Click: How to Quickly Open the Launchpad on a Mac

This updated guide examines Click: How to Quickly Open the Launchpad on a Mac and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Method 1of 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]

Method 2of 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]
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 theTrackpadoption.
   • Click theMore Gesturestab.
   • Check theLaunchpadbox.

Method 3of 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. ClickSystem Preferences. If the main System Preferences menu does not appear, click Show All. This button has a grid with 12 dots on it.
3. ClickKeyboard. This is in the second section.
4. Click theShortcutstab.
5. Click theLaunchpad & Dockoption.
6. Click theShow Launchpadbox to enable it.
7. Press the key or combination you want to use.
8. Press your new shortcut to openLaunchpad.

Method 4of 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. ClickSystem Preferences.
3. ClickDesktop & Screen Saver. This is in the first row of options.
4. Click theScreen Savertab.
5. ClickHot 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. ClickLaunchpad.
8. Move your mouse to the corner to open Launchpad. Launchpad will pen when your cursor is in the corner.