Question

19

Desktop launcher documentation?

rated 0 times [ 19] [ 0] / answers: 1 / hits: 22259 / 2 Years ago, wed, may 25, 2022, 3:26:44

Possible Duplicate:

What is the syntax for .desktop files?

How do I add a custom launcher?

I prefer to create new desktop launchers (.desktop files) using just a text editor, for example to create an iotop launcher I write:

[Desktop Entry]

Name=iotop

Exec=gksudo "gnome-terminal -x iotop"

Type=Application

But I haven't found any documentation on the format. Can someone give me a link to the format specification?

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whipstder

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3 Years ago

answered 2 Years ago iedncommon · Accepted Answer

The .desktop file specification is here:
http://standards.freedesktop.org/desktop-entry-spec/latest/

An example .desktop file would be:

[Desktop Entry]

Version=1.0

Type=Application

Name=Foo Viewer

Comment=The best viewer for Foo objects available!

TryExec=fooview

Exec=fooview %F

Icon=fooview

MimeType=image/x-foo;

NotShowIn=KDE;

A .desktop file can have translations integrated, by specifying the language:

Name=Foo Viewer

Name[en_GB]=Foo Viewer

Name[el_GR]=Φου Βιούερ

If you want to add unity submenus to unity panel icon, then you can create a desktop file. An example from http://maketecheasier.com/8-really-useful-ubuntu-unity-quicklists/2011/05/07

First copy the original .desktop file and open it with your favourite text editor:

cp /usr/share/applications/firefox.desktop ~/.local/share/applications

gedit ~/.local/share/applications/firefox.desktop

Then edit the file:

[Desktop Entry]

Version=1.0

Name=Firefox Web Browser

GenericName=Web Browser

Exec=firefox %u

Terminal=false

X-MultipleArgs=false

Type=Application

Icon=firefox

Categories=GNOME;GTK;Network;WebBrowser;

MimeType=text/html;text/xml;application/xhtml+xml;application/xml;application/vnd.mozilla.xul+xml;application/rss+xml;application/rdf+xml;image/gif;image/jpeg;image/png;x-scheme-handler/http;x-scheme-handler/https;x-scheme-handler/ftp;x-scheme-handler/chrome;video/webm;

StartupWMClass=Firefox

StartupNotify=true

X-Ayatana-Desktop-Shortcuts=NewWindow;Private;Safe;ProfileManager;MakeTechEasier



Name[en_US]=Firefox Web Browser



[NewWindow Shortcut Group]

Name=Open a New Window

Exec=firefox -new-window

TargetEnvironment=Unity



[Private Shortcut Group]

Name=Private Mode

Exec=firefox -private-toggle

TargetEnvironment=Unity



[Safe Shortcut Group]

Name=Safe Mode

Exec=firefox -safe-mode

TargetEnvironment=Unity



[ProfileManager Shortcut Group]

Name=Start Profile Manager

Exec=firefox -ProfileManager

TargetEnvironment=Unity

Now run nautilus ~/.local/share/applications/ and drag-and-drop your newly-created "Firefox" unity desktop file in the unity bar.