Understanding the Linux Mint Desktop Environment
Linux Mint is unique because it offers environments, primarily Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce. As of 2026, Cinnamon remains the flagship and most popular choice, this guide will focus on Cinnamon However, the principles apply across all environments with slight variations. The key concept to understand is that Linux Mint does not use the same shortcut system as Windows (.lnk files) or macOS (.app bundles Instead, it uses .desktop files, which are plain text files that contain all the instructions for launching an application.
A .desktop file is essentially a configuration file that tells the system what icon to show, what command to run, and what name to display. These files are stored in specific directories, but you can place a copy on your desktop for quick access. The system treats any .desktop file placed on the Desktop folder as a shortcut. This is a powerful and flexible system, but it requires a bit of manual setup the first time. Once you understand the structure, you can create shortcuts for anything, from Firefox to a custom Python script.
The most common mistake new users make is trying to drag an application from the menu to the desktop. In many Linux distributions, this does not work by default. Instead, you need to either create a new launcher file from scratch or copy an existing one from the system's application directory. Do not worry; this is simpler than it sounds. In the next section, we will cover the easiest method that works for almost every application installed on your system.
Method 1: The Right-Click Launcher (Easiest for Beginners)
Key Takeaways
- ✓ The easiest method for beginners is to right-click the desktop and select "Create a new launcher here," then in the and command.
- ✓ The most reliable method is to copy a .desktop file from /usr/share/applications/ to your desktop and mark it as executable.
- ✓ For folders and files, use the commands "nemo /path" for folders and "xdg-open /path" for files to create functional shortcuts.
- ✓ Always set the "Allow executing file as program" permission in the Properties window to remove the untrusted launcher warning.
- ✓ For custom scripts, ensure the script is executable (chmod +x) and provide the full path in the launcher's command field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I just drag an application from the menu to the desktop?
Linux Mint's Cinnamon desktop does not support drag-and-drop from the menu to the by default. This is a design choice to prevent clutter. Instead, you must use the right-clickCreate Launcher" method or copy the .desktop file from the system directory. Some third-party applets can enable this feature, the native are more reliable.
My shortcut shows a generic gear icon instead of the application logo. How do I fix this?
This usually happens when the .desktop file cannot find the icon path. Right-click the shortcut, select Properties, and click on the icon in the top-left corner. Browse to /usr/share/icons/ or /usr/share/pixmaps/ to find the correct icon file. Alternatively, if you copied a system .desktop file, ensure the "Icon=" line in the points to a valid path. You can also use a custom PNG or SVG image from your own folders.
: Can I create a desktop shortcut that opens a website in my browser?
Yes, absolutely. Create a new launcher on the desktop. In the "Name" field, the website name. In the "Command" field, type "xdg-open https://www.example.com" or simply "firefox https://www.example.com" if you want to force a specific browser. You can also download a favicon from the website and set it as the launcher's icon for a professional look.
I created a shortcut, but when I double-click it, it opens in a text editor of running. What is wrong?
This means thedesktop file is not marked as executable. Right-click shortcut, to Properties, the Permissions tab, and check the box that says "Allow executing file as program." If the option is missing, the file might be on a filesystem that does not support execute permissions, such as an NTFS drive. Move the shortcut to your main home directory desktop.
How do I remove a desktop shortcut in Linux Mint?
Removing a shortcut is as simple as deleting any other file. Right-click the shortcut icon on your desktop and select "Move to Trash" or "Delete." Alternatively, you can drag it to the trash bin icon in your panel. This only removes the shortcut; it does not uninstall the application or delete the original file. The system .desktop file in /usr/share/applications/ remains untouched.
Nathaniel Foster is an electronics expert focusing on consumer gadgets, smart devices, and innovative technology. He delivers practical reviews, buying guides, and troubleshooting tips to help readers make informed decisions and get the most out of their electronic products.
