How to use the Ubuntu Logo as your app launcher icon in Ubuntu 18.04

Introduction

In the world of Linux, Ubuntu stands out as one of the most popular distributions, particularly for desktop users. Known for its user-friendliness and robust performance, Ubuntu allows for extensive customization, including the ability to personalize app launcher icons. One of the most recognizable symbols in the Ubuntu ecosystem is the Ubuntu logo, which can serve as a fantastic app launcher icon for your applications. In this article, we will guide you through the process of using the Ubuntu logo as your app launcher icon in Ubuntu 18.04, ensuring you achieve a seamless and visually appealing experience.

Understanding App Launcher Icons

What are App Launcher Icons?

App launcher icons are graphical representations of applications that allow users to quickly access software on their systems. These icons play a vital role in enhancing the user interface, making it intuitive and aesthetically pleasing. A visually appealing app launcher icon can elevate the user experience, leading to easier navigation and quicker access to your favorite applications.

Why Use the Ubuntu Logo?

The Ubuntu logo is not just aesthetically pleasing; it symbolizes community, openness, and freedom — values that are deeply embedded in the Linux movement. Using the Ubuntu logo as your app launcher icon accentuates your commitment to these principles. Plus, it adds a touch of uniqueness and brand identity to your applications, creating an environment that resonates with fellow Ubuntu users.

Preparing to Customize Your App Icon

Before we dive into the steps to customize your app icon to the Ubuntu logo, it is crucial to prepare adequately. This preparation involves finding the logo image and ensuring it meets the specifications required for an app launcher icon.

Sourcing the Ubuntu Logo

A quick Google search can lead you to various sources where you can download the Ubuntu logo. However, for the best quality, you should aim to download the logo directly from the official Ubuntu brand guidelines website. Here are some steps to help you find and download the logo:

1. Visit the Official Ubuntu Brand Guidelines: Go to the Ubuntu Trademark page, where you can find high-quality images of the logo.

2. Choose the Right Format: The ideal formats for app launcher icons are PNG and SVG. While SVG is scalable without losing quality, PNG is widely supported and commonly used for desktop icons.

3. Download the Logo: Save the logo to your computer. Make sure you download a version that is transparent and does not have a background, which will make it blend easily with any theme you are using.

Resizing the Logo

Once you have the logo downloaded, you might need to resize it to fit your application’s specifications. Most app icons are typically 48×48 pixels, although higher resolutions like 128×128 or 256×256 pixels are also commonly used. To resize the image, you can use image editing software like GIMP or an online image resizer.

1. Open the Image in GIMP: If you’re using GIMP, open the downloaded logo file.

2. Resize the Image: Navigate to the Image menu, select Scale Image, and input your desired dimensions, ensuring to maintain the aspect ratio.

3. Export the Image: Once resized, export the image as a PNG file to keep the transparency intact.

Changing the App Launcher Icon

Now that you have prepared your Ubuntu logo file, it’s time to apply the new icon to your application. The following steps will guide you through the process.

Locate Your Application’s .desktop File

The .desktop file is a shortcut file that holds the configuration for your application, including its icon. Here’s how to locate it:

1. Access the .desktop File: Most .desktop files are located in the /usr/share/applications directory for system-wide applications or in the ~/.local/share/applications directory for user-installed applications.

2. Find Your Specific Application: Use the terminal command ls /usr/share/applications or navigate through the file manager to locate your application’s .desktop file. The file name usually corresponds to the app you wish to change. For example, for Firefox, look for firefox.desktop.

Editing the .desktop File

Once you’ve located the .desktop file, you’ll need to edit it to set the new icon. Here’s how:

1. Open the Terminal: Open a terminal window by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.

2. Use a Text Editor: You can use any text editor to open the .desktop file. For example, to open it with gedit, type the following command:
   bash
   gedit /usr/share/applications/firefox.desktop

3. Find the Icon Entry: In the .desktop file, look for the line that starts with Icon=. This line specifies the current icon being used.

4. Change the Icon Path: Replace the existing path with the path to your new Ubuntu logo file. For example:
   plaintext
   Icon=/path/to/your/ubuntu-logo.png

5. Save Your Changes: After editing, save the file and close the text editor.

Refresh the application launcher

To see the change take effect, you may need to refresh the application launcher:

1. Log Out and Log Back In: Logging out of your session and logging back in usually refreshes the application icons.

2. Restart Unity: You can also restart the Unity interface by pressing Alt + F2, then typing unity and hitting Enter.

Additional Customization Options

Beyond just changing the app launcher icon, Ubuntu allows further customization to enhance the look and feel of your desktop environment.

Themes and Icon Packs

Consider exploring custom themes and icon packs. Programs like GNOME Tweaks let you switch between various themes and icon packs, allowing for a more personalized environment.

• Installing GNOME Tweaks:
  bash
  sudo apt install gnome-tweaks

• How to Use GNOME Tweaks: After installation, launch gnome-tweaks and navigate to the Appearance section. Here, you can change the icons and overall desktop theme.

Shortcuts and Launchers

To improve your workflow, creating shortcuts for frequently used applications can simplify your routine. You can create keyboard shortcuts within the system settings to enable one-click access to specific applications.

Conclusion

Customizing your app launcher icon to feature the Ubuntu logo is a straightforward yet meaningful way to personalize your Ubuntu desktop. Not only does it enhance visual appeal, but it also reinforces your connection to the Ubuntu community and its ideals. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily replace the app icon, making your desktop more aligned with your personal or professional branding.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use other logos as app launcher icons?
Absolutely! You can use any image or logo that meets the specifications needed for a desktop icon. Make sure it’s high quality and preferably in PNG format for best results.

Q2: What if I can’t find my application’s .desktop file?
If you’re having trouble locating the .desktop file, try searching for it using the command locate application-name.desktop in the terminal. Ensure you replace application-name with the actual name of the application you’re looking for.

Q3: Will the icon change affect all users on the system?
If you edit the .desktop file located in /usr/share/applications, it will affect all users on that system. If you use the one in ~/.local/share/applications, only your user account will see the changes.

Q4: How do I revert the changes if I don’t like the new icon?
To revert the changes, simply re-open the .desktop file and change the Icon= line back to its original state. If you forget the original icon path, reinstalling the application can restore the default settings.

Q5: Can I use icons from other operating systems?
While it is possible to use icons from other operating systems, ensure that they are in the correct format and dimensions for compatibility. Always consider copyright and licensing issues when using third-party icons.