How to Change Launchpad Grid Layout on Mac 2025

By default, Launchpad shows 5 rows and 7 columns of app icons on each page. If you want the icons to look bigger or smaller, you might wonder whether you can adjust the grid layout to show more or fewer apps.

The short answer: it depends on your macOS version. In this article, you’ll learn when you can customize the Launchpad layout, how to do it using Terminal, and what your options are on newer versions like macOS Tahoe.

Can I Customize the Launchpad Grid Layout on Mac?

Yes, but only on older macOS versions.

Before macOS Monterey, you could freely change the number of rows and columns. Starting with macOS Monterey, Apple removed support for this customization.

How to Change the Launchpad Grid Layout on macOS Big Sur and Earlier

If you’re using macOS Big Sur or an earlier version, you can easily adjust the Launchpad rows and columns. Here’s how:

1. Open Terminal.

2. Run these commands:

   • Set the number of columns:

   defaults write com.apple.dock springboard-columns -int 10

   • Set the number of rows:

   defaults write com.apple.dock springboard-rows -int 10

3. Clear the Launchpad layout cache:

   defaults write com.apple.dock ResetLaunchPad -bool TRUE

4. Restart the Dock so the changes take effect:

   killall Dock

How to Change the Launchpad Layout on macOS Monterey and Later

Starting with macOS Monterey, Apple removed the ability to change Launchpad’s rows and columns through Terminal.

Running the commands above will not change the layout. Instead, you'll only see the numbers update internally, with no effect on the actual grid.

Here’s what a 7×10 Launchpad layout looks like on macOS Sequoia:

Missing Launchpad on macOS Tahoe?

In macOS Tahoe, Apple removed Launchpad entirely and replaced it with Apps, a new interface built into Spotlight. It shows recently used apps, app categories, and even iPhone apps that sync to your Mac.

If you relied on Launchpad to stay organized, its removal can be frustrating. This is where a Launchpad alternative like BuhoLaunchpad becomes helpful.

BuhoLaunchpad brings back the classic Launchpad experience on macOS Tahoe. It supports almost all Launchpad features and adds more customization options, like changing rows and columns and using gestures to open it. It’s smooth, easy to use, and updated regularly. Give it a try using the button below.

Conclusion

Customizing the Launchpad grid layout works on macOS Big Sur and earlier, but it’s no longer possible on macOS Monterey and later.

Since macOS Tahoe removes Launchpad completely, your best option is to use a replacement like BuhoLaunchpad if you want the familiar experience back.