A familiar Launchpad alternative for Mac.

Your apps, where you expect them

Sofla brings a familiar full-screen app grid to your Mac, with folders, immediate typing, and an arrangement you control. It is for people who like recognizing an app by its icon or position, but still want to type a few letters when that is faster.

The native Mac app is built for macOS 26 or later on Apple silicon. See download availability and first-launch steps. You can try Sofla in your browser now, using sample apps without installing anything.

What feels familiar

Open the launcher and your apps appear together. Click an icon to launch it, open a folder to browse its contents, or start typing to narrow the grid. All four arrow keys move the app selection while you search, and Return opens the selected app. Escape takes you back.

That combination matters when you switch between visual memory and keyboard navigation. You do not have to remember the name of every utility to find it, or reach for the mouse when the result you want is already selected.

Sofla uses your desktop wallpaper and follows the system’s appearance and accessibility preferences. The silver and graphite backgrounds on this website are illustrative preview backgrounds.

What Sofla adds

Favorites have their own arrangement. Put everyday apps in a short list without rearranging the main grid. A favorite can still belong to a folder, so you do not have to choose between organization and quick access.

Recents help you return to an app. The native app can keep local recent-app history, with controls for whether it records launches and how long history is retained. The website demo keeps a temporary sample history that disappears on reset or reload.

Search works with your vocabulary. The Mac app supports custom aliases, so an app can be found by a name you naturally type. Search stays focused on installed applications.

The grid can fit your screen. Change columns, rows, and icon size in the native app. Hide apps you do not want to see, arrange folders, and undo organization changes.

A separate app, with a clear scope

Sofla does not re-enable or modify Apple’s Launchpad. It is a separate launcher with its own organization. Do not expect an automatic import of an old Launchpad layout.

If you want the built-in way to browse apps, Apple documents the Apps view in Spotlight. Read Apple’s app-opening guide or our guide to finding apps when Launchpad is missing.

Sofla also does not replace a file search tool, clipboard manager, or workflow automation system. You can keep those tools alongside it. The launcher comparisons explain when a broader tool makes sense.

Try the workflow before choosing

In the live preview, search for “cal,” move between Calculator and Calendar with the arrow keys, and press Return. Open Utilities to explore a folder, then check Recents after a simulated launch.

The preview demonstrates the interaction. It cannot see your installed apps, open software on your computer, or change your Mac’s layout. See the FAQ for compatibility, release availability, and the differences between the preview and native app.