Learn How to Customize or Change the Ubuntu Start Menu Panel Icon. This guide explains how to customize the Ubuntu Start Menu icon across legacy and modern desktop environments. It covers older GNOME panel based desktops as well as current GNOME Shell releases and other popular Ubuntu flavors using supported customization methods.
How to Change the Ubuntu Start Menu Panel Icon
Customizing the Ubuntu Start Menu icon has undergone significant simplifications over the years. Early Ubuntu releases relied on GNOME 2 with a traditional panel and Applications menu button. Modern Ubuntu systems use GNOME Shell or alternative desktop environments, each handling menu icons differently.
This guide clearly separates legacy based methods from modern supported approaches and also explains how menu icon customization works across popular Ubuntu flavors.
Modern GNOME Shell Start Menu Customization
Ubuntu 18.04 and newer use GNOME Shell by default. GNOME Shell does not support changing the Start Menu or Activities button icon by directly replacing system icon files. Instead, customization is handled through GNOME Shell extensions.
Recommended Method: GNOME Shell Extensions
GNOME Shell extensions provide a supported and reversible way to customize the Start Menu icon, menu layout, and behavior without modifying system files.
Popular Extensions That Support Custom Menu Icons
- Arc Menu: A full featured Start Menu replacement with complete icon control
- Dash to Panel: Combines the top bar and dock with a configurable menu button
- Dash to Dock: Dock focused extension with optional menu integration
How to Change the Start Menu Icon Using Arc Menu
- Install the Arc Menu extension from GNOME Extensions.
- Open Arc Menu Settings.
- Navigate to Button Appearance.
- Select a built in icon or upload a custom image.
This method works reliably on Ubuntu 20.04, 22.04, 24.04, and newer GNOME based releases.
Kubuntu (KDE Plasma) Start Menu Icon Customization
Kubuntu uses the KDE Plasma desktop, which offers the most flexible menu customization of any Ubuntu flavor.
How KDE Plasma Handles the Start Menu Icon
- The menu icon is part of the Application Launcher widget
- No system files are modified
- Root access is not required
Steps to Change the KDE Start Menu Icon
- Right click the Application Launcher on the panel
- Select Configure Application Launcher
- Click the icon selector
- Choose an icon from your theme or upload a custom image
Changes apply instantly and are fully reversible.
Xubuntu (Xfce) Start Menu Icon Customization
Xubuntu uses the Xfce desktop, typically with the Whisker Menu enabled by default.
How Xfce Handles Menu Icons
- The icon is controlled by the panel menu plugin
- Whisker Menu and Applications Menu both support custom icons
- No cache rebuilding is required
Steps to Change the Xfce Start Menu Icon
- Right click the panel and select Panel Preferences
- Open the Items tab
- Select Whisker Menu or Applications Menu
- Click Edit and change the icon
Lubuntu (LXQt) Start Menu Icon Customization
Lubuntu uses the LXQt desktop, which provides a lightweight but configurable panel menu.
How LXQt Handles the Menu Icon
- The icon is part of the LXQt panel configuration
- Custom icons are supported
- No root permissions required
Steps to Change the LXQt Start Menu Icon
- Right click the panel
- Select Configure Panel
- Edit the Application Menu plugin
- Select or upload a custom icon
Ubuntu MATE Start Menu Icon Customization
Ubuntu MATE uses the MATE desktop, which closely resembles legacy GNOME behavior.
How MATE Handles Menu Icons
- The menu button is a panel applet
- Icons can be changed directly via properties
- Supports icon themes and custom images
Steps to Change the MATE Start Menu Icon
- Right click the menu button
- Select Properties
- Click the icon and choose a replacement
Legacy Method: GNOME 2 Panel Start Menu Icon (Ubuntu 7.10 and Older)
Note: This method applies only to legacy GNOME 2 based Ubuntu releases such as Ubuntu 7.10 (Gutsy Gibbon). It does not work on GNOME Shell or modern desktops.
Prerequisites (Legacy GNOME Panel)
- Your theme uses the Human icon set
- Your panel height is set to 24 pixels
- If missing, copy the 22x22 directory from:
/usr/share/icons/Human/22x22/
Note: Replace "Human" with your icon theme name if applicable.
Steps to Change the GNOME 2 Start Menu Icon
- Create a Custom Icon
- Create a 22x22 pixel image named
start-here.webp
- Create a 22x22 pixel image named
- Replace the Existing Icon
- Copy to:
/usr/share/icons/Human/22x22/places/ - Overwrite the existing file
- Copy to:
- Delete the Icon Cache
- Remove:
/usr/share/icons/Human/icon-theme.cache
- Remove:
- Update the Icon Cache
sudo gtk-update-icon-cache /usr/share/icons/Human/ - Restart the GNOME Panel
killall gnome-panel
Enjoy Your Custom Ubuntu Start Menu Panel Icon
Once the panel refreshes, your new Start Menu icon should appear.
Legacy vs Modern Ubuntu Start Menu Icon Customization
| Desktop Environment | Ubuntu Flavor | Start Menu Icon Change Method | Root Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| GNOME 2 | Ubuntu 7.10 | Icon file replacement | Yes |
| GNOME Shell | Ubuntu | Extensions | No |
| KDE Plasma | Kubuntu | Panel widget settings | No |
| Xfce | Xubuntu | Panel preferences | No |
| LXQt | Lubuntu | Panel settings | No |
| MATE | Ubuntu MATE | Panel menu properties | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does replacing start-here.webp work on modern Ubuntu?
No. Modern Ubuntu desktops ignore legacy icon file replacements.
What is the safest way to change the Start Menu icon today?
Use desktop supported configuration options or GNOME Shell extensions.
Can changing the Start Menu icon break my system?
Extension based and panel based changes are safe. Modifying system icon files on modern Ubuntu is not recommended.
Where can I find icons for Start Menu customization?
Free icon repositories include Flaticon, IconFinder, and icon themes included with your desktop environment.
Additional Resources
Final Notes
Ubuntu Start Menu customization has evolved from direct icon replacement to desktop specific configuration and extension driven customization. Using the correct method for your desktop environment ensures stability while allowing full personalization.