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A Launchpad alternative for macOS
Your apps.
Your layout.
Launchpad++ is a fast, full-screen Mac app launcher with instant search, folders, optional categories and precise layout controls. It is always free—without accounts, activation keys, ads or analytics.
- Version 1.0
- macOS 15.6+
- Apple silicon
- MIT licensed
- Local-first
Familiar, with more control
Organize your Mac at a glance
Build the layout that works for you—or keep things simple. Categories are optional and no category collection is preinstalled.
Built around your workflow
More useful than a fixed grid
Flexible layouts
Control rows, columns, icon size, labels and separate top and bottom app margins.
Folders and pages
Drag apps into folders, reorder icons and spread your collection across pages.
Optional categories
Create your own groups or use local rule-based suggestions. Turn the entire panel off anytime.
Your background
Use a simple color, wallpaper or image with fine blur, opacity and tint controls.
Portable layouts
Import and export layout and category JSON files for backup or another Mac.
Adjust it live
Settings that respond immediately
Preview changes while the launcher is open. Save the result when it feels right, or cancel to restore your previous layout.
- Up to 12 rows and 12 columns
- Adaptive icon sizing for dense grids
- Label size and color controls
- Fine-grained background transparency
Privacy you can inspect
Your app list stays on your Mac
Launchpad++ works locally and contains no analytics, advertising or telemetry. It scans installed application folders to display and launch your apps.
Read the complete privacy explanation →No sensitive privacy prompts
No camera, microphone, location, Accessibility or Full Disk Access permission is requested.
No background networking
The support link opens in your browser only when you choose it.
Local preferences
Your layout, categories, hidden apps and settings remain in local macOS storage.
Free means free
Every feature. No premium tier.
Official Launchpad++ releases are free to download and use. There is no activation panel, subscription or paid feature gate.
☕ Support Launchpad++ on Buy Me a Coffee Support is optional and never unlocks hidden features.Straight answers
Frequently asked questions
Is Launchpad++ free?
Yes. Official releases are free to download and use, with no account, activation key, subscription or premium tier.
Is Launchpad++ safe and private?
The current source contains no analytics, advertising, telemetry or background networking and requests no sensitive macOS privacy permissions. The full source code is public, so anyone can check it.
Which Macs are supported?
Launchpad++ 1.0 runs on Apple-silicon Macs with macOS 15.6 or later. There is no Intel build yet.
Are categories installed automatically?
No. Categories are optional and ship empty. You can create them manually, use local auto-fill suggestions, or turn the category panel off.
Does it replace or modify macOS?
No. Launchpad++ is a separate app launcher. It does not replace or modify macOS system files.
How do I install it?
Download the zip, open it and drag Launchpad++ into your Applications folder. If macOS won't open it the first time, go to System Settings → Privacy & Security and click Open Anyway.
Ready when you are
Make your Mac yours.
Download Launchpad++ for Apple silicon, or inspect and build the Swift source yourself.