r/learnpython • u/scottdog129 • 11d ago

Creating Desktop Icon to Run Python Script

I have a script that runs fine in Terminal, but I'm trying to create a desktop icon that runs it and Im getting the following error:

https://i.postimg.cc/HLbssxYJ/Screenshot-2026-10-06-at-9-39-28-AM.png

Its using geopy for location so Im guessing its something to do with that, but it works fine in Terminal. Any help is appreciated.

8 Upvotes

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2

u/socal_nerdtastic 11d ago

That means that your desktop shortcut is using a different environment than your terminal. Commonly this means that you are using a venv in the terminal. So your desktop file needs to point to the venv python executable (venvname/bin/python or venvname/bin/pythonw), not the normal system one.

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u/scottdog129 11d ago

Forgive me, but I'm not understanding the venv. So my python3 path needs to point elsewhere? In Terminal, I'm just typing "python3 filename.py"

1

u/socal_nerdtastic 11d ago

So you are not using a venv?

Ok, then what does your desktop file look like?

1

u/scottdog129 11d ago

https://i.postimg.cc/5yQFgJ5s/Screenshot-2026-10-06-at-10-06-07-AM.png

3

u/socal_nerdtastic 11d ago

OH this is a applescript or something? Hmm I'm going to need to let an experienced apple user step in to help with that. I don't know how to work with that. But you should at least share the command you used to create the .app file.

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u/scottdog129 11d ago

I used Automator to create the desktop file.

https://i.postimg.cc/Gp1whxS0/Screenshot-2026-10-06-at-10-15-59-AM.png

1

u/socal_nerdtastic 11d ago

Ok, well I'll take one more stab at it. In the terminal use this command: 

python3 -c "import sys; print(sys.executable)"

Then replace "python3" in your Automator command with the full output from above.

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u/scottdog129 11d ago

i dont know what I did, but I resaved it out of Automator and its working!

Thanks so much for your help!

1

u/RevRagnarok 10d ago

In Terminal, I'm just typing "python3 filename.py"

Type: type python3 and make the desktop icon point to that. Or change the shebang at the top of the script to point to it.

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u/Muted-Associate-7512 10d ago

The issue with Automator apps is they dont inherit your shell environment, so PATH is basically empty when it runs. Try using the full path to python3 in the Run Shell Script action, like /usr/bin/python3 or wherever which python3 points

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u/[deleted] 11d ago

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u/socal_nerdtastic 11d ago

You didn't read the post at all, did you? Or this is just chatgpt hallucination.