How can I put a shortcut to a file in the Unity launcher?

Question

Is it possible to put a shortcut to a file (like a application launcher but opens a file instead of launching a program) in the Unity launcher, and if so, how?

Answer 1

I only know a dirty way:

1. Create a file ~/.local/share/applications/myfile.desktop

2. Add the following to that file:

   [Desktop Entry]
   Name=MyFile
   Exec=gedit /path/to/a/text/file
   Icon=text
   Terminal=false
   Type=Application
   StartupNotify=true
   

3. Save it and make that file executable:

   chmod +x ~/.local/share/applications/myfile.desktop
   

4. Now browse to that file in Nautilus and drag it to the launcher.

This will add a launcher with a text icon, that opens /path/to/a/text/file with gedit:

Of course you need to change application/file/icon to whatever you want.