How to Customize Menu Layouts with Cinnamon Desktop on Linux Mint

Linux Mint’s Cinnamon Desktop is celebrated for its balance of elegance and functionality. One of its standout features is its highly customizable interface, which allows users to tailor their workflow to their preferences. The application menu, a central hub for accessing software, can be tweaked extensively—whether you want a minimalist design, a traditional layout, or a personalized structure. In this guide, we’ll explore methods to customize menu layouts in Cinnamon, from basic tweaks to advanced configurations.

1. Introduction to Cinnamon Desktop and Menu Customization

Cinnamon Desktop, developed by the Linux Mint team, provides a modern and intuitive user experience. Its default menu, often referred to as the “Mint Menu,” offers a categorized view of installed applications, quick access to favorites, and search functionality. However, users may wish to:

• Simplify the menu for faster navigation.
• Reorganize applications into custom categories.
• Change the menu’s visual style (e.g., icons, themes).
• Replace the default menu with alternative layouts.

Whether you’re streamlining productivity or experimenting with aesthetics, Cinnamon offers tools to achieve your goals. Below, we’ll cover multiple approaches to menu customization.

2. Basic Customizations via Built-in Settings

Start with the simplest adjustments using Cinnamon’s native options.

Accessing Menu Preferences

1. Right-click the Menu icon (usually at the bottom-left corner).
2. Select Configure to open the Menu Settings.

Here, you’ll find several tabs:

• Layout: Toggle visibility of elements like the search bar, favorites, and system buttons (e.g., Lock, Log Out).
• Appearance: Adjust icon size, menu height, and category icons.
• Behavior: Enable/disable autoscrolling, recent files, and notification badges.

Example Tweaks:

• Hide the “Places” section to declutter the menu.
• Disable “Recent Files” for privacy.
• Reduce icon size to fit more items on smaller screens.

These changes are reversible and require no technical expertise.

3. Intermediate Customizations Using Menu Editors

For deeper customization, use GUI tools to edit menu entries and categories.

Using Alacarte (GNOME Menu Editor)

Alacarte is a third-party tool that lets you modify application categories and entries.

1. Install Alacarte:

   sudo apt install alacarte  
   

2. Launch it from the terminal or application menu.

3. Add/Remove Entries: Right-click applications to edit their names, commands, or icons.

4. Manage Categories: Create or delete folders to group applications.

Limitations:

• Alacarte may not reflect changes in real-time; restart Cinnamon (press Alt+F2, type r, then press Enter).
• It edits .desktop files in ~/.local/share/applications/, which override system-wide entries.

MenuLibre: A Modern Alternative

MenuLibre offers a more polished interface than Alacarte.

sudo apt install menulibre  

Use it to edit application names, icons, and categories seamlessly.

4. Advanced Customizations via XML Configuration

For granular control, edit Cinnamon’s menu structure directly using XML files.

Understanding the .menu File

Cinnamon’s menu layout is defined in cinnamon-applications.menu, located in:

• System-wide: /etc/xdg/menus/cinnamon-applications.menu
• User-specific: ~/.config/menus/cinnamon-applications.menu

Steps to Customize:

1. Copy the system file to your home directory:

   mkdir -p ~/.config/menus  
   cp /etc/xdg/menus/cinnamon-applications.menu ~/.config/menus/  
   

2. Open the file in a text editor (e.g., nano or gedit).

Modifying the XML Structure

The file uses <Menu>, <Name>, and <Include> tags to define categories.

Example: Renaming a Category
Locate the <Menu> section for a category (e.g., “Graphics”):

<Menu>  
  <Name>Graphics</Name>  
  <Directory>cinnamon-graphics.directory</Directory>  
  <Include>  
    <Category>Graphics</Category>  
  </Include>  
</Menu>  

Change <Name>Graphics</Name> to <Name>Design Tools</Name>.

Example: Creating a Custom Category
Add a new <Menu> block:

<Menu>  
  <Name>My Apps</Name>  
  <Directory>cinnamon-myapps.directory</Directory>  
  <Include>  
    <Category>MyApps</Category>  
  </Include>  
</Menu>  

Then, assign applications to this category by editing their .desktop files (e.g., add Categories=MyApps;).

Apply Changes:
Restart Cinnamon (Alt+F2 → r).

5. Alternative Menu Applets via Cinnamon Spices

Cinnamon’s “Spices” repository hosts applets, themes, and extensions. Install alternative menus for unique layouts.

Installing a New Menu Applet

1. Open System Settings → Applets.

2. Click Download to access the Spices repository.

3. Search for menus like:

   • CinnVIIStar Menu: Mimics the Windows 7 Start menu.
   • Menu (Raven): A compact, vertical layout.
   • Whisker Menu: A search-focused menu (ported from Xfce).

4. Click Install and add the applet to your panel.

Configuring Applets

Right-click the new menu icon → Configure to adjust layout, categories, and shortcuts.

6. Theming the Menu

Change the menu’s appearance using Cinnamon themes.

Installing Themes

1. Go to System Settings → Themes → Download.
2. Choose themes like Mint-Y, Adapta, or Arc.
3. Apply the theme under Desktop → Menu.

Custom CSS (Advanced)

For developers, Cinnamon allows CSS overrides:

1. Create a ~/.themes/MyCustomTheme/cinnamon/cinnamon.css file.
2. Add custom styles (e.g., #menu-search-entry { background-color: #fff; }).
3. Apply your theme via System Settings.

7. Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Menu Not Updating: Restart Cinnamon or log out and back in.
• Broken Layout: Delete user-specific configs (~/.config/menus/cinnamon-applications.menu).
• Missing Icons: Ensure .desktop files have valid Icon= paths.

8. Conclusion

Cinnamon Desktop empowers Linux Mint users to craft a menu that aligns with their workflow and style. Whether you prefer simple tweaks, XML edits, or third-party applets, the possibilities are vast. By following this guide, you can transform the default menu into a personalized command center—enhancing both efficiency and aesthetics.

Remember to back up configurations before making major changes, and explore the Linux Mint forums or Cinnamon Spices repository for inspiration. Happy customizing!