Using Launchers to Aid Productivity

Launchers are Ubuntu shortcuts for your Desktop. Here’s how to create them.

Being a shortcut kind of a guy, I add a couple of these to save wading through the applications menu.

They can be used to enact any command though: maybe to run a script, but basically to launch a process.

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For example, let’s say I want a launcher for Thunderbird, which generally I do. Navigate the menu:-

Applications > Internet > right click on Thunderbird > Add this launcher to panel

Simple.

How to Create a Custom Launcher

• Right click on the Desktop
• Click Create Launcher
• Change the Type
• Give it a Name
• Add the same Command you would use to start the process from a terminal shell, else browse for a place if you want a shortcut to somewhere
• Add a Comment if you like .. that pops up when you cursor over the Launcher’s icon
• Click OK

Now, if you want the Launcher on your top panel, rather than the Desktop, simply drag it there.

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