6

I'm wondering if it's possible to hide a folder without renaming it with a dot on the Desktop.

Ubuntu 12.04

Thanks

Matt
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  • I dont think there is, the only way is to start the file name with a dot for example .desktop in a file browser. – Mark Kirby Aug 15 '12 at 13:21
  • Maby a different file file browser will handle this differently Google something like best Linux file browser – Mark Kirby Aug 15 '12 at 13:24
  • @markkirby I don't think a new file browser is necessary., or even will integrate well. The best idea right now is to try to use filesystem metadata. – nanofarad Aug 15 '12 at 13:42

2 Answers2

13

You can create a file called .hidden and write the names of the files you want to hide in it.

BEFORE

  • /home/user/Desktop/file1
  • /home/user/Desktop/file2

CREATE .hidden file, echo file1 > /home/user/Desktop/.hidden

AFTER

  • /home/user/Desktop/file1 (HIDDEN)
  • /home/user/Desktop/file2
  • /home/user/Desktop/.hidden (HIDDEN)

No file got moved nor renamed.

user55822
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3

Yes, it is possible. But the problem is that then you won't be able to see any icon on your desktop, but will be able to see everything in /home/user/Desktop.

The trick is fairly simple and straightforward:

  • Install gnome-tweak-tool:

    sudo apt-get install gnome-tweak-tool
    
  • Run gnome-tweak-tool and click on Desktop option. Turn "Have file manager handle the desktop" to off.
    gnome-tweak-tool disabling icons

And you're good to go!

pomsky
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green
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