KDE Plasma users who prefer a more visual way to launch applications have a new option to try. A recently released project called AppGrid introduces a fullscreen grid-style application launcher designed for Plasma 6, providing a modern, visually focused alternative to Plasma’s traditional menus, such as Kickoff or Kicker.
Instead of the classic categorized menu layout, AppGrid displays installed applications in a large grid interface that fills the screen. The design approach is inspired by launchers found in other desktop environments, including macOS Launchpad, COSMIC Desktop, and elementary OS’s Pantheon.
The launcher integrates with Plasma’s existing systems and can be used as a direct replacement for the default application menu. Users can switch to it through the panel’s “Show Alternatives” option, allowing AppGrid to occupy the same launcher position typically used by Kickoff.
The launcher includes several features to improve navigation and usability. Applications can be sorted alphabetically or by usage, and category filters make it easier to browse large software collections. AppGrid also supports search, allowing users to quickly find and launch applications by typing.
Additional functionality includes quick commands to open the terminal, execute shell commands, or launch the file manager. Session management options such as shutdown, restart, sleep, logout, and screen locking are also accessible directly from the launcher interface.
The applet also offers several customization options. Users can adjust the grid size, icon size, blur effects, opacity, and corner radius to better match their desktop layout and visual preferences.
Keyboard navigation is supported as well. The launcher can be toggled with the Super key, search results can be opened with numbered shortcuts, and standard arrow-key navigation works throughout the interface.
Although still new, the launcher is already available for several Linux distributions. Packages are provided for Arch Linux through the AUR, and prebuilt packages are available for Fedora, Debian, and recent Ubuntu releases.
More information about the project, installation instructions, and source code are available on the project’s GitHub page. AppGrid is designed specifically for KDE Plasma 6 and depends on Qt 6 and KDE Frameworks 6 components.
Image credits: AppGrid
The first three comments are textbook Linux community. One is against it, one is for it and the last one was giving them some marketing advice. As long as it remains a choice, which I think the article did mention, it should be fine.
I’m not fond of this. Feels like its getting rid of what made KDE so great. I hope this doesn’t get integrated into plasma
Looks good, developers should integrate it with Plasma
maybe they should check their logo and compare it to the framework logo
i mean with a name like app grid they should find something else anyway
That *is* the framework logo – Maybe the writer was on a Framework laptop and it defaulted to their logo?
Yes, I am on a framework laptop 🙂