# Pair a CubbyPad layout with a Focus

Add CubbyPad as a macOS Focus Filter and choose the layout to show while that Focus is active.

Last updated 26 October 2026

## Follow these steps

1. Create the intended layout in CubbyPad.

1. Open System Settings › Focus and choose a Focus.

1. Under Focus Filters, choose Add Filter and select CubbyPad.

1. Choose the layout, turn the Focus on and test the grid.

## What to expect

The chosen arrangement appears with the Focus. When it ends, CubbyPad returns to the main layout, so test that transition as part of setup.

The filter chooses app organization. It does not itself configure which notifications the Focus allows, close your work apps or create separate access controls for documents.

## If the result is different

If another arrangement appears, verify the Focus and its selected CubbyPad layout. Check automatic rules separately, but remember a Focus with a CubbyPad filter has priority. Keep a manual layout-switch route available while testing.

For the broader walkthrough, read [set up layouts, focus and icloud sync](https://cubbypad.com/guides/layouts/).

## Related answers.

[### Show a layout while a monitor is connected

Use Show Automatically… for a layout to choose a connected display as its activation condition.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/automatic-display-rule/)[### Schedule a layout for chosen days and hours

Choose a time condition in Show Automatically… to use a layout during a recurring part of your week.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/automatic-time-rule/)[### Understand overlapping automatic layout rules

An active CubbyPad Focus Filter takes priority; matching display rules are preferred over ordinary time rules.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/rule-priority/)

Source: https://cubbypad.com/help/focus-filter/