Applications are stored in the Applications folder, which you can reach in seconds from Finder or Spotlight
The fastest way to find an application on your Mac is to use Spotlight, the search tool built into every Mac. Press Command + Space, type the name of the application you want, and press Enter. Spotlight searches your entire Mac and shows results as you type — usually the application you want appears in the first result.
If you prefer to browse instead of search, open Finder (the blue and white face icon in your dock), click Applications in the sidebar on the left, and you will see every installed application in one folder. Double-click any application to open it.
Both methods work on any Mac running the current version of macOS. Spotlight is faster if you know the application name. The Applications folder is better if you want to see what you have installed or if you are looking for something and are not sure of the exact name.
Key Takeaways
- Spotlight (Command + Space) is the fastest way to open any application — type the name and press Enter.
- The Applications folder in Finder shows all installed applications in one place and lets you browse by category.
- Applications can also be pinned to your dock for one-click access without searching or browsing.
- If an application does not appear in either location, it may not be installed or may be hidden in a subfolder.
Using Spotlight to search for applications
Spotlight is the quickest method for most people. Press Command + Space on your keyboard. A white search box will appear near the top of your screen. Type the first few letters of the application name — you do not need to type the whole thing.
As you type, Spotlight shows matching results. The application you want usually appears at the top of the list. Press Enter or click the result to open it. If you see the wrong application, keep typing to narrow the results.
Spotlight searches application names, so if you are looking for "Mail" you can type "mail" and find it instantly. If you are looking for "Microsoft Word" you can type "word" and it will appear. This works even if you do not remember the exact name.
Browsing the Applications folder in Finder
Open Finder by clicking the blue and white face icon in your dock, or press Command + Space and type "Finder". In the Finder window that opens, look at the left sidebar. Click Applications. You will now see every application installed on your Mac in alphabetical order.
Scroll through the list or type the first letter of the application name to jump to that section. Double-click any application to open it. You can also see how much space each application uses by switching to list view — click the icon that looks like three horizontal lines in the toolbar at the top.
Some applications are grouped in subfolders. For example, you might see a folder called "Utilities" that contains system tools. Double-click any folder to open it and see what is inside.
Adding applications to your dock for quick access
If you use an application often, you can pin it to your dock so it is always visible at the bottom of your screen. Open the application using Spotlight or the Applications folder. Right-click the application icon in the dock and select Options, then Keep in Dock.
The next time you want to open that application, you can click its icon in the dock instead of searching. You can rearrange dock icons by dragging them left or right. To remove an application from the dock, right-click it and select Options, then Remove from Dock.
What to do if an application does not appear
If you cannot find an application in Spotlight or the Applications folder, it may not be installed on your Mac. Check the folder where you downloaded it — usually the Downloads folder — and double-click the installer file to install it.
Some applications are hidden or installed in unusual locations. If you recently installed something and cannot find it, try restarting your Mac. After restart, use Spotlight to search for it again. If it still does not appear, the installation may have failed.
You can also check the Applications folder in Finder and sort by date modified to see the most recently installed applications at the bottom of the list. This helps you spot new installations you may have forgotten about.
Uninstalling applications you no longer use
To remove an application from your Mac, open the Applications folder in Finder, right-click the application, and select Move to Trash. Empty the Trash to permanently delete it. This works for most applications.
Some applications come with an uninstaller. If you see a file called "Uninstall [Application Name]" in the Applications folder, double-click it and follow the instructions. This method is safer for larger applications because it removes all related files, not just the main application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I search for applications by what they do instead of their name?
Spotlight searches application names and descriptions, so you can sometimes search by function. For example, typing "calculator" will find the Calculator application. However, searching by name is more reliable. If you cannot find an application by function, try the Applications folder and browse by category.
Why does an application I installed not show up in Spotlight?
Spotlight may not have finished indexing your Mac yet. Restart your Mac and wait a few minutes, then try searching again. If the application still does not appear, it may not have installed correctly. Try downloading and installing it again from the original source.
Can I organize applications into folders in the Applications folder?
Yes. Open the Applications folder in Finder, right-click in an empty area, and select New Folder. Name the folder and drag applications into it. You can create folders for work, games, utilities, or any category you want. Spotlight will still find applications inside these folders.
What is the difference between an application and a file?
An application is a program you run to do something — like write, edit photos, or browse the web. A file is a document or piece of data created by an application. Applications live in the Applications folder. Files usually live in Documents, Downloads, or other folders you create.
Can I move applications to an external drive?
Yes, but it is not recommended. Applications sometimes store settings and files in your Mac's system folders. If you move an application to an external drive and disconnect it, the application may not work. If you need more space, uninstall applications you do not use instead.