.desktop

Freedesktop.org Desktop Entry File

File Extension Details

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What is a .desktop file?

The .desktop file format is a configuration file standard defined by the Freedesktop.org Desktop Entry Specification. These files are crucial components of Linux and Unix-like desktop environments (such as GNOME, KDE Plasma, XFCE, and others) used to define application launchers, menu entries, and specific desktop actions. A .desktop file is a plain text file structured using the INI format, containing key-value pairs organized under sections, most importantly the '[Desktop Entry]' section. Essential fields include 'Type' (specifying if it's an Application, Link, or Directory), 'Name' (the human-readable title), 'Exec' (the command line to execute the application), 'Icon' (the path or name of the icon file), and 'Categories' (determining where the application appears in the system menu). These files allow the desktop environment to integrate applications seamlessly, providing necessary metadata for display and execution, and are typically stored in system directories like /usr/share/applications/ or user-specific directories like ~/.local/share/applications/.

.desktop File

Freedesktop.org Desktop Entry File

Compatible Software Alternatives
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Software Compatibility

Programs that can open and work with .desktop files

Windows

Compatible Applications

Notepad++
Compatible
Visual Studio Code
Compatible
Sublime Text
Compatible

macOS

Compatible Applications

TextEdit
Compatible
BBEdit
Compatible
Visual Studio Code
Compatible

Linux

Compatible Applications

GNOME Desktop Environment (Native Handler)
Compatible
KDE Plasma (Native Handler)
Compatible
Gedit
Compatible
Vim
Compatible
Nano
Compatible

Mobile

Mobile Applications

Any plain text editor app
Compatible

Alternative File Formats

Similar formats you might consider

.lnk
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Alternative format for .desktop files
.url
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Alternative format for .desktop files
.appref-ms
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Alternative format for .desktop files
.plist
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Alternative format for .desktop files

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Frequently Asked Questions

About .desktop files

To open a .desktop file, you need compatible software. Here are some options:

  • Notepad++
  • Visual Studio Code
  • TextEdit
  • GNOME Desktop Environment (Native Handler)
  • Any plain text editor app

Check the 'Software Compatibility' section above for a complete list of programs that can open .desktop files on different operating systems.

To convert a .desktop file to another format, you can:

  1. Use compatible software Many programs that open .desktop files also allow you to save or export them to different formats. For example, you might try using Notepad++ , TextEdit. ...
  2. Try online conversion services: Websites like Zamzar, CloudConvert, or Online-Convert allow you to convert files between different formats without installing software.
  3. Convert to recommended alternatives: For .desktop files, consider converting them to .lnk, .url, .appref-ms which may be better supported by various applications.
  4. Specialized conversion tools: Search for '.desktop converter' to find tools specifically designed for this file type.

Note: File conversion may result in loss of formatting, quality, or features depending on format compatibility.

If you're having trouble opening a .desktop file, try these troubleshooting steps:

  1. Verify the file extension is correct: Sometimes files are incorrectly named. Make sure the file is actually a .desktop file.
  2. Update your software: Ensure you're using the latest version of your chosen program.
  3. Try alternative software: If one program doesn't work, try another from our compatibility list.
  4. Check for file corruption: The file might be damaged. Try getting a fresh copy if possible.
  5. Look for file converters: Converting to a more common format might be helpful.

Like any file type, .desktop files can be safe or potentially risky depending on their source:

  • From trusted sources: Files from reputable websites, colleagues, or friends are generally safe.
  • From unknown sources: Exercise caution with files from unknown websites or emails.

Security Recommendations:

  • Always scan files with antivirus software before opening
  • Keep your operating system and applications updated.
  • Be especially cautious with executable file types

Common issues with .desktop files include:

  • Compatibility Issues: Older or newer software versions may not fully support certain .desktop files
  • Missing Components: Fonts, media, or other components may not transfer properly between systems.
  • File Corruption: Incomplete downloads or transfer errors can damage files.
  • Format Variations: Different software may implement the .desktop format in slightly different ways.

If you encounter issues with a specific .desktop file, you may need to:

  • Try opening it with different software.
  • Ask the file creator to save it in a different format
  • Look for software-specific patches or updates.

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