# Prepare for reinstalling CubbyPad without losing your arrangement

Save a layout backup, keep the purchase key, and distinguish replacing the app from removing its separately stored organization.

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

## Save the arrangement before replacing anything

Use Settings › Layout › Back Up… and confirm the file exists. Keep it somewhere readable after the app is replaced. This is a useful precaution even when the problem you are investigating appears limited to the installer or updater.

## The application and saved data are separate

CubbyPad’s organization is stored separately from the app in Applications. Replacing an app copy and deliberately deleting its support data are different operations. Do not combine them automatically when the goal is simply obtaining the latest application.

Keep the license key from the receipt as well. A layout backup is not a purchase record, and replacing software does not entitle the Mac to an extra activation beyond your plan.

## Return to the official installation route

1. Quit the running launcher.

1. Use the download from CubbyPad’s own site.

1. Run the Applications copy and inspect the license status.

1. Restore the saved arrangement only if that is actually needed.

## Verify the original problem separately

Check the behavior that prompted the reinstall and record the new version. If the issue remains a shortcut conflict, unavailable drive or iCloud choice, further reinstallations may not address it. Keep the backup until the arrangement and the specific failing action both work as intended.

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

### Install CubbyPad on your Mac

Download the app, move it to Applications and approve the first launch. CubbyPad needs macOS 26 Tahoe or later and a paid license.

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

### Keep CubbyPad up to date

Check for a release now, manage automatic checks, and read what changed before updating.

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

## More on privacy and maintenance.

[### Remove CubbyPad while keeping your other Mac apps

CubbyPad’s grid is a view of installed applications. Uninstalling the launcher is separate from uninstalling the apps that appeared inside it.

Read article ↗](https://cubbypad.com/blog/remove-cubbypad-keep-other-apps/)[### Review unused apps before your Mac runs short of storage

Use size and last-use information to make deliberate decisions while there is still time to inspect important files and occasional tools.

Read article ↗](https://cubbypad.com/blog/review-unused-apps-before-storage-warning/)[### Downloaded installers are different from installed apps

A disk image in Downloads and an app in Applications can be separate copies serving different purposes. Verify which one you are using before cleanup.

Read article ↗](https://cubbypad.com/blog/downloaded-installers-vs-installed-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/reinstall-cubbypad-without-losing-layout/