Using the Raspbian Desktop

Learn the main parts of the Raspbian desktop and open the application menu, PCManFM file manager, Epiphany browser, and LXTerminal.

What is the Raspbian desktop?

Raspbian is an operating system distribution for Raspberry Pi that includes a graphical desktop environment. A desktop environment is the graphical interface containing the desktop, panels, menus, windows, icons, and application launchers.

If you have used another desktop computer, many Raspbian ideas will be familiar. You can open applications from a menu, work with windows, organize files in folders, and use a terminal to enter text commands.

After the Raspberry Pi starts, the desktop workspace is the main area where application windows appear. A menu bar, also called a panel, provides access to the application menu, common application launchers, and system actions such as logging out or shutting down.

The menu bar and application menu

The menu bar is usually along an edge of the screen. Its main menu button is the primary place to find installed applications. Select the menu button, then browse the categories to locate a program. Selecting a menu item starts that application.

An application launcher is an icon or menu item used to start an application. Common launchers are placed near the main menu button for quick access. On many Raspbian desktop versions, the launchers appear approximately in this order from left to right: the main menu, web browser, file manager, and terminal. Panel arrangements can differ, so identify tools by their names and functions rather than by icon artwork alone.

The application menu also provides desktop power actions. Depending on the version, these may include logging out, restarting, shutting down, or powering off. Choose the shutdown or power-off action when you have finished using the Raspberry Pi.

Common Raspbian desktop tools

Tool — Purpose — How to Access It — Typical Beginner Use

Application menu — Finds installed applications and system actions — Select the main menu button on the menu bar — Launch a program or choose a power action.

PCManFM file manager — Browses and manages files and folders — Select the file-manager launcher or find PCManFM in the application menu — Open documents, create folders, and organize project files.

Epiphany browser — Opens and displays websites — Select the browser launcher or find Epiphany in the application menu — Read online documentation and visit websites.

LXTerminal — Provides access to a shell for text commands — Select the terminal launcher or find LXTerminal in the application menu — Prepare for command-line tasks.

Managing files with PCManFM

PCManFM, short for PCMan File Manager, is the graphical file-management application. A file manager lets you view, organize, open, move, copy, rename, and delete files and folders.

Open PCManFM

Select the file-manager launcher on the menu bar, if it is visible.
If you cannot identify the icon, open the application menu and look for PCManFM or File Manager.

The file manager normally shows folders and files in the current location. Use the navigation area to select another location. You can select an item with the mouse and open it, usually by double-clicking. Use the back control to return to the previous folder when you are finished with a location.

Basic file and folder operations

Open: Select a file or folder, then open it. A file opens in its associated application; a folder displays its contents.
Create a folder: In the desired location, use the file manager's create-folder action, then enter a useful name.
Select: Click an item. Use the usual multiple-selection method when working with more than one item.
Copy: Make a duplicate in another location while leaving the original in place.
Move: Place the item in another location without keeping the original in its previous folder.
Rename: Give a file or folder a clearer name without changing its contents.
Delete: Remove an item. Deleted items may be sent to a trash location first, where they can often be reviewed or restored.

Example: organize Raspberry Pi project files

Open PCManFM from the file-manager launcher.
Browse to the location where you keep project work.
Create a folder for the new project.
Rename it with a clear name, such as Temperature Project.
Copy or move related files into the new folder.
Check the destination before deleting any unwanted duplicate.

Example: open a document or picture

Open PCManFM.
Browse to the folder containing the document or picture.
Select and open the item.
When finished, use the file manager's back control to return to the previous folder.

For more detailed file operations, see File Management.

Browsing the web with Epiphany

Epiphany is the included web browser, an application used to access and view websites. Select the browser launcher on the menu bar, or open the application menu and choose Epiphany.

Start Epiphany.
Select the address bar and enter a web address, or enter search terms if the browser provides a search option.
Press Enter to load the page.
Select links to move to related pages.
Use the back and forward controls to revisit pages.
Use tabs or separate windows when you want to keep more than one page available, if those options are shown in your version.

Web browsing requires a working network connection. If a page does not load, check whether the Raspberry Pi is connected to a wired or wireless network. If internet setup is not complete, continue with Connect to the Internet.

Example: look up Raspberry Pi documentation

Open Epiphany from its launcher.
Enter a documentation website address or search for Raspberry Pi documentation.
Follow a result link.
Use the back button to revisit the previous page.
If pages do not load, confirm the network connection.

Opening a command line with LXTerminal

LXTerminal is a terminal emulator. It provides access to a shell, the command interpreter that reads and runs commands entered in the terminal.

Open LXTerminal by selecting its launcher on the menu bar. If the icon is not clear, open the application menu and choose LXTerminal. A terminal window displays a command prompt. The prompt indicates that the shell is ready for text input.

The terminal accepts commands typed with the keyboard. Press Enter only after the complete command has been entered and reviewed. Commands can change files and system settings, so a command-line task is different from ordinary graphical file management.

Example: open a terminal for later tasks

Start LXTerminal from its launcher.
Identify the command prompt as the place where commands are typed.
Do not run a command until it has been fully entered and reviewed.
Close the terminal window when it is no longer needed.

For a focused introduction, see Terminal in Raspbian. You can learn individual commands later in Useful Terminal Commands.

Desktop action guide

Goal — Recommended Tool — Key Safety Note

Browse folders — PCManFM — Confirm the current location before moving or deleting items.

Open a website — Epiphany — A working network connection is required.

Run a text command — LXTerminal — Understand the command before pressing Enter, especially if it uses administrative privileges.

Turn off the Raspberry Pi — Desktop application menu — Use the shutdown or power-off action and wait for shutdown to finish before removing power.

Troubleshooting

The expected launcher icon is difficult to identify

Icon artwork and panel arrangements vary between desktop versions, and the panel may have been customized. Open the application menu and search by name: PCManFM for file management, Epiphany for web browsing, or LXTerminal for the command line.

A website does not load in Epiphany

Verify that the Raspberry Pi is connected to a network and that the connection is available. If networking has not been configured, use Connect to the Internet before troubleshooting the browser further.

A file cannot be found in PCManFM

Navigate through likely folders systematically. Check the file name and review recently used or project folders if available. Do not delete files until you have confirmed that the correct item has been found.

The Raspberry Pi was turned off by unplugging it

Use the desktop application menu's shutdown or power-off action instead. Removing power while the system is active can cause unsaved work or file-system damage. After selecting shutdown, wait until the process has completed before disconnecting power.

A terminal command appears risky or unclear

Do not run it until its purpose is understood. Use PCManFM for basic file tasks when that is sufficient, and reserve administrative commands for instructions that explain their purpose and permissions.

Safely end a Raspberry Pi session

Save work in open applications.
Close or leave applications as appropriate.
Open the desktop application menu.
Select the shutdown or power-off action.
Wait for shutdown to complete before removing power.

Next steps

Basic desktop navigation is separate from installing software and configuring internet access. If Raspbian is not installed yet, start with Install Raspbian. If the operating system is ready but networking is not, continue with Connect to the Internet.

After these foundations, explore File Management, Update Raspbian, and Terminal in Raspbian.