How to Install Flatpaks on Ubuntu and Why You Should

Wish to ensure you have entry to all of the software program obtainable to you in your Ubuntu system? Enabling Flatpaks can open up new worlds, so let us take a look at setting them up in your desktop!

What Are Flatpaks and Why Use Them on Ubuntu?

Like Snaps, Flatpaks are self-contained software program packages that comprise all the pieces an software must operate, and so they run in an remoted, sandboxed setting. Nonetheless, there are a couple of large benefits to including Flatpak help to your Ubuntu system:

• Flatpaks supply a wider collection of functions to select from than what Ubuntu initially provides.
• We right here at How-To Geek discover Flatpaks are typically extra secure and dependable than Snaps.
• Flatpaks supply higher compatibility with the general Linux ecosystem.

Learn how to Set up Flatpak Assist on Ubuntu

To arrange Flatpak help in your Ubuntu system, you’ll must open a terminal and enter a couple of instructions. Your complete course of ought to solely take a couple of minutes and, once we’re accomplished, you’ll have a complete new catalog of apps obtainable to put in. So, go forward and open a terminal window and let’s get began.

Set up the Base Flatpak System and Repository

First, we have to set up fundamental Flatpak help. You are able to do that by copying and working the next command (enter your password if prompted):

sudo apt set up flatpak
 

Subsequent, we have to inform the Flatpak system the place to seek out software program. We’ll add the main Flathub.org repository, which you can even go to and browse on the net. Run the next two instructions in your terminal. Be sure the primary command is entered on a single line:

flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https:
flatpak remotes
 

If the Flatpak system is working and the distant repository was efficiently added, it’s best to see output much like the next in your terminal:

As you’ll be able to see, Flatpak recommends rebooting your system. You possibly can reboot now, or, if you happen to like, you’ll be able to end the remainder of the setup after which restart. Both manner, all the pieces needs to be totally useful.

We’re already nearly accomplished! Now you can run Flatpak functions in your Ubuntu system. However first, we’ll want to seek out some Flatpak software program to put in. Let’s set up GNOME Software program to present you a pleasant graphical interface for locating and managing Flatpaks.

Putting in GNOME Software program on Ubuntu

GNOME Software program is the default software program heart for programs utilizing the GNOME desktop environment (which is the default desktop setting on Ubuntu). It was eliminated in current variations of Ubuntu in favor of their very own Snap App Heart. We’re going to re-install GNOME Software program and its Flatpak help plugin so you’ll be able to browse, set up, and take away Flatpak apps in your desktop with none want for the terminal.

You possibly can accomplish this with the next terminal command, entered as a single line:

sudo apt set up gnome-software-plugin-flatpak gnome-software
 

Use GNOME Software program to Discover and Handle Flatpaks

It’s best to now see the GNOME Software program software in your app launcher. It’s labeled merely as “Software program” within the launcher. You possibly can right-click on the icon to pin it to your sprint if it makes issues extra handy for you.

On the primary run, it might take a couple of minutes for the software program software itself to obtain the preliminary app catalog and metadata. After that, although, it ought to open in only a second or two everytime you want it.

As soon as all the pieces is up to date, Software program will present you what is obtainable to put in (and from the place), what you’ve gotten put in (with the choice to take away it), and any app or elements with updates obtainable. You possibly can even uninstall a Snap after which set up the Flatpak model of the identical app if you wish to.

Below the set up button for every app you’ll discover a dropdown menu that exhibits the obtainable sources this system will be put in from. You’ll discover many which might be obtainable as each Snaps and Flatpaks, some which might be solely obtainable as Snaps, and lots of extra which might be solely obtainable as Flatpaks. Choose the supply you need, click on “Set up”, and also you’ll have your new app in a couple of moments.

Mission Achieved

Congratulations, that’s it! You now have full help for Flatpaks in your Ubuntu system. Get pleasure from your expanded software program catalog and pat your self on the again for profiting from the truth that Linux enables you to do issues your manner.