Apps in Launchpad in random order

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Level 1

49 points

Apps in Launchpad in random order

I have two MacBook Pros, both upgraded to macOS High Sierra 10.13 (17A365) on Sept. 25.

I like to keep the apps in Launchpad in order. From time to time, I'll run the following command to reorder Launchpad:

defaults write com.apple.dock ResetLaunchPad -bool true ; killall Dock

This command will put Apple apps on the first page, and the rest of my apps in alphabetical order on the second page. I've been doing this for a couple of years now, and until now it has worked consistently.

This command still works on one of my MacBooks, but on the other it puts the second page (non-Apple) apps in a seemingly random order. It's the same order every time I run the command, but it's not alphabetical.

Is anyone else seeing this? Is there any way to fix it? Thanks!

Posted on Sep 28, 2017 12:16 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

h0bd0b1in

Level 1

29 points

Nov 28, 2017 1:17 PM in response to Geez Jan

It looks like the issue lies in how APFS handles filenames now. A directory list with HFS+ (the older Apple file system) returned contents in alphabetical order. With the newer APFS released with High Sierra folder contents are returned arranged by the hash of their filenames instead. The one MacBook is probably not using flash based storage and so wasn't upgraded to APFS and hence the command still works properly.

You can read the APFS FAQs at https://developer.apple.com/library/content/documentation/FileManagement/Concept ual/APFS_Guide/FAQ/FAQ.html

for more info.

For now, stick to the wiggle workaround. 🙂

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Answer 2

pmontelo

Level 1

4 points

Jan 1, 2018 7:34 AM in response to leroydouglas

It would be great if Apple added a sort Alphabetically feature to Launchpad on Mac OS, either a right click option, or a preference setting. I think a lot of people would appreciate this on iOS as well.

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Answer 3

Sep 28, 2017 2:54 PM in response to Geez Jan

You can manually rearrange them as a work a round.

Click and hold on an app untill the wiggle—you can then drag and drop.

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Answer 4

Oct 8, 2017 6:56 AM in response to Geez Jan

Hey there. I've recently begun experiencing this too. The "manually rearrange" "workaround" leave a lot to be desired.

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Answer 5

Jan 22, 2018 9:26 AM in response to pmontelo

.... and feature save arrange icon settings I will appreciate too 😁

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