How to Quickly Open the Launchpad on a Mac

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: September 24, 2024 Fact Checked

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.

Mac Launchpad Shortcut

Press the F4 button on your keyboard. The F4 key is the Launchpad shortcut on Mac computers. If that doesn’t work, press Fn and F4 simultaneously.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Using the F4 Key

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Press .F4. This is the default shortcut for Launchpad on most newer Macs.
- If this doesn't work try, Fn+F4.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using Trackpad Gestures

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Make sure all four digits make contact with the trackpad as you pinch.^{[2]
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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

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You can set your own shortcut to open the Launchpad as well. Click the Apple menu in the upper-left corner of the screen.
If the main System Preferences menu does not appear, click Show All. This button has a grid with 12 dots on it.
This is in the second section.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Using Hot Corners

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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.
This is in the first row of options.
This button is in the lower-right corner.
Each menu corresponds to one of your screen corners.
Launchpad will open when your cursor is in the corner.