diff --git a/neode-ui/src/components/AppLauncherOverlay.vue b/neode-ui/src/components/AppLauncherOverlay.vue
index 4c7bf79a..7ea69e15 100644
--- a/neode-ui/src/components/AppLauncherOverlay.vue
+++ b/neode-ui/src/components/AppLauncherOverlay.vue
@@ -1,9 +1,14 @@
 <template>
   <Teleport to="body">
     <Transition name="app-launcher">
+      <!-- z-[4000]: apps must open ABOVE any modal that launched them
+           (BaseModal defaults to z-3000). At the old z-2400 an app opened
+           from e.g. the Transactions modal loaded invisibly underneath it;
+           now the existing enter animation plays over the modal, and closing
+           the app returns you to the modal you came from. -->
       <div
         v-if="store.isOpen"
-        class="fixed inset-0 z-[2400] flex items-stretch justify-stretch p-0"
+        class="fixed inset-0 z-[4000] flex items-stretch justify-stretch p-0"
         @click.self="store.close()"
       >
         <!-- Backdrop - blur like spotlight -->