# Set up a trackpad-first app launcher on a MacBook

Choose a deliberate pinch, learn page swipes, and keep a fallback shortcut so app browsing remains comfortable away from a desk.

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

## Choose the actual finger movement

CubbyPad offers a three-finger pinch and the thumb-and-three-fingers movement. These are different motions. Choose one in Settings › Opening and test it slowly before assuming your Mac is recognizing the gesture you intended.

## Pair opening with clear navigation

After the pinch opens the grid, use page swipes to reach another part of the library. Check Pages go in Grid settings if you want vertically stacked pages instead of sideways movement.

A folder should be easy to identify and close too. Avoid making the first arrangement so dense that every selection needs a precise tap. Icon size, labels and spacing can be adjusted independently.

## Keep an opening route without the trackpad

1. Test Shift–Command–Space as a keyboard entrance.

1. Keep a Dock or menu bar entry available.

1. Use the keyboard route when a gesture conflicts with the system.

1. Check the Fingers choice before changing unrelated settings.

## Test where you actually use the laptop

Try the setup on the built-in display at your normal viewing distance. A configuration chosen on a large external screen may feel crowded on the laptop. Keep the arrangement stable once the gesture, labels and pages are comfortable.

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

### 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/)

## More on launchpad and tahoe.

[### Avoid conflicts between a launcher and macOS hot corners

Check the system corner assignment as well as CubbyPad’s choice before expecting one pointer movement to have only one result.

Read article ↗](https://cubbypad.com/blog/avoid-mac-hot-corner-conflicts/)[### Launchpad vs Spotlight in macOS Tahoe: what changed?

Tahoe puts app browsing in Spotlight’s Apps view. A Launchpad replacement adds a separate grid with your own pages and folders; the two can work alongside each other.

Read article ↗](https://cubbypad.com/blog/launchpad-vs-spotlight-macos-tahoe/)[### How to choose a Launchpad replacement for your Mac

Start with opening controls, editable folders, search and layout recovery. Then check compatibility, privacy and licensing against the way you actually use your Mac.

Read article ↗](https://cubbypad.com/blog/choose-launchpad-replacement-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/macbook-trackpad-app-launcher-setup/