Ubuntu – Create link to file on Desktop or in Folder

drag and dropnautilus

Ubuntu 16.04
I have 2 instances of Nautilus (file explorer) open – in different drives and or folders.

I want to create a LINK to a file.
It doesn't appear to be easily done – if I drag & drop the file it makes a copy. If I right-click the file the menu does have a 'Make Link', but it makes the link in the folder the file already is in (why would I want that?) – and I have to then drag the link to the place I want, which makes a copy of the link, and then I have to delete the link made in the place I don't want.
Seems like very inefficient way.
So, I'm probably missing something….?

Best Answer

1. If your Mouse Has a Center Button

You just Center-Click and drag the file to where you want it to go, and when you release the center-button/wheel, a menu will pop up asking you if you want to Move, Copy, or Link the file.

Choose Link, of course.

2. If Your Mouse DOESN'T Have a Center Button

You Left-Click and drag the file to where you want it to go, but right before you release the left-button, hold down the Alt key, then release the left-button, and a menu will pop up asking you if you want to Move, Copy, or Link the file.

Choose Link, of course.

Here's a picture of what the menu looks like.

enter image description here

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