How To Create App Shortcuts On Mac Desktop

There are several ways to launch apps on Macs. Most users prefer clicking app icons on the dock or using the Spotlight Search to launch apps.

In addition to the method mentioned above, a small section of users like to have their favorite app icons on the desktop (some people like to call it Home screen) to quickly launch them without using search or the dock.

Just like the Windows operating system, macOS also offers multiple ways to create app shortcuts on the desktop.

The following are the two easy ways to create an app shortcut icon on your Mac desktop.

Method 1 of 2

Create app shortcuts from the Applications folder on a Mac

Step 1: Open Finder by clicking its icon on the dock. If absent, launch the Spotlight search with the Command and Spacebar shortcut, type Finder, and then press the return key to open the Finder window.

Step 2: On the left pane of the Finder window, click Applications to navigate to the Applications folder, which shows all installed apps on your Mac.

Step 3: Find the app that you wish to add to the desktop. Drag and drop the app icon from the Applications folder to the desktop area to create a shortcut of it on the desktop. Simple as that!

You may now double-click the app icon on the desktop to launch it.

Method 2 of 2

Create an app alias from the Application folder and then drag it to the desktop to create an app shortcut on the desktop

Step 1: Open Finder using search or any other method.

Step 2: On the left pane, click Applications to open the Applications folder, which shows all installed apps.

Step 3: Locate the app that you wish to add to the desktop. Right-click the app icon and then click the Make alias option to create a shortcut of the app in the Applications folder.

Step 4: Finally, drag and drop the newly created shortcut icon (alias) from the Applications folder to the desktop area to create a shortcut of it on the desktop. That’s it!

You may double-click the app icon on the desktop to launch it.

Our how to backup iPhone to Mac using Finder guide might also interest you.