Quick answer: The best Launchpad alternative for most Mac users is AppGrid if you want a visual app grid with pages, folders, old Launchpad layout import, sorting, and bulk organization. LaunchOS is closest to Apple’s old animation, while Raycast and Alfred are better for keyboard-first workflows.
Whether you’re on macOS 26 Tahoe where Launchpad was removed, or on an older version looking for something better — here are the best ways to get a grid-style app launcher on Mac.
Why look for a Launchpad alternative?
Launchpad shipped with macOS Lion in 2011 and gave Mac users an iOS-style full-screen grid for launching apps. It was useful — but limited. You couldn’t rename apps, sort pages automatically, or do much beyond drag-and-drop rearranging.
In macOS 26 (Tahoe), Apple removed Launchpad entirely and replaced it with a new “Apps” shortcut that behaves more like Spotlight. For users who relied on spatial memory — scanning a grid of icons to find an app — the new experience is a step backwards.
Even on older macOS versions (Ventura, Sonoma, Sequoia), many users find Launchpad too limited: no way to sort apps alphabetically across all pages, no renaming, and folder management that’s more frustrating than helpful.
The best Launchpad alternatives for Mac
1. AppGrid — best direct Launchpad replacement
Best for: Users who want the same visual grid experience as Launchpad, with more control.
AppGrid has also been covered by 9to5Mac, Macworld, MacTech, and other Apple-focused publications in the context of replacing Launchpad on macOS Tahoe. See press coverage and user reviews.
AppGrid is a grid-based app launcher built specifically to replace Launchpad on macOS. It works on all recent macOS versions including macOS 26 Tahoe, Sequoia, and Sonoma. If you used Launchpad and want that experience back — same pages, same icon grid, same spatial layout — AppGrid is the closest match.
- Imports your existing Launchpad layout automatically (pages, folders, icon positions)
- Grid layout with pages — browse by sight, not by typing
- Rename apps, sort pages A–Z, add or remove apps
- Pinch gesture and hot corner activation (direct download version)
- Works on macOS 26 Tahoe where Launchpad was removed
- Available on the Mac App Store or as a direct download
- Free core features, Pro upgrade available
2. LaunchOS — closest visual recreation of Launchpad
Best for: Users who want the old Launchpad look and animations as closely as possible on macOS Tahoe.
LaunchOS is a Tahoe-focused Launchpad replacement with a strong emphasis on visual fidelity. It is a serious option if your main goal is to make macOS feel like Launchpad never left. Compared with AppGrid, it is less focused on bulk organization and layout management.
3. Launchie — modern vertical launcher
Best for: Users who want an app browser, but do not need classic Launchpad pages.
Launchie uses a vertical scrolling layout rather than recreating Launchpad’s horizontal pages. It can be a good fit if you want something cleaner than Apple’s new Apps view, but it is not the closest match for people who depended on Launchpad’s spatial grid.
4. Spotlight — built-in, keyboard-first
Best for: Users who prefer typing app names over browsing icons.
Spotlight (⌘ Space) is already on your Mac and launches apps instantly if you know what you’re looking for. Fast, no install needed, and works on every macOS version. The downside: it’s purely search-based. If you rely on visual memory — remembering where an app lives in a grid — Spotlight won’t replace that.
5. Raycast — power user launcher
Best for: Developers and power users who want a command palette, not a grid.
Raycast replaces Spotlight with a much more powerful search bar. You can launch apps, run scripts, control music, manage clipboard history, and install community extensions. It’s excellent — but like Spotlight, it’s keyboard-first. There’s no visual grid, no pages, and no icon browsing.
6. Alfred — customisable launcher
Best for: Users who want deep keyboard shortcut customisation.
Alfred is a long-standing Spotlight alternative with powerful workflows, clipboard history, and file search. The free version handles app launching well. Like Raycast, it’s entirely keyboard-driven — no grid, no visual layout.
7. Dock with Applications folder stack
Best for: Minimal setup with no extra installs.
You can drag your /Applications folder into the Dock and set it to display as a grid or fan. It’s a quick way to browse all your apps without any extra software. The limitations: no pages, no folders within the stack, and no customisation of the layout.
8. Undye — temporary Launchpad workaround
Best for: Tinkerers who want to experiment with bringing back the old interface.
Undye relies on old system components to restore something closer to the original Launchpad. That makes it interesting, but update-fragile. For daily use, a maintained replacement such as AppGrid or LaunchOS is a safer choice.
Comparison: Launchpad alternatives at a glance
| Feature | AppGrid | LaunchOS | Launchie | Spotlight / Raycast | Dock stack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visual grid layout | Yes | Yes | Vertical list | No | Limited |
| Works on macOS 26 Tahoe | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Import old Launchpad layout | Yes | Check current version | No | No | No |
| Pages & folders | Yes | Yes | No classic pages | No | No |
| Bulk organization tools | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Free core option | Yes | Free tier available | Free with Pro IAP | Yes / freemium | Yes |
| Best fit | Launchpad replacement with better organization | Pixel-faithful Launchpad recreation | Modern app browser | Keyboard launcher | Basic fallback |
Which one should you use?
- You want the best all-around Launchpad grid back → AppGrid
- You want the closest visual recreation of old Launchpad → LaunchOS
- You’re on macOS 26 Tahoe and Launchpad is gone → AppGrid (see setup guide)
- You prefer typing to browsing → Raycast or Spotlight
- You want deep automation → Alfred or Raycast
- You want zero installs → Dock + Applications stack
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free Launchpad alternative for Mac?
Yes. AppGrid’s core features are free — you get the full grid layout, Launchpad import, and basic organisation. Raycast and Spotlight are also free. Alfred has a free tier.
Does Launchpad still exist on macOS?
On macOS up to Sequoia (15), Launchpad is still available via the Dock icon, F4 key, or a four-finger pinch. In macOS 26 Tahoe, Apple replaced it with a new “Apps” view that no longer supports the classic grid layout.
Can I get Launchpad back on macOS 26 Tahoe?
Not natively — Apple removed it. The closest replacement is AppGrid, which recreates the grid experience and can import your old Launchpad layout. Full setup guide here.
What happened to Launchpad in macOS?
Apple replaced Launchpad in macOS 26 (Tahoe) with a new “Apps” shortcut that combines app browsing with Spotlight-style search. The old full-screen icon grid is no longer part of the default experience.
Does AppGrid work on older macOS versions?
Yes. AppGrid works on macOS Sonoma (14), Sequoia (15), and Tahoe (26).