Create Ubuntu Desktop Shortcuts Easily

When you log in to your computer, the desktop is the first thing you see - it’s your main hub for navigation and quick access. Having shortcuts on your desktop makes life a lot easier .

Instead of digging through folders or menus, you can just double-click your favorite app and boom - it’s open!

If you’re a Windows user, you’re probably used to right-clicking an app and choosing “Send to Desktop (Create Shortcut).” But on Linux, especially Ubuntu, it’s not that straightforward. Don’t worry though - in this guide, you’ll learn how to create desktop shortcuts in Ubuntu step by step (for installed apps and manual ones too).

Why Desktop Shortcuts Matter in Linux ​

Creating desktop shortcuts saves time and helps organize your workflow. It’s especially helpful for developers, programmers, and ethical hackers who use multiple tools daily. Most Linux environments like KDE Plasma, XFCE, and Cinnamon allow adding shortcuts easily.

However, GNOME, the default desktop for Ubuntu, doesn’t show desktop icons by default . But there’s a fix - Ubuntu includes an extension that enables this feature. Let’s set that up first.

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Enable Desktop Icons on Ubuntu ​

To check whether your Ubuntu desktop supports icons, follow these steps

Step 1: Install GNOME Tweaks​

If you don’t already have GNOME Tweaks, open your terminal and run this command:

sudo apt install gnome-tweaks

Once installed, open GNOME Tweaks and click the Desktop tab. Make sure that Icons on Desktop is turned ON

If you’re using Ubuntu 20.04 or later, this setting has moved to the Extensions tab.

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Install GNOME Shell Extensions ​

If the icons don’t show, you might need to install GNOME Shell Integration. Here’s how

Step 1: Install Browser Extension​

Open Firefox or Chrome and visit the GNOME Extensions website.
Then, install the GNOME Shell Integration extension for your browser.

Step 2: Install the GNOME Shell Package​

Run the following command in the terminal:

sudo apt install chrome-gnome-shell

Restart your browser, go back to the GNOME Extensions page, and toggle the desired extension to “ON.”
Click Install when prompted. Now you’re ready to add shortcuts!

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Create Desktop Shortcuts for Installed Apps ​

For applications installed through Ubuntu’s package manager, follow these easy steps

1. Open the Files app.
2. Press Ctrl + L to make the address bar editable.
3. Type this path and hit Enter:

/usr/share/applications

This folder contains all the .desktop files for your installed applications.
Find the one you need (for example, firefox.desktop), then copy and paste it to your desktop.

Now, double-click the file.
A message may appear - click Trust and Launch.
Done! You’ve successfully created a working desktop shortcut with the correct icon and name.

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Create Desktop Shortcuts for Manual (Tar) Apps ​

Sometimes you download an app as a .tar.gz file or clone it from GitHub. These apps don’t come with a desktop entry, so you’ll have to make one manually

Follow these steps:

1. Open your terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T).
2. Type this command (replace AppName with the name of your program):

gedit AppName.desktop

1. Copy and paste the following code into the editor:

[Desktop Entry]
Name=AppName
Comment=Short Description of App
Exec=/path/to/executable
Icon=/path/to/icon.ico
Type=Application

1. Update each field accordingly:
   • Name → The app’s name
   • Comment → Brief description
   • Exec → Full path to the app’s executable file
   • Icon → Path to the app’s icon file

To find your system’s $PATH, type: echo $PATH

1. Save the file and move it to your desktop:

mv AppName.desktop ~/Desktop/

Now double-click the shortcut, click Trust and Launch, and your app will open just like any regular program

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Alternative Ways to Launch Apps ​

If you prefer not to use desktop shortcuts, Ubuntu offers several other ways to launch your favorite apps

Using the Applications Menu ​

Click the Show Applications icon at the bottom-left corner and browse through your apps grid.

Using the Terminal ​

Just type the app’s name and hit Enter. Example: firefox

Pinning Apps to the Launcher ​

Right-click your favorite app’s icon while it’s open and select Add to Favorites to keep it on the sidebar permanently.

Using the Run Command ​

Press Alt + F2, type the app’s name, and hit Enter. Quick and simple!

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Common Problems & Fixes ​

If your shortcut doesn’t launch properly:

• Make sure the .desktop file has executable permission.
  Run this command:

chmod +x ~/Desktop/AppName.desktop

• Check that the file paths in the .desktop file are correct.

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Final Thoughts ​

And that’s it! You now know how to create desktop shortcuts in Ubuntu for both installed and manually downloaded apps. Whether you’re customizing your Linux workspace, setting up a hacking lab, or just organizing your workflow - this guide has you covered.

Desktop shortcuts aren’t just about convenience; they make your Ubuntu experience smoother and faster