cinnamon-session-properties

Manage startup applications within Cinnamon desktop

SYNOPSIS

cinnamon-session-properties [OPTION…]

PARAMETERS

-h, --help
    Display help information and exit

-v, --version
    Output release version and exit

--replace
    Replace any running instance of the application

cinnamon-session-properties is a graphical utility in the Cinnamon desktop environment for Linux, used to configure session settings, primarily startup applications. It provides an intuitive interface to add, remove, or edit programs that launch automatically at login.

Users can:
• Specify commands, names, descriptions, and icons for startup items.
• Set delays or hidden startup options.
• Manage session recovery and automatic saving.

The tool adheres to the XDG Autostart specification, creating or modifying .desktop files in ~/.config/autostart/ and system directories like /etc/xdg/autostart/. It's accessible via the Cinnamon menu (Preferences > Startup Applications) or command line.

Ideal for customizing user sessions without manual editing of config files, it ensures changes apply on the next login. Requires a running graphical session (X11 or Wayland).

CAVEATS

Graphical tool only; requires display server (X11/Wayland). Changes effective on next login. No command-line editing of entries.

MANAGED FILES

Edits .desktop files in ~/.config/autostart/ and /etc/xdg/autostart/.

USAGE TIP

Launch from terminal for debugging; supports multiple instances with --replace.

HISTORY

Developed as part of Cinnamon (forked from GNOME Shell in 2011-2012 by Linux Mint team). Included in cinnamon-session package since early releases (~2012). Evolved with Cinnamon versions for better XDG compliance and Wayland support.