How do I create a .desktop file for a .jar file?

Question

My problem is, that I do want to create a .desktop file for Technic Launcher, which is an alternative launcher for Minecraft. It comes in the form of a .jar file and I want to create a menu entry for it. How would I write such a .desktop file?

My attempt was the following:

[Desktop Entry]
Type=Application
Name=Technic Launcher
Comment=Minecraft Launcher for Technic Pack, Tekkit, Hack/Mine and Yogbox
Exec=/home/benjamin/Applications/Minecraft/TechnicLauchner/technic-launcher-latest.jar
Icon=/home/benjamin/Applications/Minecraft/TechnicLauchner/icon.png
Terminal=false
Categories=Game;ActionGame;AdventureGame;RolePlaying;

This didn't work, hence my question. What did I do wrong? Is it even possible to point to a .jar file?

Answer 1

You can make it manualy, or using Alacarte. Here's the way:

1: Install Alacarte

It will install some Gnome dependencies. Nothing to worry about.

2: Create a new entry

In the command entry, click browse and select your .jar file.

• You may need to add /usr/bin/java -jar to the start of the Command, so that it looks like /usr/bin/java -jar /home/angel/minecraft.jar.

3: Make the file executable

Go where you have your .jar file. Right click, properties, permissions, check the 'Allow run as a program' option.

4: Look for it in the Dash

There you should have it. Just click and enjoy!

Extra: Here's the icon

Answer 2

.jar files are not executable, so you have to open them with something (java):

Exec=java -jar /home/benjamin/Applications/Minecraft/TechnicLauchner/technic-launcher-latest.jar

Anyway, I wouldn't recommend creating those files manually from scratch.