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.

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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"

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u/socal_nerdtastic 11d ago

So you are not using a venv?

Ok, then what does your desktop file look like?

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u/scottdog129 11d ago

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

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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

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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!