This specification adds three new fields to desktop entries: Categories, OnlyShowIn and NotShowIn.

The Categories field is a list of strings used to classify menu items. For example, applications in the AudioVideo category might end up in the "Sound & Video" submenu. Appendix A, Registered Categories enumerates the standard categories. Categories not in this document must be prefixed by the string "X-" indicating that they are extensions. Categories are case-sensitive.

Desktop entries should list all categories that clearly apply. They should not list categories that only vaguely or possibly apply, because the user will end up seeing the same desktop entry in a half-dozen places. But it's typical that several categories will apply to a given desktop entry.

The OnlyShowIn field is a list of strings identifying the environments that should display a given menu item. If an OnlyShowIn field is present, a given environment should only display the menu item if the string identifying that environment is present. The strings are case-sensitive. Appendix B, Registered OnlyShowIn Environments enumerates the strings to use for some common environments.

The NotShowIn field is a list of strings identifying the environments that should not display a given menu item. If an NotShowIn field is present, a given environment should only display the menu item if the string identifying that environment is not present. The strings are case-sensitive. Appendix B, Registered OnlyShowIn Environments enumerates the strings to use for some common environments.

            Categories=Qt;Graphics;RasterGraphics;Viewer;
          

            Categories=ConsoleOnly;Math;
          

            Categories=GNOME;Utility;
            OnlyShowIn=GNOME;