Launchpad

Question

Level 1

8 points

Launchpad

Hi . I have an unusual problem with launchpad.
I already solved thanks to this forum a problem with icons in launchpad being rearranged after each restart.
But right now, what I have problem with, seems to not have a solution yet.

Apparently whenever I enter l enter launchpad on my mac and try to move icons around , after clicking on icon and dragging it to different place and then releasing it, launchpad automatically exits back to desktop!
It's frustrating when you have to rearrange your new software icons and there's 10 or more of them.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, macOS Sierra (10.12.3)

Posted on May 29, 2017 10:14 PM

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Answer 1

May 30, 2017 9:00 AM in response to Sanji02933

I know this is probably not what you want to hear, but here goes:

Why don't you take this opportunity to leave Launchpad behind?

There is a much faster way to launch applications, that does not require clicking and moving your mouse.

That is Spotlight.

Try it. Command-space, type two or three letters (sometimes even just one, like S in the example below), and press enter.

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Answer 2

tygb

Level 9

65,026 points

Jun 1, 2017 8:02 AM in response to Sanji02933

Here in user library : macOS Sierra: Library folder

You will find preferences folder .

Take suggestions from Apple support about this plist , whether it should be removed to the desktop .I am not sure about this plist removal .

As per my experience if any app is corrupted deleting the related plist file will not always work .

The best option in my opinion is clean installation .

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Answer 3

Sanji02933 Author

Level 1

8 points

May 30, 2017 6:36 AM in response to Kappy

I am sorry. It seemed like you saved me at the beginning. But even when I arrange them in manager window and click the Apply button, it doesn't change anything...actually it does ...little more mess in my icons 😟

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Answer 4

tygb

Level 9

65,026 points

May 30, 2017 9:39 AM in response to Sanji02933

Launch pad , and other applications like calendar , contacts ... are in the dock .

If you drag and drop applications and change their locations they will be shifted .

If you don't want Launchpad in the dock simply drag into the centre of the desktop it will vanish but will be located in application folder .

Mainly its your convenience how do you want to set , keep the Launch pad and other apps in the dock .

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Answer 5

Sanji02933 Author

Level 1

8 points

May 30, 2017 9:21 PM in response to tygb

Sorry. That's not what I meant.
I enter launchpad either through pinching four fingers or using icon, and then I try to move any icon (so pointer on icon, click and hold, drag to another place and release) after releasing my finger from touchpad system exits launchpad on it's own 😮 😟

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Answer 6

Sanji02933 Author

Level 1

8 points

May 30, 2017 9:25 PM in response to Luis Sequeira1

I know spotlight and I even installed app with similar plus some extra options to replace spotlight, I even gave it my own key combination for activating. But unfortunately it has to index files and slows down mac a bit, And I am so used to launchpad that I can't quickly switch to not using it 😟 I like those folders like in ios where I can name them and I know exactly where an app is. Takes me 2-3s to launch it

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Answer 7

Sanji02933 Author

Level 1

8 points

May 30, 2017 9:52 PM in response to Sanji02933

Quick update. If I just drag and drop icon from one place in launchpad to other place in launchpad it moves it but exits launchpad.
But.. If I hold icon long enough to put all icons in WIGGLE mode, then I am able to move one icon and still stay inside of launchpad ,,,but after moving that one icon, all icons stop to wiggle,
Situation is different if I am inside the folder created within launchpad, then I put icons in wiggle mode and they stay that way until I finish rearranging them or exit the folder.

And when I try to drag icon out of the folder it closes the folder (standard thing for everyone) and then after I've moved it into another folder , it exits launchpad. So I enter the launchpad again, navigate to the page where the first folder is (folder is closed) and when I click on folder to open it for the first time (only first time) it opens any app that was inside the folder 😮 ***?

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Answer 8

tygb

Level 9

65,026 points

May 30, 2017 11:24 PM in response to Sanji02933

I am not sure why Launch Pad is not working , as it is a major application do you use any cleaners , Anti - virus , third party Apps , in case please uninstall them .

Deleting Launch Pad plist in user library > preferences folder still in doubts will work .

You can take back up of all data and do a clean installation once again .

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Answer 9

Sanji02933 Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 1, 2017 6:59 AM in response to tygb

Sorry. Reinstalling system or checking apps one by one is not an option...time-deadlines/work/etc
I am using my Mac for everything and have bunch of programs for editors, teachers, dancers, musicians etc 😟

I'll try with plist file...

then I'll let you know how did it go

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Answer 10

tygb

Level 9

65,026 points

May 30, 2017 10:17 PM in response to Sanji02933

Read an article : macOS Sierra: Use Launchpad to view and open apps

While in launch pad if you tap on the desktop the launchpad screen will exit .

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Answer 11

Kappy

Level 10

362,123 points

May 29, 2017 10:33 PM in response to Sanji02933

Maybe you should try using LaunchPad Manager.

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Answer 12

May 30, 2017 10:04 AM in response to tygb

I think the problem of the OP is with rearranging the icons inside Launchpad, not the position of Launchpad or anything else in the Dock.

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Answer 13

tygb

Level 9

65,026 points

May 30, 2017 10:30 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1

The OP meant if we enter into the launch Pad and drag and drop the applications at random , the launch pad icon comes down automatically in the dock .

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Answer 14

Sanji02933 Author

Level 1

8 points

May 30, 2017 11:06 PM in response to tygb

I know that and knew that for years.. .but the problem is that it exits when I move icon..actually after I move an icon...While it should remain on launchpad screen

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