How to Change Icon Position on Ubuntu Desktop
Changing icon position on the Ubuntu desktop moves where new files and shortcuts appear. This helps you keep your workspace tidy.
Ubuntu lets you choose specific corners for new icons, like the top-left, top-right, bottom-left, or bottom-right. This simple tweak changes where items land by default.
Making this change means new downloads or documents appear exactly where you want them. The adjustment takes effect right away, improving your desktop organization instantly.
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”.
Alternatively, click the System menu at the top-right corner of your screen and select Settings.
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.
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
The changes apply as soon as you click your choice. Next, let’s explore how to add application icons to your desktop.
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.
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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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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