User Guide

How to configure, organize, and troubleshoot TheLauncher on your Cinnamon desktop.

Version 1.0.3 · UUID thelauncher@sin-apps.com

Overview

TheLauncher displays applications, documents, and folders from a directory on your computer. You organize items by putting files in that directory—TheLauncher keeps the panel in sync automatically.

First run

1. Add the desklet to your desktop.

2. Right-click the desklet → Configure.

3. Under General, set your Link subdirectory (default: default).

4. Items are read from:

   ~/.local/share/thelauncher/<subdirectory>/

   (or your configured Base directory + subdirectory)

5. Copy .desktop files, documents, or create subfolders in that path—or use Configure → Links → Add item.

Item types

Hidden files (names starting with .) are ignored, except .thelauncher.json sidecar metadata.

Configure

General

• Link subdirectory — folder under the shared base directory for this desklet instance
• Base directory — shared root for all instances (saved to ~/.config/thelauncher/config.json)
• Launch mode — single-click or double-click
• Folder click mode — navigate inside desklet or open in file manager

Changing the base directory while instances are running resets folder navigation and refreshes content from the new location.

Position

• Set Position X/Y or drag the desklet on the desktop (when unlocked)
• Lock position prevents accidental moves
• Max width/height constrain panel size; overflow scrolls when configured

Layout & Theme

• Tile or list layout, columns, spacing, scale
• Light/dark/system color modes with six presets
• Custom colors, fonts, tooltips, and transparency options

Links (Items)

• Reorder items with Up/Down
• Enable/disable items without deleting files
• Add item — copy a file or folder into the current link directory
• Remove item — removes from the list; optionally deletes from disk (confirmation dialog)
• Apply — save order and enabled state to .thelauncher.json

Browse subfolders with the folder toolbar buttons to manage nested content.

Multiple instances

Run several TheLauncher desklets on the same desktop. Each instance uses a different Link subdirectory under the same Base directory, so you can have separate Work, Personal, or Games panels.

Multi-monitor

TheLauncher works on multi-monitor setups with a single instance. Desklet position is stored relative to the desktop; per-monitor placement rules may vary—test on your layout.

Troubleshooting