Getting Started

Requirements

• macOS 26 (Tahoe) or newer
• Apple Silicon or Intel

Download

Download the latest build from the LaunchNext releases page.

This is the recommended path for most users.

Releases from 2.4.2 onward are signed and notarized by Apple and should open normally.

If macOS still blocks the app — an older release, an unsigned build, or a copy you built yourself:

sudo xattr -r -d com.apple.quarantine /Applications/LaunchNext.app

Run this only for apps you trust.

Optional Homebrew install

If you already manage macOS apps from Terminal, you can install with Homebrew:

brew tap RoversX/homebrew-tap
brew install --cask launchnext

LaunchNext includes its own updater. The Homebrew cask is mainly for installation and manual upgrades.

First launch

1. Open LaunchNext.
2. It scans installed apps automatically.
3. Open settings with the gear icon.
4. Use Import Launchpad to import your existing Launchpad layout and folders.

Basic controls

• Click app: select
• Double-click app: open
• Type: search
• Press Return while searching: open the selected result
• Drag app: reorder
• Drag onto app: create folder
• Drag from a folder: move the app out of that folder
• Right-click app or folder: open quick actions
• Click empty space in the header: close LaunchNext (not while a folder is open or an item is being dragged)

Right-Click Actions

Apps expose:

• Show in Finder
• Copy App Path
• Hide application
• Uninstall with configured tool, when an uninstall tool is configured

Folders expose:

• Rename Folder
• Dissolve folder

Apps inside folders expose the same app actions, so you can inspect, copy, hide, or uninstall without leaving the folder view.

With Folder Quick Launch enabled in Appearance, right-clicking a folder also lists the apps inside it, so you can start one without opening the folder. Apps inside a folder then gain Pin to Quick Launch Top and Unpin from Quick Launch Top.