To remove an app from your desktop without deleting it on a Mac, you have a couple of options depending on the version of macOS you are using. Here are two methods you can try:
Method 1: Using the Dock
1. Locate the app icon on your desktop that you want to remove.
2. Look at the bottom of your screen for the Dock, which is the row of icons that usually contains your most frequently used applications.
3. Click and hold (or use a two-finger tap) on the app icon you want to remove from your desktop.
4. While still holding down the mouse button or trackpad, drag the app icon towards the Dock.
5. As you drag the icon towards the Dock, you will notice that other icons in the Dock will move aside to make room for the new icon.
6. Continue dragging the app icon until it is over the Dock, and then release the mouse button or lift your finger from the trackpad.
7. The app icon will now be removed from your desktop and will reside solely in the Dock.
Method 2: Using the Finder
1. Locate the app icon on your desktop that you want to remove.
2. Click on the desktop background to make sure you are not selecting any other icons or files.
3. Go to the menu bar at the top of your screen and click on “Finder.”
4. In the dropdown menu that appears, click on “Preferences.”
5. In the Preferences window, make sure the “General” tab is selected.
6. Under the “Show these items on the desktop” section, uncheck the box next to “Hard disks” and “External disks.”
7. Close the Preferences window.
8. The app icon will no longer be visible on your desktop, but it will still be accessible in the Finder.
These methods allow you to remove the app icon from your desktop without deleting it from your Mac. It’s a handy way to keep your desktop clutter-free while still having easy access to your frequently used applications.