Sitecore Launchpad & Sitecore Desktop Views

What Are The Sitecore Launchpad & Desktop Views?

You might have seen the Desktop item on your Sitecore launchpad before and wondered what it does. Maybe you’ve clicked on it and have been surprised to see some of the same items that you have on your launchpad.

Well the Sitecore Desktop and Sitecore Launchpad are both different Sitecore views. They each have different benefits and drawbacks, and you can switch between them, and set your favourite one as default.

Sitecore Launchpad

The Sitecore Launchpad is what most users see after logging into Sitecore, since this is the default view for Sitecore 8 and above users.

It features tiles that link to the most commonly used Sitecore applications and displays analytics data for users who have xDB turned on.

The shortcuts can also be customized based on roles and security settings for those roles.

Scenes in this view are full width.

Sitecore Desktop

Sitecore Desktop is an alternative way of viewing Sitecore items, in an interface similar to the traditional Windows desktop experience.

It features a launch panel and ‘start’ menu, with access to all Sitecore applications.

Screens in this view load in a window within the browser - similar to a Windows desktop.

The Sitecore Desktop view can also limit access to applications based on roles and security settings for those roles.

You can access the Sitecore Desktop view from the launchpad, by clicking on the Desktop item.

Benefits of Using The Sitecore Launchpad View

High level default reports can be configured to load on the page for a quick view into how your site is performing

More tablet friendly

Components load full-screen

Benefits of Using The Sitecore Desktop View

• Access to all Sitecore applications and features
• Windowed interface similar to the familiar Windows interface
• Can easily switch between different databases
• Can configure shortcuts

Wrap Up

The Sitecore launchpad and Sitecore desktop views each provide different benefits. Ultimately the one you choose to use will largely depend on your role and what you're using Sitecore for.

Most admins and developers prefer the Sitecore desktop view, while content authors and marketers like the launchpad interface. You can always switch between them to see which one you prefer, and then set your favourite as default.