How to Quickly Open the Launchpad on a Mac

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: April 1, 2021

You can typically start Launchpad by pressing F4 on your keyboard, or your can create a custom shortcut. You can also do a three-finger pinch on a touchpad, or assign Launchpad to a Hot Corner on your screen.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Using the F4 Key

1
Press .F4. This is the default shortcut for Launchpad on most newer Macs.
- If this doesn't work try, Fn+F4.^{[1]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using Trackpad Gestures

1
Place three fingers in the top-right corner of the trackpad.
2
Place your thumb in the bottom-left corner.
3
Pinch your thumb and three fingers together. Make sure all four digits make contact with the trackpad as you pinch.^{[2]
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4
Enable the gesture if it was disabled. You can enable this gesture from the System Preferences menu:
- Click the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
- Click the Trackpad option.
- Click the More Gestures tab.
- Check the Launchpad box.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Using a Keyboard Shortcut

1
Click the Apple menu. You can set your own shortcut to open the Launchpad as well. Click the Apple menu in the upper-left corner of the screen.
2
Click System Preferences. If the main System Preferences menu does not appear, click Show All. This button has a grid with 12 dots on it.
3
Click Keyboard. This is in the second section.
4
Click the Shortcuts tab.
5
Click the Launchpad & Dock option.
6
Click the Show Launchpad box to enable it.
7
Press the key or combination you want to use.
8
Press your new shortcut to open Launchpad.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Using Hot Corners

1
Click the Apple menu. You can turn on the Hot Corners feature, which will allow you to start Launchpad by moving your mouse into a corner of your screen.
2
Click System Preferences.
3
Click Desktop & Screen Saver. This is in the first row of options.
4
Click the Screen Saver tab.
5
Click Hot Corners. This button is in the lower-right corner.
6
Click the menu for the corner you want to activate. Each menu corresponds to one of your screen corners.
7
Click Launchpad.
8
Move your mouse to the corner to open Launchpad. Launchpad will open when your cursor is in the corner.