Launchers

A launcher is an object that performs a specific action when you open it.

You can find launchers in panels, in the panel menubar, and on the desktop. A launcher is represented by an icon in all of these locations. You might use a launcher to perform any of the following actions:

• Start an application

• Execute a command

• Open a folder

• Open a web browser at a particular page on the web

• Open special Uniform Resource Identifiers (URIs). The Oracle Solaris Desktop provides special URIs that enable you to access particular functions from the file manager.

You can modify the properties of a launcher. For example, the properties of a launcher include the name of the launcher, the icon that represents the launcher, and how the launcher runs. For more information about modifying a launcher, see Modifying a Launcher.

Adding a Launcher to a Panel

You can add a launcher to a panel from any one of the following options:

• Pop-up menu

• Menu

• File manager

How to Add a Launcher to a Panel From the Panel Pop-up Menu

1. Right-click any vacant space on the panel, then choose add to panel.

   The add to panel dialog is displayed.

2. Add a new launcher or an existing launcher
   • To add a new launcher:
     1. Select custom application launcher from the list.

        The create launcher dialog is displayed.

     2. Provide the information about the launcher and click ok.
   • To add an existing launcher:
     1. Select application launcher from the list.
     2. Choose the launcher from the list of menu items.

How to Add a Launcher to a Panel From a Menu

1. Open a menu that contains the launcher and drag the launcher to the panel.
2. Right-click the title of the launcher and choose Add this launcher to panel.

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   Note - This method will work only if the launcher is on a submenu of the menu that is opened.

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How to Add a Launcher to a Panel From the File Manager

1. Browse the file manager and select the .desktop file for the launcher in your file system.
2. Drag the .desktop file to the panel.

Modifying a Launcher

The desktop enables you to modify the launcher properties.

How to Modify the Launcher Properties

1. Right-click the launcher to open the panel object pop-up menu.
2. Choose Properties.

   Use the Launcher Properties dialog to modify the properties as required. For more information, see Launcher Properties.

3. Click Close to close the dialog.

Launcher Properties

The following table describes the properties that you can set when you create or edit a launcher.

Launcher Commands and Locations

If you choose Application or Application in Terminal from the Type drop-down list in the Launcher Properties dialog, the Command text box displays the related launch command. The following table shows some sample commands and their actions.

If you choose Location from the Type drop-down list in the Launcher Properties dialog, the Location text box displays the related location for the launcher. The following table shows some sample locations and their actions.