# Use CubbyPad with an external keyboard and mouse

A keyboard shortcut, hot corner and mouse page buttons can replace a trackpad-heavy routine at your desk.

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

## Choose controls for the hardware in front of you

A pinch can be natural on a laptop but inconvenient when your hands are on an external keyboard and mouse. CubbyPad’s opening methods let the same grid remain reachable without stretching for the built-in trackpad.

## Build a simple desk sequence

1. Choose and test an opening shortcut.

1. Add a hot corner if your pointer already moves there naturally.

1. Enable Mouse side buttons if your mouse supplies back and forward buttons.

1. Test selecting an app, entering a folder and returning to another page.

## Check what the physical keys and buttons send

External keyboards do not all label F4 the same way. A mouse configuration utility may also repurpose back and forward buttons. Compare the actual event’s behavior in CubbyPad before diagnosing a broken grid.

Keep one reliable control available while changing another. The menu bar entrance is useful when a newly recorded shortcut turns out to conflict with a work application.

## Make the display choice deliberate

At a desk, pointer-based opening and a fixed monitor can feel quite different. Choose the intended Open on preference in Settings › Opening, then move the pointer to another screen and test it. This window-location setting is separate from automatic layout rules.

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 search and keyboard.

[### Arrange your app grid without dragging icons

CubbyPad supports keyboard picking, selection, movement, naming and grouping so a precise pointer drag is not the only editing route.

Read article ↗](https://cubbypad.com/blog/keyboard-only-app-grid-organization/)[### Why Escape sometimes closes a folder instead of the grid

CubbyPad uses Escape to back out of the current interaction before closing the whole launcher.

Read article ↗](https://cubbypad.com/blog/escape-key-in-app-launcher/)[### Use CubbyPad’s app actions with VoiceOver

Icon actions and keyboard controls provide routes for opening and arranging apps without relying on visual drag targets alone.

Read article ↗](https://cubbypad.com/blog/voiceover-accessible-app-launcher/)

## 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/mac-app-launcher-external-keyboard-mouse/