app organization in the view and open apps window

Yes, LaunchPad is gone. You have options. You get one of the free LaunchPad 3rd-party replacement apps, and now you are no longer dependent on Apple.

Or- you use folders you create, then put on the Dock, and fill with your favorite app Aliases.

Or- you use Command-Space -> type-name-of-app

Or- you use the replacement Apps app (which in many ways is a different form of Command-Space.

Or- Use Command-Shift-A . You can arrange the icons in the Applications folder anyway you like, if you set the folder to Finder -> View -> Sort by -> None

There are lots of ways to organize apps.

But the easiest for what you are used to would be to get a 3rd party app to replace LaunchPad. It is rather painless and takes less time than posting in these forums.

**Launchie** (App Store)

LaunchMe (App Store)

**AppGrid Launcher** (App Store)

AppHub (paid app)

LaunchPad on GitHub

I use the macro app Keyboard Maestro. It lets me launch apps with a 1, 2 or 3 key combination. I don't use the F keys for their original function so I have F1 set to open Quicken. I have F5 set to open the Applicstions folder, F6 the Pictures folder and Shift+Control+Command+F12 to open File Maker Pro. It can save you lots of hunting and searching time.

It can also be used to add perforated frequently used text by typing in a 2 or more text string. I use x 2cov to install the following;

"Have you installed and run any "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up", anti-virus or VPN apps on your Mac? "

It's a very powerful app. I have over 100 different macros it can do for me.

I use the macro app Keyboard Maestro.  It lets me launch apps with a 1, 2 or 3 key combination.  I don't use the F keys for their original function so I have F1 set to open Quicken.  I have F5 set to open the Applicstions folder, F6 the Pictures folder and Shift+Control+Command+F12 to open File Maker Pro. 

It can also be used to add perforated frequently used text by typing in a 2 or more text string.  I use x 2cov to install the following;

"Have you installed and run any "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up", anti-virus or VPN apps on your Mac? " 

 It's a very powerful app.  I have over 100 different macros it can perform for me.

This may help you. I went in to System Settings, Apple Intelligence and Siri, and unchecked Apple Intelligence.

Then I opened the Applications icon in the Dock (the old Launchpad) and now I have a lot more categories. I only had 4 categories and Other before turning that Setting Off.

I turned it back on and all of the additional categories are still there, including Creativity, which contains my Music apps. That might be just what you need.

Old Toad wrote:

 It's a very powerful app.  I have over 100 different macros it can perform for me.

How do you remember them all? I can barely remember a dozen built-in keyboard shortcuts. 🤔