How to Install Software on Linux
Learn the different ways to install programs on Linux — from package managers and software centers to Flatpak, Snap, and AppImage.
Prerequisites
- A Linux distribution installed (Ubuntu, Debian, Mint, etc.)
Use the Software Center (GUI)
Most Linux distributions come with a graphical software center, similar to the App Store or Microsoft Store. On Ubuntu it's called Ubuntu Software, on Linux Mint it's the Software Manager, and on Pop!_OS it's the Pop!_Shop. Open it, search for the app you want, and click Install. It's the easiest way to get started.
Install with APT (Debian/Ubuntu)
APT is the default package manager on Debian-based distributions like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Pop!_OS. It downloads software from official repositories — curated collections of tested, trusted packages.
sudo apt update sudo apt install firefox vlc gimp
Search for available packages
Not sure of the exact package name? Use the search command to find it. This searches all available repositories for matching packages.
apt search video-editor apt show kdenlive
Remove software
To uninstall a program, use the remove command. Add --purge to also delete its configuration files. Then run autoremove to clean up unused dependencies.
sudo apt remove firefox sudo apt autoremove
Install Flatpak apps
Flatpak is a universal package format that works across all distributions. Apps run in a sandbox for extra security and always get the latest version. Flathub is the main Flatpak repository with thousands of apps.
sudo apt install flatpak flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo flatpak install flathub com.spotify.Client
Install Snap packages
Snap is another universal package format, developed by Canonical. It comes pre-installed on Ubuntu. Snaps update automatically and also run sandboxed.
sudo snap install code --classic snap list
Run an AppImage
AppImages are standalone executables — no installation needed. Download the .AppImage file, make it executable, and run it. It's like a portable app.
chmod +x MyApp.AppImage ./MyApp.AppImage
Install from .deb files
Some developers provide .deb packages for download (like Google Chrome or Discord). You can install these directly. This is similar to running an .exe installer on Windows.
sudo apt install ./google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb
Only download .deb files from official sources. Unlike repository packages, .deb files are not reviewed by your distribution.