Because setting up launchpad is painful when first setting it up for the first time with folders, etc, I'd like to be able to set it up on my iMac, then push this configuration to the other Macs I have. Can anyone tell me what file(s) I would need to copy from computer to computer?
iMac, Mac OS X (10.7)
This article explains what files contain the database:
http://www.tuaw.com/2011/07/21/how-to-refresh-os-x-lions-launchpad-contents/
The files are hidden and you will need a program to show hidden files.
But that database will be rebuilt on your other Mac and reflect the programs/aliases that are there.
Thanks ... Ken
Ken, you're right about the db file, and when I renamed the db to db.old, then logged off and back in, Launchpad reconfigured to the original setup.
But when I tried to copy a .db file from ~/library/application support/dock on a laptop to the imac in that same location, then logged out and back in, Launchpad ignored the db file I copied and rebuilt the applications to default instead, creating a new database.
I would like to be able to configure Launchpad on one computer, then copy that configuration to my other computers.
I'm also interested in transferring the Launchpad-Config from one Mac to another. Always rearranging the Icons on both machines is real pain!
Here is the solution:
In ~/Library/Application\ Support/Dock there is a .db-file.
If you just copy the .db file to the same destination on the other Mac, OSX ignores it and creates a new .db file at the next boot. What you have to do is copy the new file over, then remove the old one and rename the new one to the filename of the old one.
@sgginc, you actually don't need a program to show hidden files on a Mac. There are two simple Terminal commands you need to type in:
"defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles YES"
(Press 'Enter')
"killall Finder"
(Press 'Enter')
Finder will automatically be restarted. When you click on Finder once again to open a fresh window, you should now see hidden files revealed.
Reference article: http://www.macworld.co.uk/how-to/mac-software/how-show-hidden-files-in-mac-os-x- finder-funter-macos-sierra-3520878/
Launchpad: preference/config files
