# 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.

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

## Choose the gesture your hands can repeat

A three-finger pinch draws three fingertips together on the trackpad. That is different from bringing a thumb and three fingers together. Mixing those movements is an easy reason for the wrong app view to appear.

In CubbyPad, open Settings › Opening and enable Pinch to open. The Fingers setting lets you inspect the chosen gesture. The three-finger choice keeps it separate from the thumb-and-three-fingers motion associated with Apple’s app browsing.

## Test opening and closing as a pair

1. Make sure CubbyPad is running and licensed.

1. Enable Pinch to open and choose the three-finger option.

1. Draw three fingertips together to open the grid.

1. Spread them to close it, then test again from an ordinary app window.

## Resolve a gesture overlap before changing layouts

If another view opens, check the Fingers setting and the actual movement you are making. Try CubbyPad’s keyboard shortcut to establish whether the grid itself opens correctly. A gesture conflict does not mean your app pages are damaged or missing.

## Use a mouse or keyboard when it suits you

A pinch is optional. F4, a recorded shortcut, a hot corner, the Dock and the menu bar are other opening methods. At a desk with an external mouse, a keyboard shortcut may be easier than reaching for a trackpad. You can keep several methods available.

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

### When CubbyPad does not open as expected

Check the installation, license and opening controls before changing your layout or reinstalling the app.

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

## More on launchpad and tahoe.

[### 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/)[### Keyboard launcher or visual app grid: which fits your Mac?

Typing is quick when you remember a name. A visual grid helps when you remember an icon or a group. CubbyPad combines both without making you choose one habit.

Read article ↗](https://cubbypad.com/blog/keyboard-launcher-vs-visual-app-grid/)[### What a one-time CubbyPad license includes

CubbyPad Solo covers one active Mac and Duo covers two. Both unlock every feature and all 1.x updates, with no subscription and a 14-day money-back guarantee.

Read article ↗](https://cubbypad.com/blog/one-time-purchase-mac-launcher-license/)

## 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/three-finger-pinch-app-launcher-mac/