How to delete Duplicate app Icon on Desktop?

Question

Level 1

8 points

How to delete Duplicate app Icon on Desktop?

Hey, I have done this in the past with previous applications on my imac, but I just got a macbook pro. I was adding apps to my dock, ones I had removed earlier. I dragged the application to my desktop not realizing I couldn't delete the duplicate icons after! Simply dragging to the trash will delete the entire app, I've tried dragging back into my applications folder but it says it can't be modified. Help!

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)

Posted on Jan 13, 2013 6:23 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Barney-15E

Level 10

122,828 points

Jan 13, 2013 6:51 AM in response to charbonneau

Yes, it is.

Drag those out of the Dock. When you see the icon turn to a puff of smoke, drop it.

Take the copies you made and drag those to the trash.

Go to the Applications folder, Grab the apps you want to put in the dock and drag them where you want them.

Reply

Answer 2

Barney-15E

Level 10

122,828 points

Jan 13, 2013 6:24 AM in response to charbonneau

Is the app still in Applications?

If so, you've just made a copy of the application and can delete the copy.

Does the icon have a little curly arrow badge on it?

That means it created an Alias (shortcut) to the application. Again, it can be deleted.

Reply

Answer 3

Barney-15E

Level 10

122,828 points

Jan 13, 2013 6:41 AM in response to charbonneau

Is the app still in Applications?

If so, you've just made a copy of the application and can delete the copy.

Mountain Lion tries to protect the Applications folder from inadvertant moving of things, especially since putting things in the Dock might result in accidentally dropping. It will normally make an alias, but I haven't tested with every possibility. When you dropped it, you made a copy on your desktop. If you dragged that copy to the Dock, then drag it back out and use the one in the Applications folder.

Reply

Answer 4

charbonneau Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 13, 2013 6:47 AM in response to Barney-15E

I think i actually copied them and pasted them on my desktop, which is why it didn't make an alias. Such a silly mistake. When i dragged it to my dock it created another icon in the dock, which is part of the problem.

Reply

Answer 5

charbonneau Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 13, 2013 6:31 AM in response to Barney-15E

Yes they are still in the applications folder. It doesn't have the "curly arrow badge" in the corner.

Reply

Answer 6

charbonneau Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 13, 2013 7:05 AM in response to Barney-15E

That was the answer, thank you! Still getting used to the trackpad.

Reply