# Give Command–Space to CubbyPad

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

Last updated 26 October 2026

## Follow these steps

1. Open System Settings › Keyboard › Keyboard Shortcuts › Spotlight.

1. Turn off Show Spotlight search for Command–Space if you want to give up that assignment.

1. In CubbyPad Settings › Opening, use the Automatic shortcut.

1. Test Command–Space from an ordinary application.

## What to expect

CubbyPad can use Command–Space once Spotlight no longer takes it first. If you prefer to keep Spotlight’s familiar shortcut, leave it enabled and use Shift–Command–Space for the grid.

You are changing the keyboard assignment, not removing Spotlight or its Apps view. Other Spotlight entry points can remain available, and CubbyPad’s F4 option is controlled separately.

## If the result is different

If Spotlight still appears, recheck its keyboard assignment and confirm CubbyPad is running. If a custom shortcut was recorded, use Automatic or record the intended combination deliberately. A shortcut problem does not require replacing your saved layout.

For the broader walkthrough, read [choose how to open the app grid](https://cubbypad.com/guides/opening/).

## Related answers.

[### 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/)

Source: https://cubbypad.com/help/use-command-space/