# Find the setting. Fix the problem.

120 focused answers for CubbyPad’s controls, layouts, app discovery, search and licensing. Choose the task you need, or open the complete Help reference.

[Complete Help reference ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/)[Installation walkthrough ↗](https://cubbypad.com/guides/install/)[Contact support ↗](https://cubbypad.com/contact/)

## Installation and startup

12 answers

[### Check CubbyPad’s macOS requirements

CubbyPad requires macOS 26 Tahoe or later. Its grid, folders, regular search and layouts work without Apple Intelligence.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/macos-requirements/)[### Install CubbyPad from its DMG download

Download the official CubbyPad disk image, open it, and drag the app into Applications before using it.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/install-dmg/)[### Move CubbyPad to Applications

Run CubbyPad from Applications rather than from the mounted disk image so the installed copy remains available after a restart.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/move-to-applications/)[### Approve CubbyPad’s first open in macOS

If macOS cannot verify CubbyPad, use Privacy & Security to approve the official downloaded copy once.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/first-open-approval/)[### Start CubbyPad automatically at login

Enable Open at login in Settings › General to keep the launcher ready after signing in to your Mac.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/open-at-login/)[### Fix a CubbyPad login item that needs approval

CubbyPad can direct you to macOS Login Items when the system needs approval before starting it automatically.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/login-item-needs-approval/)[### Show or hide CubbyPad’s Dock icon

The Dock toggle in Settings › General controls CubbyPad’s own Dock icon, separate from the apps inside its grid.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/show-dock-icon/)[### Keep CubbyPad in the menu bar

Turn on the Menu bar option in Settings › General for an entry point to the grid, Settings and Quit.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/show-menu-bar-icon/)[### Open CubbyPad Settings again

Use Command–Comma or the CubbyPad menu bar entry to return to Settings after the initial setup.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/reopen-settings/)[### Quit CubbyPad instead of closing its grid

Choose Quit from CubbyPad’s app or menu bar menu when you want to stop the launcher and its opening controls.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/quit-cubbypad/)[### Check for a CubbyPad update now

Choose Check for Updates… in Settings › General or the app’s menu to look for a newer public release.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/check-for-updates/)[### Change CubbyPad’s automatic update checks

The Check automatically toggle in Settings › General controls the app’s daily search for a new release.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/automatic-update-checks/)

## Opening controls

9 answers

[### Record a different CubbyPad opening shortcut

Record your own key combination in Settings › Opening if the automatic opening shortcut does not suit your workflow.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/change-opening-shortcut/)[### Give Command–Space to CubbyPad

Disable Spotlight’s Command–Space shortcut in macOS before expecting CubbyPad’s automatic shortcut to use that combination.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/use-command-space/)[### Restore CubbyPad’s automatic opening shortcut

Use Automatic in the Shortcut card to stop using a custom recording and let CubbyPad select its normal opening combination.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/restore-automatic-shortcut/)[### Make F4 open CubbyPad

Enable F4 key in Settings › Opening to use the keyboard’s Launchpad or Spotlight key as a CubbyPad opening control.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/enable-f4/)[### Return F4 to its normal macOS behavior

Turn off CubbyPad’s F4 key option when you want that key to stop opening the app grid.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/disable-f4-remapping/)[### Choose a CubbyPad hot corner

Select a screen corner in Settings › Opening to toggle CubbyPad when your pointer arrives there.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/choose-hot-corner/)[### Fix a hot corner that performs two actions

Check both CubbyPad’s corner choice and macOS Hot Corners when moving into a corner opens an unexpected system view.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/hot-corner-conflict/)[### Select the three-finger pinch gesture

Choose Three fingers under Pinch to open for a CubbyPad gesture separate from the thumb-and-three-fingers motion.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/three-finger-pinch/)[### Use the thumb-and-three-fingers pinch

CubbyPad offers the familiar thumb-and-three-fingers pinch, but macOS may assign its own Apps view to the same movement.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/four-finger-pinch/)

## Displays and motion

11 answers

[### Open CubbyPad on the pointer’s display

Choose pointer-based opening if the grid should appear on whichever display currently holds your pointer.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/opening-display-pointer/)[### Always open CubbyPad on the main display

Select the main-display choice to use the screen macOS identifies as the main display, regardless of pointer position.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/opening-main-display/)[### Choose a specific display for CubbyPad

Choose a named connected display in Settings › Opening when the grid should prefer that monitor wherever the pointer is.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/opening-fixed-display/)[### Why CubbyPad opens elsewhere after unplugging a monitor

A saved display preference falls back to the pointer’s display while the chosen monitor is disconnected.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/missing-display-fallback/)[### Choose CubbyPad’s opening animation

Pick zoom, fade or rise in Settings › Opening to change how the grid enters and leaves the screen.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/opening-animation/)[### Adjust how quickly CubbyPad opens

The Speed setting under Opening changes the duration of the grid’s opening and closing motion.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/opening-speed/)[### Use CubbyPad with Reduce Motion

CubbyPad respects the macOS Reduce Motion preference and fades the grid instead of using the selected decorative opening movement.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/reduce-motion/)[### Choose which page CubbyPad opens on

Use Each time it opens in Settings › Opening to choose the starting point within your app grid.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/default-opening-page/)[### Reset to the first page after a delay

Start over after can return a remembered grid position to the first page after CubbyPad has been closed for a chosen period.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/page-reset-delay/)[### Switch between full-screen and windowed CubbyPad

Choose the grid’s presentation in Settings › Opening › Window rather than changing the size of installed applications.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/fullscreen-window/)[### Keep the Dock visible below the grid

Use Show the Dock in the full-screen Window settings to leave space for the Dock while CubbyPad is open.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/show-dock-under-grid/)

## Grid and indicators

15 answers

[### Change the number of grid rows and columns

Set 4–12 columns and 3–8 rows in Settings › Grid to choose how many icon positions each page can hold.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/columns-rows/)[### Restore the classic 7 × 5 grid

Use the 7 × 5 control in Settings › Grid when you want the 35-position page size associated with Launchpad.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/restore-seven-by-five/)[### Make CubbyPad app icons larger or smaller

Adjust Icon size in Settings › Grid to change how large apps appear within their allocated grid positions.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/icon-size/)[### Adjust spacing between app icons

Choose compact, standard or roomy icon spacing under Settings › Grid to change the feel of the app page.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/icon-spacing/)[### Show app names always, on hover or never

Use App names in Settings › Grid to decide when labels appear beneath app and folder icons.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/app-name-visibility/)[### Change the size of app-name labels

Choose a larger or smaller Name size in Settings › Grid when labels need to be easier to read.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/app-name-size/)[### Show notification badges on grid icons

Turn on Notification badges in Settings › Grid to show badge counts that applications expose through the Dock.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/notification-badges/)[### Understand notification totals on folders

With badges enabled, a CubbyPad folder adds up the badge counts of the apps inside it.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/folder-badge-totals/)[### Show dots under running apps

Enable Running apps in Settings › Grid to mark applications that are currently open with a dot beneath the icon.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/running-app-dots/)[### Show time-based app suggestions above the grid

Set the enabled App strip to suggestions when you want apps you tend to use at that time of day.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/app-strip-suggestions/)[### Show recently used apps above the grid

Choose recent apps for the App strip when you want a row based on the apps you used most recently.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/app-strip-recents/)[### Hide the app strip above the grid

Turn App strip off in Settings › Grid if you want only the pages and folders you arranged.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/disable-app-strip/)[### Turn grid pages horizontally or vertically

The Pages go setting in Settings › Grid switches between side-by-side pages and pages stacked up and down.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/horizontal-vertical-pages/)[### Use mouse back and forward buttons for pages

Enable Mouse side buttons in Settings › Grid to use a mouse’s back and forward buttons for CubbyPad navigation.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/mouse-side-buttons/)[### Change the fade at page edges

Fade at the edges softens icons as sideways pages slide off screen instead of cutting them off abruptly.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/page-edge-fade/)

## Appearance and app sources

15 answers

[### Use a glass backdrop in CubbyPad

Choose Glass in Settings › Grid › Background for a frosted backdrop behind your app icons.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/background-glass/)[### Use your Mac wallpaper behind the app grid

Choose Wallpaper in Settings › Grid › Background when you want CubbyPad to use your Mac’s wallpaper presentation.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/background-wallpaper/)[### Choose a solid grid background color

Use Color in Settings › Grid › Background for a simple backdrop without a photo or desktop detail.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/background-color/)[### Set your own picture behind CubbyPad

Choose Picture under Grid › Background, then select an image to use behind your app pages.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/background-picture/)[### Adjust backdrop blur and dimming

Blur softens picture detail; Dim darkens the backdrop so app icons and names can stand out.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/background-blur-dim/)[### Fix a background picture that could not be copied

Choose another readable image when CubbyPad reports that it could not copy a selected background picture.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/picture-copy-failed/)[### Change the system icon style used by CubbyPad

The Icon style row links to the macOS appearance setting for Default, Dark, Clear or Tinted app icons.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/system-icon-style/)[### Enable the Dot icon pack

Choose Dot under Grid › Icon Pack to draw apps in a lit-dot style inside CubbyPad.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/dot-icon-pack/)[### Enable the Smoked icon pack

Choose Smoked under Grid › Icon Pack for silver artwork on dark glass in CubbyPad’s grid.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/smoked-icon-pack/)[### Return to apps’ own icons

Choose Apps’ Own Icons in the Icon Pack menu to stop using Dot or Smoked artwork in the launcher.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/original-app-icons/)[### Understand an icon pack’s coverage count

The Icon Pack card reports how many of your installed apps have dedicated artwork; other apps are still shown in a matching style.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/icon-pack-coverage/)[### Scan an additional folder for apps

Add a folder in Settings › Layout › App Folders for applications you keep outside the usual app locations.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/custom-app-folder/)[### Stop scanning an extra app folder

Remove an added source from Settings › Layout › App Folders when CubbyPad should no longer discover apps there.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/remove-app-scan-folder/)[### Find apps installed on external drives

Enable Apps on other drives to scan Applications folders on connected external drives or partitions.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/external-drive-apps/)[### Understand dimmed apps from an unplugged drive

CubbyPad can keep an external-drive app’s place dimmed while its drive is unavailable.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/disconnected-drive-placeholders/)

## Arranging apps and folders

19 answers

[### Start and finish arranging the grid

Hold an app until the icons wobble to arrange CubbyPad; finish with Done, Escape or an empty-space click.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/enter-arrangement-mode/)[### Move an app to another grid position

Drag an app while the icons wobble, or use Option-arrow keys to move the picked icon.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/move-app/)[### Select several apps for a group move

Command-click apps in CubbyPad to select a group, or use Space to select the keyboard-picked icon.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/select-multiple-apps/)[### Move apps to another grid page

Hold a dragged app at the page edge, or use its Move to Page command, to change where it appears.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/move-app-another-page/)[### Create an app folder in CubbyPad

Drop one app onto another to create a folder, or group selected apps with Control–Command–N.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/create-folder/)[### Rename a CubbyPad folder

Edit a folder’s name to make the app group easier to recognize when browsing the grid.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/rename-folder/)[### Give a folder a color, emoji or symbol

Use Customize… from a folder’s context menu to change its visual treatment in CubbyPad.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/folder-customization/)[### Take an app out of a grid folder

Drag an app past an open folder’s edge to return it to the grid without uninstalling it.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/remove-app-from-folder/)[### Launch every app in a folder

Use a folder’s Open All command to start its available apps together, such as the small group used for a work session.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/open-all-folder-apps/)[### Rename an app inside CubbyPad

Use Rename or Command–R to give an app a label you recognize in the launcher and its search.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/rename-app/)[### Add an app to the Dock from CubbyPad

Use Add to Dock in an app’s context menu when you want a permanent Dock entry as well as its launcher position.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/add-app-to-dock/)[### Open Finder’s Get Info for an app

Choose Get Info from the app’s CubbyPad context menu to inspect its Finder information window.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/reveal-app-get-info/)[### Hide an app from CubbyPad’s pages

Hide from Grid removes an icon from browsing pages while keeping the app installed and available through search.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/hide-app/)[### Bring a hidden app back to the grid

Use Settings › Hidden Apps to restore an app you previously removed from CubbyPad’s browsing pages.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/restore-hidden-app/)[### Undo or redo a grid edit

Command–Z reverses CubbyPad arrangement changes; Shift–Command–Z redoes them.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/undo-redo-layout/)[### Sort the grid by name, usage, date or color

Use Sort By to order apps and folders by name, date added, last opened, most used or icon color.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/sort-apps/)[### Create a Recently Installed smart folder

Use New Smart Folder to add a changing group for apps recently installed on your Mac.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/smart-folder-recently-installed/)[### Create a Not Opened Lately smart folder

A Not Opened Lately smart folder groups apps based on use instead of requiring a manually maintained review list.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/smart-folder-unused/)[### Add a Games smart folder to CubbyPad

Use the Games smart folder for a changing group of apps classified as games, separate from a manually arranged collection.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/smart-folder-games/)

## Search and accessibility

12 answers

[### Find an app by typing its name

Start typing as soon as CubbyPad opens, then use arrows and Return to choose a result.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/search-app-names/)[### Search with app initials or a misspelling

CubbyPad matches word beginnings, initials and typing mistakes, so a complete exact product name is not always necessary.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/search-initials-typos/)[### Open an app’s recent document from search

Search for an app in CubbyPad to inspect its recent files beneath the app result when that information is available.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/recent-files/)[### Calculate a value and copy the answer

Enter a calculation in Search or Ask and press Return to copy its result instead of opening a separate calculator.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/calculator/)[### Find System Settings pages from CubbyPad

Search keywords such as wifi, dark mode or open anyway to reach the relevant macOS settings page.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/settings-search/)[### Find and run an Apple Shortcut

Type a Shortcut’s name into CubbyPad to run it from search, alongside application results.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/shortcuts-search/)[### Allow microphone and speech access for voice search

Voice search needs macOS microphone and speech-recognition permissions; typed search remains available without them.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/voice-search-permissions/)[### Check the microphone used for voice search

Verify the Mac’s available audio input if voice search starts but cannot hear the app name you say.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/voice-search-microphone/)[### Turn off Apple Intelligence app suggestions

Disable Suggest apps in Settings › Search & Siri if you want name-based search without the optional task-suggestion model.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/disable-ai-suggestions/)[### Use CubbyPad when Apple Intelligence is unavailable

Use ordinary name search and the category-based Organize fallback when your Mac’s Apple Intelligence model is not available.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/ai-unavailable/)[### Navigate and arrange CubbyPad with the keyboard

Use arrows and Return for opening, Command-arrow for pages, and selection and movement keys for grid editing.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/keyboard-navigation/)[### Use icon actions with VoiceOver

CubbyPad icons expose accessibility actions for operations such as moving, renaming and taking an app out of a folder.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/voiceover-actions/)

## Layouts, sync and backups

15 answers

[### Create another CubbyPad layout

New Layout… starts a copy of the arrangement currently showing so you can adapt it for another activity.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/new-layout/)[### Rename a saved layout

Use Rename… for a named layout in Settings › Layout to make its purpose clearer in the layout chooser.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/rename-layout/)[### Switch to a different app layout

Choose a layout from the grid’s top-left menu, the menu bar icon, Settings or an existing Shortcut.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/switch-layout/)[### Delete a layout you no longer need

Delete an added layout from Settings › Layout after saving a backup of any arrangement you want to retain.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/delete-layout/)[### 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.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/focus-filter/)[### 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/)[### Enable layout sync through iCloud Drive

Turn on iCloud Drive on each Mac, then enable Sync with your other Macs in CubbyPad’s Layout settings.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/icloud-enable/)[### Fix layout sync when iCloud Drive is off

CubbyPad’s sync relies on iCloud Drive being enabled for the intended Apple Account on each participating Mac.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/icloud-unavailable/)[### Choose between this Mac’s layouts and iCloud’s

When CubbyPad asks which existing layouts to use, inspect and back up the arrangement you want before choosing a side.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/icloud-conflict/)[### Save a CubbyPad layout backup file

Use Back Up… in Settings › Layout to save pages, folders and hidden apps before a major change.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/layout-backup/)[### Restore a saved CubbyPad layout

Restore… replaces the current pages, folders and hidden apps with a chosen valid CubbyPad backup after confirmation.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/layout-restore/)[### Import an old Apple Launchpad arrangement

CubbyPad can read the old Launchpad database if macOS left it behind on this Mac.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/import-launchpad/)[### Read a LaunchNext arrangement or backup

Import from LaunchNext accepts the detected local layout, a .launchnext backup folder or the corresponding Data.store file.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/import-launchnext/)

## Cleanup and memory

6 answers

[### Review apps you have not opened recently

Settings › Cleanup lists apps not opened for three months, six months or a year, with size and last-use information.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/unused-apps-cleanup/)[### Inspect leftover files before cleanup

Review exact support-file paths and choose leftovers individually rather than assuming every associated file should be removed.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/leftover-review/)[### Review installers left in Downloads

CubbyPad’s Cleanup can find downloaded installers for apps you already have so you can decide which copies are still needed.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/downloaded-installers/)[### Move an installed app to the Trash

Use Move to Trash only when you intend to remove the app installation, rather than just hide its grid icon.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/trash-app/)[### Read the memory-pressure light

The Memory light beside Settings shows green, yellow or red pressure and opens a view of running-app memory use.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/memory-pressure/)[### Review open apps you have not used for a while

The Unused after setting controls which open apps CubbyPad offers for quitting after you have not brought them forward for that interval.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/quit-idle-apps/)

## Purchase and license

6 answers

[### Activate CubbyPad on this Mac

Paste the key from your order page or Dodo Payments receipt into Settings › License and choose Activate while online.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/activate-license/)[### Choose Solo or Duo for your Macs

Solo supports one active Mac; Duo supports two. Both include every CubbyPad feature and all 1.x updates.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/solo-duo/)[### Deactivate a Mac before moving your license

Choose Deactivate in Settings › License on the old Mac to free an activation for another compatible Mac.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/deactivate-license/)[### Use an activated CubbyPad license while offline

After activation, a temporary connection failure can use the saved license grace period of 14 days.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/offline-license-check/)[### Recover a missing CubbyPad license key

Search the checkout email account for the Dodo Payments receipt before making another CubbyPad purchase.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/license-key-recovery/)[### Ask for a CubbyPad purchase refund

CubbyPad purchases have a 14-day money-back guarantee. Use the refund-policy and contact pages for the request.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/refund-request/)

Source: https://cubbypad.com/help/topics/