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How to Change Icon Position on Ubuntu Desktop

Richard
Written by
Richard
Jan 9, 2023 Updated Aug 13, 2026 2 min read
How to Change Default Apps in Ubuntu
How to Change Default Apps in Ubuntu

Ubuntu desktop icon position settings control where new files, folders, and app shortcuts land on your screen. You can set new items to appear in any of the four screen corners, such as the top-left or bottom-right, instead of letting them pile up randomly.

This quick adjustment takes effect right away to keep your workspace tidy. You can change the layout in just a few clicks using the desktop settings menu.

⚡ Quick Answer

Open Settings , navigate to Extensions, and select the Desktop Icons extension. Under Desktop Icons settings, choose your preferred position from Top Left, Top Right, Bottom Left, or Bottom Right to change where new icons appear.

Choose a new icon position on Ubuntu Linux

You can change the Ubuntu desktop icon position by opening System Settings and finding the icon settings panel. Ubuntu keeps most of its settings in one central place, making it possible to adjust how your icons appear on the screen. This guide shows you exactly where to look to move your icons around.

Ubuntu keeps most settings in one place. To open System Settings, click the Show Applications grid and start typing “Settings”.

ubuntu linux activities overview search box
ubuntu Linux activities overview search box

Alternatively, click the System menu at the top-right corner of your screen and select Settings.

ubuntu linux system menu settings button
Ubuntu Linux system menu settings button

In the Settings app, open the Extensions app. You can also click the gear icon for the “Desktop Icons” extension, found in the Extensions manager.

ubuntu linux desktop settings pane
Ubuntu Linux desktop settings pane

Under the Desktop Icons settings, look for the position options. Select your preferred spot for new icons:

  • Top Left
  • Top Right
  • Bottom Left
  • Bottom Right
Ubuntu Linux position of new icons selection
Ubuntu Linux position of new icons selection

The changes apply as soon as you click your choice. Next, let's explore how to add application icons to your desktop.

ubuntu linux desktop with icons
ubuntu Linux desktop with icons

How to add application icons on the desktop on Ubuntu Linux

Adding application icons to your Ubuntu desktop provides a way to launch your favorite programs faster. After you have the application file, right-click it and select 'Allow Launching'. This action makes the application file appear as a proper shortcut and ensures it works correctly, granting you quick access to your apps.

⚠️Warning
Right-click the file and select "Allow Launching." This ensures the icon renders correctly and looks like a real application shortcut.

That is all it takes! You can learn more about managing your desktop here: How to add application icons on the desktop on Ubuntu Linux..

Conclusion

Setting your icon position is a quick way to clean up your Ubuntu desktop. You can pick any of the four corners to keep your files neat. Using the "Allow Launching" feature also keeps your favorite apps just one click away.

How to arrange desktop icons in Ubuntu?

And you can actually sort it differently. So. This is actually very convenient for me and let's just say you create a new document uh just name it uh.

Where to store icons in Ubuntu?

User-specific application and settings icons are found in the ~/.icons/ or ~/.local/share/icons/ directories. This is where user-specific customizations, including manually installed icon themes, are located.

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Richard

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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