How to Create a Gmail Icon on My Desktop
By Gertrude Cryan
Using Google's Gmail as your email service makes accessing messages convenient from any computer by visiting Google and logging in to your Gmail account. Rather than opening the browser, navigating to the Google website and clicking “Gmail,” place a shortcut to Gmail on your home computer’s desktop for quicker access. Various websites offer free Gmail icons to download. Otherwise, use any available icon in the system folder.
Open your Internet browser and navigate to the Google website, then access your Gmail account.
Click on the "Restore Down" button located on the top-right corner of the browser, between the "X" and the "-" button to provide easier access to the desktop.
Click on the URL in the address bar. Hold the left mouse button down and drag the address to the desktop to create the shortcut, then close the browser.
Right-click on the new shortcut and choose “Properties.”
Click on the “General” tab, then type “Gmail” or your desired desktop shortcut name in the text box.
Click on the “Web Document” tab and then choose the “Change Icon” button.
Scroll through the system icons and choose one. If you have downloaded or created a custom icon, click the “Browse” button and locate the saved icon on the hard drive.
Click “OK,” then “Apply” and close the “Properties” dialog.
Double-click on the new Gmail icon to automatically open the default browser and open your Gmail.
Writer Bio
Since 2008, Gertrude Cryan has been a student of research and freelance writing. Her articles have appeared on various online publications including genealogical research websites. Cryan covers a variety of topics including genealogy, software, computer hardware, mental health and volunteerism. She attended Indiana University.