind them competing for attention. Pages and folders have room to spread out, especially when you use larger icons.

The tradeoff is how much of your workspace the grid covers. If you often open one tool and immediately return to a reference window, a smaller presentation may feel more comfortable.

## A window keeps more of the desk in view

CubbyPad’s centered window is another way to reach the same arrangement. It can suit a large monitor where a full-screen page feels spread out. You can also keep the Dock visible rather than covering it.

The best setting depends on viewing distance and display size. Try opening a folder and searching for an app in each presentation, not just looking at the first page.

## Compare a short, repeatable task

1. Open Settings and choose a presentation.

1. Use your usual opening shortcut.

1. Open one app from a folder, then find another through search.

1. Repeat with the other presentation.

1. Keep the version that makes those actions clearer and more comfortable.

## Include motion in the choice

CubbyPad offers zoom, fade and rise opening animations with speed controls, and respects the Mac’s Reduce Motion preference. A presentation should remain easy to use when motion is reduced. You do not need a more elaborate transition for the grid to 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

### Change the look of CubbyPad

Start with a preset, choose a background, and adjust icon size, spacing, labels, icon packs and the way the grid opens.

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

## More on app organization.

[### Organize a Mac with a large app library

Use stable pages, a few clear task folders and search together instead of trying to fit every installed app into one dense view.

Read article ↗](https://cubbypad.com/blog/visual-launcher-large-mac-app-library/)[### Keep external-drive apps organized in your launcher

Discover applications on connected drives while keeping their positions recognizable when a travel or game-library disk is unplugged.

Read article ↗](https://cubbypad.com/blog/apps-on-external-drive-launcher/)[### Find apps kept outside the usual Applications folder

Use CubbyPad’s additional app-folder sources for an existing custom software location instead of rebuilding its visual arrangement around an invisible app.

Read article ↗](https://cubbypad.com/blog/custom-application-locations-mac/)

## 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/full-screen-vs-windowed-app-launcher/