You can manually add your launcher using the command line.
	dconf read /org/gnome/shell/favorite-apps to output a string representing
the current favorites, e.g. 
	['firefox.desktop', 'org.gnome.Nautilus.desktop']

Copy the string and add your new launcher to the list. Run this to update
your favorites:

dconf write /org/gnome/shell/favorite-apps "['firefox.desktop',
'org.gnome.Nautilus.desktop', 'YourManualApp.desktop']"



The .desktop file
======================================================




I was facing this problem and I will share my notes in case it helps
someone.

If the .desktop file is for all users to use then it should be placed
under /usr/local/share/applications.
If the .desktop file is only for the current user then it should be
placed under ~/.local/share/applications.
The .desktop file placed as above does not need execute permissions. It
can be 0644.
If the .desktop file has a key Hidden then it should be Hidden=false.
If the .desktop file has a key NoDisplay then it should be
NoDisplay=false.
The Exec key should have a valid command. Bash commands may not work as
detailed in this answer.


With these settings in place the desktop entry should be searchable using
the Super key, and from there using the Right Click -> Add to Favorites
option, it can be setup as a favorite on the dash.

Note: In the above bullet points, "Has a key" means if the key is present in
the config file. Alternatively, it can be absent, in which case the default
value for that key takes effect.
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edited Dec 8, 2023 at 13:51
answered Aug 25, 2023 at 6:52
Dhwani Katagade's user avatar
Dhwani Katagade
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    What does "has a key" mean in this context? As in, If the .desktop file
has a key Hidden then ... – 
    Stewart
    Commented Nov 26, 2023 at 17:22
    1
    @Stewart - Since .desktop files are configuration files they have key
value pairs like SomeKey=SomeValue. That's what is referred to as key. Has a
key means if the key is present in the config file. Alternatively, it can be
absent, in which case the default value for that key takes effect. – 
    Dhwani Katagade
    Commented Dec 6, 2023 at 11:08 
======================================================


Add Launcher with CLI
You can manually add your launcher using the command line.

dconf read /org/gnome/shell/favorite-apps 
to output a string representing the current favorites, e.g. 
['firefox.desktop', 'org .gnome.Nautilus.desktop']

Copy the string and add your new launcher to the list. Run this to update
your favorites:
	dconf write /org/gnome/shell/favorite-apps "['firefox.desktop',
'org.gnome.Nautilus.desktop', 'YourManualApp.desktop']"

======================================================


Template
IN:
/usr/local/share/applications/ArdinoIDE.desktop
	[Desktop Entry]
Type=Application
Name=Arduino IDE
Comment=Arduino IDE
Exec=/loc/Ardino/arduino-ide_2.3.2_Linux_64bit.AppImage
Icon=/loc/Arduino/img.icons8.png
Terminal=false



Template 2
	[Desktop Entry]
Type=Application
Name=Arduino IDE
GenericName=Arduino IDE
Comment=Open-source electronics prototyping platform
Exec=
Icon=
Terminal=false
Categories=Development;IDE;Electronics;
MimeType=text/x-arduino;
Keywords=embedded electronics;electronics;avr;microcontroller;
StartupWMClass=processing-app-Base

======================================================


Nbr 4
Nuther one:
With these settings in place the desktop entry should be searchable using
the Super key, and from there using the Right Click -> Add to Favorites
option, it can be setup as a favorite on the dash.

Note: In the above bullet points, "Has a key" means if the key is present in
the config file. Alternatively, it can be absent, in which case the default
value for that key takes effect.

======================================================


NBr 5
Your .desktop file should reside in ~/.local/share/applications or in an
applications folders under one of the directories in the XDG_DATA_DIRS
environmental variable.

Thus, for your custom application, install the file under
~/.local/share/applications if you are the only one needing to see the
application in your user menu, or in /usr/local/share/applications to make
it available for all users.

Once properly installed, you will also be able to add the launcher to your
favorites.
======================================================