Add 'Create launcher' to Nautilus context menu (without `gnome-desktop-item-edit`)

Question

The idea is to be able to create a shortcut from context menu in order to access an application or even an internet link.

The gnome-desktop-item-edit (as indicated here) depends on the gnome-panel package that is not available on all systems.

Is there another way?

Answer 1

Create a new template file for a launcher

As indicated here, the ~/Templates folder can be used to add new options under the context menu 'New document'.

So:

gedit ~/Templates/New Launcher.desktop

with this content:

[Desktop Entry]
Type=Application
Name=
Icon=
Categories=System;Settings;
Exec=
Terminal=false

Open it as text, fill the different lines as desired and save. For an internet link, write something like Exec=firefox <your link>.

Then, double click it and select "Trust and launch" to see the proper name.

Answer 2

How to Install gnome-desktop-item-edit

1. Download deb package for your architecture at https://packages.debian.org/jessie/gnome-panel
2. Extract package...
3. cd gnome-panel_3.8.1-7+b1_amd64/usr/bin
4. sudo cp gnome-desktop-item-edit /usr/bin/
5. Done.