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Directory Entry Files

A directory entry file is a data file that provides information about a menu. The directory entry file specifies the details for the menu such as a name, a tooltip, and an icon. Directory entry files have a .directory file extension.

Directory entry files must reside in the $XDG_DATA_DIRS/desktop-directories directory. If $XDG_DATA_DIRS is not set, then the default path is /usr/share is used. This also implies that user specific directory entries may be located at $XDG_DATA_HOME/desktop-directories which is searched first. If $XDG_DATA_HOME is not set, then the default path ~/.local/share is used. Directory entries are collected from all directories in the $XDG_DATA_DIRS environment variable. Directories which appear first in $XDG_DATA_DIRS are given precedence when there are several .directory files with the same name.

The following is a sample directory entry file:

[Desktop Entry]
Name=Graphics
Name[fr]=Graphisme
...
Comment=Graphics applications
Comment[fr]=Applications graphiques
...
Icon=gnome-graphics
Type=Directory
Encoding=UTF-8

Table 2.3, “Directory Entry Keys” describes the most important keys in directory entry files.

Table 2.3. Directory Entry Keys

Directory Entry Key

Description

Name

Specifies the name of the menu. This name is displayed on the menu.

Comment

Specifies a short description of the menu. The comment is displayed as a tooltip when you point to the menu.

Icon

Specifies the filename of an icon that represents the menu. Does not specify the path to the filename, or the file extension.

Type

Specifies the type of menu. The value of this key is always Directory.


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Desktop Entry Files
GNOME 2.14 Desktop System Administration Guide Next
Editing System Menus

 
 
  Published under the terms of the GNU General Public License Design by Interspire