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54keesh/linux-create-desktop-shortcut.txt

Last active September 9, 2025 10:00
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Script to create desktop icons from standalone app images
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linux-create-desktop-shortcut.txt
!# /bin/bash
cp app.AppImage ~/Applications/app.appimage
// following is the .desktop file to be placed in ~/.local/share/applications/
/** app.desktop **/
[Desktop Entry]
Name=file name
Exec=/home/username/Applications/app.appimage
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Icon=icon
// here hicolor is icon theme
// Afterwards place an icon of app in ~/local/share/icons/hicolor/64x64/apps/icon.png
// or simply add icon path directly in Icon
After that run following command
#! /bin/bash
update-desktop-database ~/.local/share/applications
@54keesh
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54keesh commented Sep 9, 2025 •
edited
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Currently in ubuntu 22.04

IMPORTANT

A desktop icon wont be created if Exec key has invalid file path that doesnt exist. Under the hood it validates that.

No need to run update-desktop-database as soon as the file is copied in the respective directory itll be shown afterwards on desktop

@54keesh
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54keesh commented Sep 9, 2025 •
edited
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desktop-file-install file.desktop command adds a given .desktop file to /usr/share/applications and will be consequently shown in start menu as well.

Above command validates the .desktop file and afterwards automatically runs update-desktop-database

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