o7planning

Create a Launcher (Shortcut) for a program in Ubuntu

  1. Create a Shortcut with Gnome-Panel
It is very simple to create a Shortcut for a program on Windows. You need only to "Copy" a file or folder which needs to be created a Shortcut, and then "Paste As Shortcut" to a certain location (folder). On Ubuntu, it will take you a bit more time. Basically, there are 2 ways to create a Shortcut for a program:
  • Use Gnome-Panel, a tool which help you to create a Shortcut.
  • Use a command to create Shortcut.

1. Create a Shortcut with Gnome-Panel

First of all, you need to install the Gnome-Panel tool. Open the Terminal and execute the following command:
sudo apt-get install --no-install-recommends gnome-panel
Next, execute the following command to open the Gnome-Panel window:
gnome-desktop-item-edit --create-new ~/Desktop
OK, the Gnome-Panel window has been displayed.
Now, I will create a Shortcut for a certain program, for example Eclipse.
A file named "eclipse.desktop" has been created on the Desktop.
Double click on the created file to run it. A window opened asks you to confirm your action.
At the moment, the Shortcut file will change its icon like below: