How-to

Pin a folder to the dock in Ubuntu

The Ubuntu dock pins apps only. A folder gets in only through a detour: create a launcher file (.desktop) with the command nautilus /path/to/folder and pin that. A click then opens a Files window, and every folder needs its own launcher.

Faster: the folder as a menu in the top bar

1. Download and start

   Download SystemTrayMenu and open it, it sets itself up, with an entry in the app list. Its icon then sits at the top right, in the notification area of the top bar.

2. Choose a folder

   Right-click the icon → “Settings …” → General → Menu folder → “Change …”. Several folders? Choose the folder that contains them, Documents for example: every folder inside appears in the menu.

3. Open the menu

   Click the icon or press Ctrl+Win+M: the folder opens as a menu, without a Files window. Subfolders open next to it, files open with one click.

To keep the icon there: Settings → General → Startup → “Start at login”. On Wayland the shortcut works from Ubuntu 25.04, the system asks once whether to allow it. Other systems with GNOME show the icon with the “AppIndicator” extension. Try it free for 14 days, then €2.99: pay once, no subscription.

Free downloadMore about SystemTrayMenu

Also asked: Add a folder to the Dock on Mac · Pin a folder to the taskbar in Windows 11