---
title: "LaunchNext"
description: "Overview for LaunchNext based on the official project README."
url: "https://docs.closex.org/launchnext/"
markdown_url: "https://docs.closex.org/launchnext/index.md"
site: "CloseX Docs"
product: "LaunchNext"
language: "en"
last_updated: "2026-09-06T14:50:57.000Z"
alternates:
  en: "https://docs.closex.org/launchnext/index.md"
  zh-Hans: "https://docs.closex.org/zh/launchnext/index.md"
  ja: "https://docs.closex.org/ja/launchnext/index.md"
---

# LaunchNext

LaunchNext is the most feature-complete and best-performing open-source, free macOS Launchpad replacement.

## Download

- Releases: [Download LaunchNext](https://github.com/RoversX/LaunchNext/releases/latest)
- Project: [LaunchNext repository](https://github.com/RoversX/LaunchNext)

Optional Homebrew install, if you already use Homebrew:

```bash
brew tap RoversX/homebrew-tap
brew install --cask launchnext
```

## Screenshots

![LaunchNext Banner](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/RoversX/LaunchNext/main/public/banner.webp)

## Why LaunchNext matters

LaunchNext exists to bring back a fully customizable launcher workflow on modern macOS:

- Native Launchpad workflow changed in macOS Tahoe.
- Default alternatives are less flexible for personal app organization.
- LaunchNext restores drag-and-drop layout control, folder workflows, and fast navigation.

## What LaunchNext delivers

- One-click import from your old Launchpad layout and folders
- Classic Launchpad-style interaction model
- 14 interface languages, including Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Korean
- Hide icon labels when needed
- Adjustable icon sizing and folder layout modes
- Core Animation grid and folder rendering for smoother large layouts
- Image backgrounds taken from your desktop wallpaper or a picture you choose
- Folder management with drag-and-drop organization
- Folder Quick Launch to start an app straight from a folder's right-click menu
- Right-click app and folder actions for Finder, path copy, hiding, rename, dissolve, and uninstall workflows
- Dock drag handoff, Hot Corner, and configurable experimental trackpad gestures
- Fuzzy search with pinyin and romaji matching, keyboard navigation, and Return-to-open search results
- Built-in updater with in-app Markdown release notes
- CLI and TUI workflow for power users, automation, and AI agents

## Requirements

- macOS 26 (Tahoe) or later
- Apple Silicon or Intel
- Xcode 26 (for source builds)

## Installation notes

Download the app from Releases first. This is the most direct path for most users.

Since 2.4.2, releases are signed and notarized by Apple, so a normal download opens without extra steps. The certificate is a yearly membership and may not be renewed; if it lapses, later releases go back to unsigned builds.

If macOS still blocks startup — an older release, an unsigned build, or a copy you built yourself:

```bash
sudo xattr -r -d com.apple.quarantine /Applications/LaunchNext.app
```

This clears the download marker and skips the usual Gatekeeper check. Run it only for apps you trust.

If you prefer terminal-based app management, you can install with Homebrew:

```bash
brew tap RoversX/homebrew-tap
brew install --cask launchnext
```

## Build from source

```bash
git clone https://github.com/RoversX/LaunchNext.git
cd LaunchNext
open LaunchNext.xcodeproj
```

A paid Apple Developer membership is not required to build LaunchNext. In the `LaunchNext` target under `Signing & Capabilities`, set `Team` to `None` and the certificate to `Sign to Run Locally`, and keep Hardened Runtime enabled. Xcode may mark the project file as modified afterwards; keep signing-only changes out of pull requests.

Select `My Mac` as the run destination to launch with `⌘R`. `Any Mac (arm64, x86_64)` is for generic builds and archives and cannot launch the app for debugging.

Command-line build:

```bash
xcodebuild -project LaunchNext.xcodeproj -scheme LaunchNext -configuration Release
```

Universal binary build:

```bash
xcodebuild -project LaunchNext.xcodeproj -scheme LaunchNext -configuration Release ARCHS="arm64 x86_64" ONLY_ACTIVE_ARCH=NO clean build
```

## Data storage

`~/Library/Application Support/LaunchNext/Data.store`

## Native Launchpad integration

LaunchNext reads the native Launchpad database:

`/private$(getconf DARWIN_USER_DIR)com.apple.dock.launchpad/db/db`

This allows importing your previous app positions, pages, and folder structure.

## Quick start

1. Download LaunchNext from Releases and open it.
2. Launch LaunchNext and wait for the first app scan.
3. Open Settings and run `Import Launchpad`.
4. Tune layout, appearance, shortcuts, and performance settings.
5. If anything behaves unexpectedly, check troubleshooting first.

## Quick links

- [Getting Started](https://docs.closex.org/launchnext/getting-started.md)
- [Settings](https://docs.closex.org/launchnext/settings/index.md)
- [Shortcut & Gesture](https://docs.closex.org/launchnext/settings/shortcuts.md)
- [CLI and TUI](https://docs.closex.org/launchnext/cli-and-tui.md)
- [Updates and Troubleshooting](https://docs.closex.org/launchnext/updates-and-troubleshooting.md)