How do I add an icon to an executable file

Question

I have several utility programs that I can run only by clicking on their "generic" executable file. How can I assign an icon to each of them for it to show in the Launcher? I am using Ubuntu 14.04 LTS. Thanks.

Solution 1

• Create a "Application_name.desktop" file using gedit or any other text editor with contents
  
  [Desktop Entry]
  Name=Application name
  Exec=path-to-executable
  Icon=path-to-icon
  Terminal=false
  Type=Application
  

• put it in ~/.local/share/applications

• For complete documentation checkout https://help.ubuntu.com/community/UnityLaunchersAndDesktopFiles

Solution 2

Follow steps here
Your question is disscused in this thread. Check the answer ! https://askubuntu.com/a/450847/270059

Comments

[WitchCraft]

or /usr/share/applications

[Deepam Gupta]

In my case (Ubuntu 20.04), I had to Suspend and then LogIn for changes to take effect. You can Restart too.