How to Find the Applications Folder on Mac Featured Image

How to Find the Applications Folder on Mac: 6 Quick Ways

Easily locate your Mac’s Applications folder with these methods.

Written by

Reviewed by

Last updated: October 17, 2024

Expert verified

SVG Image

TL;DR

To find the Applications folder on Mac:

  1. Open Finder from the Dock.
  2. Click Applications in the sidebar.
  3. Double-click an app to open it.

Tried and Tested ✅: The methods and steps mentioned in this article have been tried and tested firsthand by Ojash Yadav on his MacBook Pro M3 and rechecked for errors on Hashir’s MacBook Air M2.

It can be frustrating to dig through menus just to open an app on your Mac. After trying different methods, I found a few simple ways to make it easier. In this post, I’ll share six quick methods to access your apps without an issue.

How to Find the Applications Folder on Mac

Why You Can Trust MacBook Journal verify badge We always conduct first-hand research and verify every method or solution we present, ensuring you receive reliable and effective advice. Learn more about our process.

There are multiple ways to find the Applications folder on your Mac, and below, I’ll share each method with a step-by-step guide:

1. From Finder

Here’s how to find the Applications folder on Mac using Finder:

  1. Click the Finder icon in the Dock or right-click the desktop to bring up the Finder menu bar.
click finder in your dock
  1. In the left sidebar, click Applications. This will display all the applications installed on your Mac.
click applications in the left sidebar of finder
  1. To open an application, simply double-click its icon.

2. From Launchpad

Here’s how to find your Applications on Mac via Launchpad:

  1. Click the Launchpad icon in the Dock.
click the launchpad icon in the dock
  1. It will display all Applications on your desktop.
all apps in launchpad

3. From the Go Menu

Here’s how to use the Go menu to find the Applications folder on Mac:

  1. Click Go in the menu bar.
click go in the menu bar
  1. Select Applications from the drop-down menu.
click applications in the drop down menu

The Applications folder will now open in a new Finder window.

4. From the Dock

Here is how to use Dck to access Applications folder:

  1. Find the Applications folder via Finder.
click applications in the left sidebar of finder
  1. Drag the Applications folder to your Dock next to the Bin icon.
drag applications folder to the dock
  1. Click the Applications icon in the Dock, and it will display your applications.
click applications in the dock
  1. You can also right-click the Applications icon and select Open “Applications” and it will open the Applications folder in Finder.
right click applications folder in dock and click open applications

5. From Spotlight

Follow these steps to find the Applications folder on Mac using Spotlight:

  1. Click the magnifying glass icon in the top right corner of the screen to open the Spotlight window.
click the magnifying icon in the menu bar at the top
  1. In the Spotlight window, type Applications.
type applications in spotlight search
  1. Click the Show More button next to the search results for Applications to launch the Applications folder.
click the show more button next to the search results for applications

To use Siri search to locate the Applications folder on your Mac, follow these steps:

  1. Open Siri by clicking the only colored icon in the menu bar.
click the siri icon in the menu bar
  1. Now, say Open the Applications Folder, and Siri will automatically open it.

Did You Know? You can change how apps are displayed in Launchpad! Press and hold any app until it starts jiggling (just like on an iPhone), and you can move them around or even create folders to organize them.

Why Is There No Applications Folder on Your Mac?

If you previously had the Applications folder in your Finder’s sidebar, but it is now missing, simply restore the Applications folder in the Finder sidebar:

  1. Open the Finder.
  2. In the menu bar, choose Finder > Settings or use the keyboard shortcut Command ⌘ + ,.
click finder in the menu bar and select settings
  1. Select Sidebar in the Finder Settings and check the box next to Applications.
select sidebar and check the applications box

After trying these steps if the Application folder isn’t visible then it is best to contact Apple Support to resolve the issue.

Quickly Access Your Applications on Mac

Now that you know how to find the Applications folder on Mac and troubleshoot common issues when opening the folder, you can improve your productivity further with these tips:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move the Applications folder to a different location on my Mac?

You can move the Applications folder to a different location on your Mac, but it is not recommended. The Applications folder is a crucial part of your system, and moving it can cause problems with your installed applications and potentially even cause your system to become unstable.

Can I delete applications from the Applications folder?

Yes, you can delete applications from the Applications folder. Simply right-click the application you want to delete and select Move to Bin. You can also select the application and drag it to the Bin icon in the Dock.

What do I do if an app won’t open from the Applications folder?

If an app won’t open from the Applications folder on your Mac, make sure it is compatible with your macOS version. If it is compatible but still won’t open, try restarting your Mac. You can also try resetting the application’s preferences or reinstalling it.

Ojash

Author

Hi there! I'm Ojash, a tech journalist with over a decade of experience in the industry. I've had the privilege of contributing to some of the world's largest tech publications, making my mark as a respected Mac expert. My passion lies in exploring, using, and writing about MacBooks, and I enjoy sharing my expertise to help others make informed decisions and get the most out of their MacBook experience. Join me as we delve into the fascinating world of MacBooks together!

Hashir Ibrahim

Reviewer

I'm Hashir, a tech journalist with a decade of experience. My work has been featured in some of the top tech publications like MakeUseOf and MakeTechEasier. I have a bachelor's degree in IT, a master's in cybersecurity, and extensive knowledge of Apple hardware, specifically MacBooks. As the senior writer at MacBook Journal, I write in depth guides that help you solve any issues you have with your mac and unbiased reviews that help you make the right buying decisions.

Total
0
Shares
You May Also Like