# Open a folder of Mac apps together

CubbyPad’s Open All command launches the apps in a folder together. Keep the group small and purposeful for the start of a work or creative session.

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

## A folder can represent the start of a task

A writing session might need an editor, a browser and a notes app. A development session might need a terminal and an editor. Keeping those tools in one folder makes the group easy to recognize and gives Open All a useful job.

The command starts the apps in that folder. It does not define which documents each should open, arrange their windows or reproduce a whole previous desktop session. Use the apps’ own features or a Shortcut when you need those extra actions.

## Build a folder for the launch group

1. Make a folder in the grid by dropping one app onto another.

1. Add only the apps you want to start together.

1. Give the folder a clear task name.

1. Use its Open All command.

1. Review the running apps and remove anything you did not actually need from the launch group.

## Opening together also uses resources together

Several large apps starting at once can create a busy moment on the Mac. Keep the group appropriate for your hardware and workload. Open All is convenient when the apps are genuinely needed, not a reason to keep every possible tool running.

CubbyPad’s memory-pressure view can help you inspect the running apps afterward. Quitting an unused app and removing an app from the folder are separate decisions.

## A layout can contain more than the launch group

Use a Work layout for the whole arrangement and a smaller folder for the apps to start at once. That keeps occasional tools available without launching them automatically with every session.

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

### 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/)[Guide

### Set up layouts, Focus and iCloud sync

Keep separate app arrangements, pair them with a Focus, and share them through your own iCloud Drive.

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

### Review unused apps and leftovers

Use Cleanup to see what takes space, choose exactly what to remove, and move selected items to the Trash.

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

## More on layouts and workflows.

[### Set up your app launcher for an external monitor

Configure the opening screen, grid readability and layout rules separately when moving a MacBook between a desk and its built-in display.

Read article ↗](https://cubbypad.com/blog/app-launcher-setup-external-display/)[### Keep custom app names clear across two Macs

Use recognizable launcher names and optional iCloud layout sync while keeping app installations and version differences separate.

Read article ↗](https://cubbypad.com/blog/custom-app-names-across-two-macs/)[### Build a useful app folder for development work

Group the editor, terminal, browser and supporting tools you already use, while keeping project files and automated workflows outside the launcher arrangement.

Read article ↗](https://cubbypad.com/blog/app-folders-for-mac-developers/)

## 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/open-folder-of-mac-apps-together/