---
title: "Getting Started"
description: "Install LaunchNext, first launch, import layout, and basic usage."
url: "https://docs.closex.org/launchnext/getting-started.html"
markdown_url: "https://docs.closex.org/launchnext/getting-started.md"
site: "CloseX Docs"
product: "LaunchNext"
language: "en"
last_updated: "2026-09-06T14:50:57.000Z"
alternates:
  en: "https://docs.closex.org/launchnext/getting-started.md"
  zh-Hans: "https://docs.closex.org/zh/launchnext/getting-started.md"
  ja: "https://docs.closex.org/ja/launchnext/getting-started.md"
---

# Getting Started

![Getting Started](https://ucarecdn.com/c7295dea-2cf6-4138-9ff0-4a1395e3d180/sparkles.webp)

## Requirements

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

## Download

Download the latest build from the [LaunchNext releases page](https://github.com/RoversX/LaunchNext/releases/latest).

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:

```bash
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:

```bash
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](https://docs.closex.org/launchnext/settings/appearance.md), 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`.