How to Create a Keyboard Shortcut to Open an Application in Linux?

Creating custom keyboard shortcuts in Linux allows you to launch your favorite applications instantly, significantly boosting your productivity and streamlining your workflow. This process is generally straightforward and can be configured through your desktop environment's system settings.

General Steps to Create Custom Keyboard Shortcuts

While the exact menu names might vary slightly between different Linux desktop environments (like GNOME, KDE Plasma, XFCE, Cinnamon, MATE), the core principle remains consistent.

1. Accessing Keyboard Settings

Most desktop environments provide a centralized location for managing system settings.

Open your system's "Settings" application. You can usually find this in your applications menu or by clicking on the system tray icons (e.g., Wi-Fi, battery, volume).
Within the Settings window, locate and select the "Keyboard" or "Keyboard Shortcuts" section.

2. Adding a New Custom Shortcut

Once you are in the keyboard settings, you'll typically find an area dedicated to custom shortcuts.

Look for a section titled "Custom Shortcuts," "Application Shortcuts," or similar.
Click on the + (plus) symbol or an "Add" button to create a new shortcut.
You will be prompted to enter two key pieces of information:
- Name: A descriptive name for your shortcut (e.g., "Launch Firefox," "Open Terminal"). This helps you identify it later.
- Command: The actual executable command that runs the application. This is crucial for the shortcut to work correctly.
After entering the Name and Command, you'll be asked to assign a Key Combination. Click on the field and press the key sequence you wish to use (e.g., Ctrl+Alt+F, Super+T). Choose a combination that is easy to remember but doesn't conflict with existing system shortcuts.

Example for GNOME-based Desktops

For users on GNOME or similar desktop environments (like Ubuntu's default or Fedora), the process typically follows these steps:

Press the Super key (often the Windows key on your keyboard) and start typing "keyboard".
From the search results, select "Keyboard" to open the keyboard settings.
Scroll down to the very bottom of the window to find the "Custom Shortcuts" section.
Click the + symbol to add a new custom shortcut.
In the "Name" field, type a clear name for your shortcut (e.g., "Launch Firefox").
In the "Command" edit box, enter the executable command for the application (e.g., firefox).
Click "Set Shortcut" or the similar prompt, then press your desired key combination (e.g., Super+F). The shortcut will be instantly active.

Handling Applications Installed via Wine

Applications installed through Wine, which allows running Windows software on Linux, can also be launched with custom keyboard shortcuts. The command for these applications will typically involve the wine executable followed by the path to the Windows .exe file.

Example Command: wine "/home/your_username/.wine/drive_c/Program Files/MyWindowsApp/app.exe"
Alternatively, you might use: wine explorer /desktop=MyWindowsApp,1024x768 "/home/your_username/.wine/drive_c/Program Files/MyWindowsApp/app.exe" to run it in a virtual desktop.

Remember to adjust the path to where your Wine application is actually installed.

Finding the Correct Command for an Application

The most critical part of creating a shortcut is knowing the exact command that launches the application.

For common applications: Most popular applications have simple commands that match their name (e.g., firefox, chrome, gnome-terminal, code for VS Code).
Using which in the terminal: Open your terminal and type which <application_name> (e.g., which firefox). If the application is in your system's PATH, it will return the full path to its executable (e.g., /usr/bin/firefox).
Checking .desktop files: Applications in Linux often have .desktop files that define how they appear in menus and how they are launched. These files are typically found in:
- /usr/share/applications/ (for system-wide applications)
- ~/.local/share/applications/ (for user-installed applications)
  Open the relevant .desktop file with a text editor and look for the line starting with Exec=. The value after Exec= is the command you need.
Direct Path: If an application isn't found using which (e.g., a portable app or one installed outside standard paths), you might need to specify its full path (e.g., /opt/spotify/spotify).

Practical Examples of Custom Shortcuts

Here's a table illustrating some common applications, their commands, and suggested key combinations:

Application	Command	Suggested Shortcut	Description
Firefox Browser	`firefox`	`Super+F`	Quickly launch your web browser.
Terminal Emulator	`gnome-terminal`	`Ctrl+Alt+T`	Open a new terminal window. (Use `konsole`, `xfce4-terminal`, etc., for other DEs)
Calculator	`gnome-calculator`	`Super+C`	Open the system calculator. (Use `kcalc` for KDE)
Visual Studio Code	`code`	`Super+V`	Launch the popular code editor.
File Manager	`nautilus`	`Super+E`	Open your file explorer. (Use `dolphin`, `thunar`, etc., for other DEs)
Screenshot Tool	`gnome-screenshot`	`PrtSc` or `Super+S`	Take a screenshot.

Tips for Managing Keyboard Shortcuts

Choose Unique Combinations: Avoid assigning shortcuts that are already used by your system or other applications to prevent conflicts.
Use Modifier Keys: Combine modifier keys like Ctrl, Alt, and Super (Windows key) with letters or function keys for easy-to-remember and less conflicting shortcuts.
Stay Organized: If you create many shortcuts, consider documenting them, especially if you use different combinations across multiple machines or desktop environments.

By following these steps, you can efficiently customize your Linux desktop experience to match your personal workflow.