Chromium Docs

Linux Dev Build As Default Browser

Copy a stable version's .desktop file and modify it to point to your dev build:

cp /usr/share/applications/google-chrome.desktop \
   ~/.local/share/applications/chromium-mybuild-c-release.desktop
vim ~/.local/share/applications/chromium-mybuild-c-release.desktop

# Change first Exec line in desktop entry: (change path to your dev setup)
Exec=/usr/local/google/home/scheib/c/src/out/Release/chrome %U

Set the default:

xdg-settings set default-web-browser chromium-mybuild-c-release.desktop

Launch, telling Chrome which config you're using:

  • CHROME_DESKTOP=chromium-mybuild-c-release.desktop out/Release/chrome
  • Verify Chrome thinks it is default in about:settings page.
    • Press the button to make default if not.

Restore the normal default:

xdg-settings set default-web-browser google-chrome.desktop

Change the default, run, and restore:

xdg-settings set default-web-browser chromium-mybuild-c-release.desktop && \
    CHROME_DESKTOP=chromium-mybuild-c-release.desktop out/Release/chrome
xdg-settings set default-web-browser google-chrome.desktop && \
    echo Restored default browser.