How to Add Apps to Desktop in Ubuntu

In this guide, I will provide two ways to add an application shortcut to the desktop in Ubuntu. To be specific, we will discuss how to execute this task through the Ubuntu file manager.

This guide also teaches how to add an app shortcut to the Ubuntu desktop with the aid of a Gnome shell extension.

Moreover, I will include an FAQ section in this guide. That section will offer answers to some of the questions people mostly ask related to this guide’s topic.

Before we proceed, you should know that the procedures in this guide are demonstrated using the Ubuntu 22.04 LTS operating system. Therefore, some of the steps may be slightly different compared to other versions of the Ubuntu Linux-based operating system.

Add Apps to Desktop in Ubuntu Via File Manager

Unlike the Windows operating system, you cannot easily drag and drop an application to your Ubuntu desktop to create a shortcut. However, one way to add an application shortcut to the Ubuntu desktop is via the file manager.

The following procedures will demonstrate how to accomplish that.

1. Click the Show applications button on the Ubuntu dock. Then, input “files” in the search field and select the Files icon from the search result.

2. When the file manager opens, click Other Locations among the options on the left pane.

3. Then, navigate to the following location.

Computer > usr > share > applications

4. After that, right-click the name of the application you wish to add to your Ubuntu desktop. Then, select Copy to… from the options that appear.

5. Now, select Home on the left pane of the Ubuntu file manager.

6. Thereafter, left-click Desktop and click the green Select button at the top right corner of the file manager.

7. Consequently, the application’s shortcut should be moved to your Ubuntu desktop, but it won’t be functional. Hence, to make it functional, right-click the shortcut on your desktop and select Allow Launching.

Send Applications to Desktop in Ubuntu Using a Gnome Shell Extension

Interestingly, there is a Gnome shell extension in Ubuntu that makes adding an application to the desktop easier. With this extension, you can easily right-click an application’s icon and select “Add to Desktop.”

As a matter of fact, this extension is literally called Add to Desktop. However, you can only install this extension through the Gnome shell extension manager.

Hence, the first sub-section below will demonstrate how to install the Gnome shell extension manager on your Ubuntu PC. Then, you will learn how to install the Add to Desktop extension through the Gnome shell extension manager and use it.

How to Install Gnome Shell Extension Manager in Ubuntu

If the Gnome shell extension manager is already installed on your Ubuntu computer, move on to the next sub-section.

1. Right-click any free area on your Ubuntu desktop and select Open in Terminal. Alternatively, you can use the Ctrl + Alt + T keyboard shortcut to open the terminal in Ubuntu.

2. In the Ubuntu terminal, run the command below to update your software repository. However, before the command is executed, you will be prompted to input your password – do that and press the enter key.

sudo apt update

While inputting your computer’s password, the character won’t be visible.

2. After updating your software repository, execute the command below to install the Gnome shell extension manager on your Ubuntu computer.

sudo apt install gnome-shell-extension-manager

3. Afterward, you should receive a couple of info about the installation. Then, you will be asked if you want to continue with the installation – type “y” and press the enter key to continue.

4. Consequently, the extension manager should begin to install on your computer.

How to Install and Use the “Add to Desktop” Extension

1. On the Ubuntu dock, click the Show Applications button. Next, type “extension manager” in the search field, then select the Extension Manager icon from the search result.

2. When the Gnome shell extension manager opens, switch to the Browse tab.

3. Now, input “add to desktop” in the search field. Then, click the Install button opposite the Add to Desktop extension from the search result.

4. After doing that, you will receive a prompt confirming if you want to download and install the extension. Hence, click the Install button in the prompt.

5. After installing the extension, you will see an Add to Desktop option anytime you right-click an app on the Show Applications menu. This option will allow you to easily send an application directly to the Ubuntu desktop.

Frequently Asked Questions

My Final Thoughts

Adding an app shortcut to your Ubuntu desktop makes it easier for you to access the application. However, adding apps to the desktop in Ubuntu is not as straightforward as on the Windows operating system.

Nonetheless, this guide provided two methods with step-by-step procedures to place an application’s shortcut on the Ubuntu desktop. Specifically, we discussed how to carry out this task through the Ubuntu file manager.

This guide also featured a method that included adding apps to the Ubuntu desktop using a Gnome shell extension.

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You may also ask questions or make comments regarding this guide at Itechguides Community Forum. If you do, you should receive a response from our forum staff or other community members as soon as possible.

Lastly, visit our Linux how-to page to find other helpful Ubuntu Linux guides.

References and Further Reading

1. ubuntuhandbook.org – How to Add Application Shortcut to Desktop in Ubuntu 20.04 | Ubuntu 22.04
2. Itechguides Community Forum