How to Create Desktop Application Shortcuts in Ubuntu

Users transitioning to Ubuntu from Windows or macOS are accustomed to dragging application icons directly onto their desktop surface or right-clicking an app to create a desktop shortcut. In modern Ubuntu desktop releases running GNOME, however, the desktop surface is managed by an independent desktop icons extension that does not allow direct drag-and-drop from the application grid. Creating clickable desktop shortcuts requires copying the application’s desktop launcher file and granting launching permissions.

Understanding Linux .desktop Files

In Linux, every graphical application is represented by a standardized configuration file ending in .desktop. These files contain metadata including the program’s official name, executable execution command, working directory, and icon path. System-wide application launchers reside securely inside the /usr/share/applications/ directory.

Method 1: Create Desktop Shortcuts Using the Files App (GUI)

You can create desktop shortcuts graphically without typing terminal commands:

1. Open the Files app (Nautilus) from your dock.
2. In the left sidebar, click on Other Locations, then double-click on Computer.
3. Navigate through the following folder path: usr > share > applications.
4. You will see a comprehensive list of all installed software launchers on your system.
5. Locate the application you want on your desktop (e.g., Google Chrome, VLC, or LibreOffice Writer).
6. Right-click on the application file and select Copy (or press Ctrl + C).
7. In the left sidebar of the Files app, click on your Desktop folder.
8. Right-click inside the Desktop folder and select Paste (or press Ctrl + V).
9. Minimize all windows to view your desktop. You will see your newly pasted file, but it may initially appear as a blank document icon named something like google-chrome.desktop.
10. Right-click on the desktop icon and select Allow Launching from the context menu.
11. The file will instantly transform into the authentic application icon and display its real name. Double-clicking it will now launch the program immediately.

Method 2: Create Desktop Shortcuts via Terminal (Fastest)

If you prefer a quick command-line approach, copy the launcher file and mark it executable in one step:

# Copy the launcher to your user Desktop:
cp /usr/share/applications/google-chrome.desktop ~/Desktop/

# Mark the desktop file as executable:
gio set ~/Desktop/google-chrome.desktop metadata::trusted true
chmod +x ~/Desktop/google-chrome.desktop

How to Remove a Desktop Shortcut

Desktop shortcuts are merely standalone pointer files. To remove a shortcut from your desktop, right-click the icon and select Move to Trash (or press Delete). The underlying application remains fully installed on your operating system.