# Can you recover your old Launchpad folders after Tahoe?

CubbyPad can import the pages and folders left by an older Launchpad installation if its database is still on your Mac. A fresh installation may have nothing to import.

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

## Recovery depends on the data that remains

An old arrangement is data, not just a set of installed apps. CubbyPad can read the old Launchpad layout that macOS 15 and earlier stored. It cannot reconstruct folder names and positions from a database that no longer exists.

This matters after a clean installation or a move to a different Mac. Your applications may all be present while the old arrangement is absent. Seeing the apps in Finder does not prove the Launchpad database survived.

## Check the Import section

1. Open CubbyPad Settings › Layout.

1. Back up your current CubbyPad layout if you have already arranged it.

1. Look for Import Launchpad layout in the Import section.

1. If available, choose Import and read the confirmation before replacing your current arrangement.

## Review the result before doing more

Check a familiar folder and a few page positions. Installed apps and the apps described by the old database may differ. Use Command–Z in the grid to undo the replacement if the result is not what you wanted. CubbyPad reads the source layout rather than editing Apple’s database.

## If no old layout is available

Start with manual folders or preview Organize to create a new arrangement. Save a CubbyPad backup once it looks right. A layout backup gives you a deliberate recovery path for the next move instead of depending on an older app’s leftover files.

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

### 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

### Organize apps into folders automatically

Preview the folders before anything moves, then keep the result or put the old grid back with Undo.

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

## More on launchpad and tahoe.

[### F4 opens Spotlight: how to use it for your app grid

CubbyPad’s F4 option makes the Launchpad or Spotlight key open its grid while CubbyPad is running. You can keep Command–Space assigned to Spotlight.

Read article ↗](https://cubbypad.com/blog/f4-opens-spotlight-instead-of-launchpad/)[### Use a three-finger pinch to open your Mac apps

CubbyPad can open its app grid with a three-finger trackpad pinch and close it when you spread your fingers. Check the gesture choice if macOS opens a different view.

Read article ↗](https://cubbypad.com/blog/three-finger-pinch-app-launcher-mac/)[### Open your app grid with a hot corner on Mac

A CubbyPad hot corner opens the grid when your pointer arrives at a chosen screen corner. Pair it with the right display setting, especially when you use an external monitor.

Read article ↗](https://cubbypad.com/blog/hot-corner-app-launcher-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/restore-launchpad-layout-after-tahoe/