How to Insert App Shortcuts to Desktop on Ubuntu – Guide

Files with the .desktop extension are desktop entries for applications. When placing .desktop files in /usr/share/applications (system-wide) or .local/share/applications (current users only), Linux will recognize them and show the application icons to launch in the Start menu. A .desktop file defines the name and icon that will appear on the Start menu, the executable command used to run the application, and the type of file with which it can be opened. Most applications have their own .desktop file in the system directory or in the user’s local folder. And the user can manually create it for an app that doesn’t have one. A classic desktop operating system always has icons on the “desktop screen”. These desktop icons can include the file manager, trash can, and application shortcut. When installing applications in Windows, some programs ask if you want to create a shortcut on the desktop. However, this is not the case with Linux. But if you’re a fan of it feature, let me show you how to add desktop shortcuts to your favorite apps on Ubuntu and other Linux distributions.

Adding Desktop Shortcut in Ubuntu

Personally, I prefer Ubuntu Launcher for app shortcuts. If I use a program frequently, I add it to the launcher. But I know that not everyone has the same preferences and some people prefer desktop shortcuts.

Locate the applications .desktop files

Copy the .desktop file to the desktop

Now all you have to do here is look for the app icon (or its file on your desktop). Once you find it, drag and drop the file onto the desktop or copy the file (using the shortcut Ctrl+C) and paste it to the desktop (using the shortcut Ctrl+V).

Run the desktop file

When you do this, you should see a text file icon of sorts on the desktop instead of the application logo. Don’t worry, things will be different in a moment.

Final note

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