# Recent apps or suggested apps above the grid?

CubbyPad’s App strip can favor the apps you just used or learn what you tend to open at that time of day.

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

## Choose recents for an immediate return route

A recent-app row is useful when you bounce between a few tools during one session. Its contents follow recent use, so an app can leave the row after you work in other applications. It is not a permanent favorites list.

## Choose suggestions for a recurring routine

Suggestion mode uses time-of-day and day patterns from local app-opening history. A weekday morning can therefore favor a different group from a weekend evening. Recent apps fill in while the launcher learns enough about the routine.

This is different from Apple Intelligence interpreting the words in a search query. You are choosing a display row’s behavior, not turning on every optional AI feature.

## Keep favorites in the arrangement itself

Whichever strip mode you choose, maintain clear page and folder positions for tools that must always be findable. The row is a convenience layered above that organization and does not need to become your only route to an important app.

## Compare the two modes in actual use

1. Enable App strip in Grid settings.

1. Choose a Show mode and use it during normal work.

1. Switch modes when you have a meaningful comparison.

1. Turn the strip off if your existing arrangement already does the job clearly.

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.

[### Keep communication apps findable without crowding your grid

Use a clear communications folder, deliberate badges and a separate work arrangement when several chat, mail and meeting tools compete for attention.

Read article ↗](https://cubbypad.com/blog/organize-work-communication-apps-mac/)[### Keep occasional Mac utilities easy to find

A rarely used tool can still be essential. Give occasional utilities a deliberate search name or folder before deciding they should be removed.

Read article ↗](https://cubbypad.com/blog/keep-occasional-mac-utilities-findable/)[### Back up the grid before using automatic organization

Save the arrangement, preview Organize’s proposal, and review a few familiar groups before treating the new layout as your daily setup.

Read article ↗](https://cubbypad.com/blog/backup-before-organizing-mac-apps/)

## 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/recent-apps-vs-suggested-apps/