How to Add Launchpad to Dock on Mac

This guide explains how to add Launchpad to Dock on Mac, with clear steps, practical tips, and important checks before you begin.

Launchpad was first introduced at Mac OS X 10.7 Lion in 2010. If you use an old Mac and upgrade to a newer software, or remove Launchpad by dragging it out of the Dock, you won't see Launchpad anymore.

Sometimes Launchpad disappears abnormally on the Dock

Although it looks like an important part, Launchpad is just a regular application on macOS. To get them back in the Dock, first have to go to the Applications folder.

Switch to Finder , select Go> Applications from the menu at the top of the screen. Or you can press Shift + Command + A to open the Applications folder quickly.

Go to the Applications folder from the menu bar

When opening the Applications folder, look for the Launchpad icon. Click and drag this icon to the Dock.

In the Dock, you can place the Launchpad application wherever you want, then release the mouse and trackpad, Launchpad will appear right on the Dock.

Drag the Launchpad icon to the Dock

The next time you need to use Launchpad, just click the icon in the Dock. All Mac applications will appear here. Repeat the above steps if Launchpad disappears again.

A much easier way to open Launchpad without clicking on the icon is to use the operation on the trackpad. On the trackpad, you just need to swipe 3 fingers together to access the list of applications on the Mac.

Access to Launchpad from the trackpad