How do I move desktop icons to desktop folder?

English Applications
1

On a recent OpenSuse 13.1 KDE install I ran into an odd problem. Normally the icons on the desktop go into the desktop folder. They are, but they’re also on the desktop itself, so now I have two sets of icons - one in the desktop folder, and ons set on the desktop. If I just delete one icon, both icons disappear - from the desktop and the desktop folder.

Any suggestions? I’ve already tried adding a new desktop folder and setting it for the desktp content.

Bob

2

Why trying to add another one when you already have two? lol!

To explain: your desktop is apparently configured as “Folder” layout (which emulates the old-style behaviour of displaying icons from the Desktop folder on the desktop). But you also have a “folderview” widget, that also displays the Desktop folder (which is ~/Desktop normally).

As both display the same folder, deleting an icon in one will also remove it in the other of course.

What do you prefer?

If you want icons on the desktop, just remove the folderview widget.

If you prefer to have the desktop empty and see the icons inside the folderview widget, switch back your desktop to “Default Desktop”.
There are basically two ways to do that:

  • Right-click on an empty space, select “Folder Settings”, and switch the layout back to “Default Desktop”
  • Open the activity manager (click on the 3 dots symbol in the panel, or right-click on the desktop and choose “Activities”) and click on “Desktop” (or create a new “Desktop” activity if that doesn’t exist).

You could of course also configure one of the two to show a different folder… :wink:
(right click and select “Folder Settings”, then “Location” (or similar).

3

That’s the way it is here.

Well, not quite.

If I am using the “Desktop Icons” activity, then I see them on the desktop. If I am using the “Desktop” activity, I see them in a folder at the top left.

I mostly use the Desktop activity, but occasionally switch if I want an unencumbered view of the icons.

My guess is that you inadvertently switched to the “Desktop Icons” activity, then added a desktop folder because there wasn’t one there. I suggest you play around a little with the activities manager (those 3 dots on the panel), to get a feel for what is there. Then you can decide what you want to use, and you will know how to switch back if you inadvertently switch activities.

4

In my case, I just removed the Desktop Icons activity altogether, do not like, use, or need it.