Want to get Windows-like app icons on Mac’s desktop? In this quick tutorial, we’ll show you how to create application shortcuts on your Mac’s desktop or folders.
If you landed on this page via a web search, you already know why you want to have macOS app icons on your desktop. But to give you some context, let me tell you why I use them for a few of my most-used apps.
The Mac’s Dock is great, but since I use a 13-inch MacBook, I always keep the Dock hidden to get more screen area for my apps. With a clever Terminal command, I have set it to turn off Dock animations so that it shows up and hides instantly when I bring my mouse pointer to the bottom of the screen. Still, there are times I just want my most-used apps to appear on the desktop. For me, it’s a tad bit faster and more convenient.
Similarly, if you have moved to a Mac from a Windows machine, having your apps on the desktop may give you that comfortable feeling you are accustomed to.
Add application icons to your Mac desktop or folder
1) Open the Applications folder and make sure it isn’t taking the whole screen.
2) Drag an application from here onto Mac’s desktop or another Finder folder to create its shortcut icon.
Slightly longer method
1) Go to the Applications folder.
2) Select an app and right-click on it. Choose Make Alias.
3) Drag the newly created shortcut to your Mac’s desktop.
4) You can also drag it to a folder like Downloads.
You can also use this method to create shortcuts for Downloads, Documents, and other Finder folders on your Mac’s desktop.
After you have dragged the shortcut icon, you may delete the shortcut created originally in the Applications folder (step 2). Please note that even if you don’t delete this alias, it won’t show the same app twice in the Launchpad. But you should delete it to keep the Applications folder tidy.
When you no longer need the app icon on your Mac’s desktop or another Finder folder, simply right-click on the shortcut icon and choose Move to Trash. This will just remove the alias and not the actual app.
Do more on your Mac: