How to Add Desktop Icons in Ubuntu Linux
This guide explains how to add application icons to your desktop in Ubuntu Linux as of 2026.
To add desktop icons in Ubuntu, find the application’s .desktop file in /usr/share/applications or /var/lib/snapd/desktop/applications. Copy this file to your Desktop folder and then right-click the new icon and select “Allow Launching.
Introduction
You can add desktop icons in Ubuntu to quickly open your favorite apps right from your desktop, even though pinning apps to the dock is more common now.
Copying .desktop files
To add desktop icons in Ubuntu, you’ll typically copy the program’s .desktop file, which tells the system how to launch it, from special folders.
- /usr/share/applications (for standard apps)
- /var/lib/snapd/desktop/applications (for Snap apps)
To add an icon, you can use the ‘Show Applications’ menu. You can often drag an icon directly to the desktop. If that does not work, use the DING extension’s “Add to Desktop” feature if it is available. Otherwise, open your Files or File Manager to manually copy the file from the folders listed above into your “Desktop” folder.
To copy the file, click it once, then right-click and choose Copy, or press Ctrl+C.
Go to your Home directory and open the Desktop folder.
Right-click in the folder and select Paste, or press Ctrl+V.
Allow Launching
After copying a file to your desktop in Ubuntu, you must right-click it and select ‘Allow Launching’ to make it runnable.
Your icon is now ready to use.
Conclusion
While pinning apps to the dock is the standard way to work in 2026, adding desktop icons is still possible. By using the DING extension and the “Allow Launching” security feature, you can keep your favorite tools exactly where you want them.
How to add desktop icon in Linux?
You can add a desktop icon in Linux by finding the program you want in your applications menu and dragging its icon directly to your desktop.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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