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php_nub_qq
Asked: 2018-08-02 12:09:24 +0800 CST

How to start a .desktop application from the applications screen

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I created a bunch of .desktop launchers (I believe is the proper term) which are extremely easy to find using the applications search bar (Windows/super key). Unfortunately when clicked they just open up in gedit.

I saw other questions that describe how to run the .desktop file through the terminal by grep-ing Exec=... but that doesn't really make much sense to me as I could just run the contained commands, why would I need a .desktop file in the first place?

.desktop gnome-shell

1 Answers

  1. Best Answer

    Put all the .desktop launchers in your ~/.local/share/applications directory (note that ~/ corresponds to your home directory).

    Then the associated applications will appear in your "Show Applications" list and you'll be able to launch them, if not then you should re-login or reboot (or simply restart GNOME shell by pressing Alt+F2 and then typing r and pressing Enter).

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