macOS is identified as one of the most widely used operating systems worldwide. Since, there are many people who prefer to use it for its remarkable security, exclusivity, accessibility, productivity and performance.
However, in order to get the most out of this operating system, it is pertinent to know each and every one of its utilities in detail. On the contrary, user experience can be greatly minimized.
In this sense, one of the most important parts of MacOS, is the Launchpad. If you have doubts about what it is, how it works, how it is used and how it should be configuredwe invite you to read this post to clear them.
What is the MacOS Launchpad?
In Spanish, launch pad It translates as “Launch pad” and basically, it is defined as an application launcher designed for macOS that allows access to all the programs installed on the computer in order to start working. This utility was introduced starting with MacOS X Lion.
In addition to providing an alternate method for start applications on a MacLaunchpad it also offers other options such as: , Finder or file manager, Terminal or command line interface, and or desktop search.
MacOS Launchpad Features
While it’s true, each icon represents an app on the Launchpad, and by default, user can launch an application with a single click. Thus, this utility allows you to run applications on macOS via the full screen graphical user interface. Emphasizing that, it is designed to look like home screen in ios. Beyond knowing what the MacOS Launchpadit is important to know What are the main functions of this part of the operating system?.
That is why, below, we specifically highlight those of greatest interest:
- Search an app.
- Start an app.
- Move
- Organize applications through folders.
- Remove
- Restore
- Add applications on Mac.
- Manage applications and folders.
Learn how to use and configure the MacOS “App Launcher”
if you want power get the most out of the MacOS Launchpad or App Launcher, it is essential that you know how to use or configure it correctly. Specifically, for open, add, organize, and delete apps.
Indeed, below, we explain the steps to follow to perform these actions through the Launchpad of your Mac:
open an app
In case you still don’t know how to open or start an application through this utility, here we show you step by step what you need to do to do so:
- First of all, you have to click the Launchpad icon in the Dock (distinguished by its 9 colored boxes joined together).
- Next, from the search field at the top of Launchpad, type the name of the app you want to open. This, you can also do manually by looking at another page in Launchpad.
- Then you just have to press the return key to open it or click on the application icon.
add apps
For nature, applications downloaded through the App Store are shown in Launchpad automatically. So, in this case, there is no need to add anything.
However, if what you want is to add an app that has not been downloaded from the App Store, the step-by-step to include it in Launchpad is very simple and is based on the following:
- On your Mac, start with search for the app to add.
- Next, you have to drag the app up folder Finder apps on Mac.
- Finally, said app it will show up in Launchpad automatically.
organize apps
Inside of the Launchpad for macOS You can also sort the apps according to your own preferences.
Next, we show you what the available options are and how they are carried out:
- For move an app on a pagedrag it with the cursor to a new location.
- If you want move an app to a different pageproceed to drag said app to the edge of the screen and once the page you want appears, release it.
- In case you want create an app folderyou just have to drag an app over another app and follow this same step with all the ones you want to include in said folder.
- For rename a folderlocate that folder and click to open it, then tap its name and enter the new name.
- when you need close the folderyou have to click outside the folder and that’s it.
- If you choose delete an app inside a foldersearch for said app and select it to proceed to drag it out of the folder.
Delete apps from the Launchpad
Sometimes it is necessary to remove certain applications from the Launchpad and although many users assume that it is complicated, the truth is that it is not.
Here we show you what are the steps to perform for it:
- Open Launchpad from the Dock and when you find the app to delete, hold it down until all other apps start shaking.
- Next, when the option is displayedyou have to click on the “Delete” button containing an X inside a circle.
It should be noted that if the app you want to delete does not show that button, means that can’t remove it from Launchpad. In this case, you will have to uninstall the application from the Internet.
What happens if I delete the Launchpad from Docks?
While it is true, it is very easy to remove the Launchpad from the Dock. Since you simply have to click on the icon and drag it out of the Dock until it becomes transparent and shows a label with the word “Remove”to finally release it.
However, after performing this action, It’s not that easy to find the Launchpad. So, if you delete it from the Dock, what happens is that it will be more difficult to access this utility to manage the different apps in order to open, add, organize or delete them. Indeed, to recover it again, it will be necessary access the Applications folder through the Finder and open it from there, to proceed to drag it to the Dock again and stay fixed on it.
Apps you should have on your MacOS Launchpad
In view of that MacOS Launchpad is an application launcherit is practical to host all those software or utilities that you use most frequently on your Mac computer.
However, by inherence, it is suggested to have the following apps in the Launchpad:
Safari
Being the best web browser for mobile devices Manzana, it is essential contain this app in the MacOS Launchpad. Thus, it will be much easier to use the different customization options and powerful features of the browser to increase your privacy, productivity, autonomy and many more aspects online.
Either through their toolswith your choice of Autocomplete, with the optimization of battery usage and speed, from the simultaneous navigation functionusing their extensions, etc.
It is an email client native to the operating system macOS that allows users of said equipment manage all your emails from one place. East, uses the , e protocols for receiving and sending email. Also, supports MobileMe and Exchange systems.
In Mail, you can add your other email accounts and centralize all your information without having to log in to any website. It also has great features to keep your inbox organized, limit distractions, locate emails quickly, etc.
app store
Of course, you can not miss the App Store in the Launchpad for MacOS. Well, being a safe and reliable place for search, discover, buy, download, install and update applicationsis ideal for optimizing the experience of any user on a Mac. Especially, due to its wide catalog of options that adapts to anyone and reveals great compatibility.
In addition to raise your user experience significantlythe app store It is also useful to receive personalized recommendations from developers, through the section called “Today”. The system even provides information about applications grouped by a certain theme (games, photography, sports, productivity, etc.).
Calendar
Another of the most substantial apps that are recommended to have in the launch pad to enjoy greater productivity when managing your events directly from the Mac, is Calendar. Above all, because the application allows create separate calendars for different areas of your day (for example: home, school, work, etc.).
In this way, you can organize your weeks much better, handle planning with great practicality and save time when it comes to segmenting the different activities to be carried out. Among the best features of the Calendar app, we highlight that allows you to customize each of the calendars and identify the different events according to their tonality. It also provides the option to move events to a different agenda.
FaceTime
Basically, it is the native app of your Mac that allows you to make both audio and video calls through your computer. To do so, you simply need to access the app and have a broadband Internet connection, a camera and/or an integrated microphone. To start the experience quickly, Launchpad is an excellent ally.
In users can share web links to invite your friends (regardless if they don’t have Apple devices to join instantly). In addition, the app provides a screen sharing function, use various microphone modesdisplay on a grid, use spatial audio, enjoy various video effects, etc.
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