How to Install Celluloid on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

For users who are constantly on the lookout for a robust yet minimalistic video player, learning how to Install Celluloid on Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish or its older stable release of Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa might be the option for you. Celluloid, previously known as GNOME MPV, has carved a niche among Linux fans mainly because of its seamless integration with the GNOME desktop environment. Here’s a quick overview of what you should know about Celluloid:

• Origins: Celluloid started as GNOME MPV and has been a preferred GTK+ frontend for the mpv player.
• Interaction with mpv: What makes it stand out is its ability to interact with mpv through the client API provided by libmpv. This grants users the flexibility and power of mpv’s playback features.
• Open-source and Free: Celluloid is a compelling choice for those who prioritize open-source solutions. Not only is it free, but its source code is accessible for those keen on understanding its workings or contributing to its development.
• Default in Linux Mint: With its rising popularity, it’s noteworthy that Linux Mint 21 Cinnamon has adopted Celluloid as its default video player.
• Modern Look with GTK4 and Libadwaita: From its v0.24 release, Celluloid transformed by porting to GTK4 and Libadwaita, giving it a native look that aligns beautifully with the modern GNOME desktop environment.

If Celluloid’s capabilities intrigue you and you want to integrate it into your Ubuntu system, continue reading to discover the step-by-step process.

Install Celluloid on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via APT PPA

The first method to install Celluloid on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 is to use the APT package manager. There are two options: one with the Ubuntu default repository, which is the most stable and secure, or another, importing a well-known PPA that has been maintaining Celluloid.

Option 1: Install Celluloid via Ubuntu’s Default Repository

The first option is straightforward; in your terminal, run the following command:

sudo apt install celluloid

Option 2: Install Celluloid on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via PPA

The next option is to install Celluloid via PPA. First, import the PPA with the following command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:xuzhen666/gnome-mpv

Once imported, run a quick update to ensure the APT cache is up-to-date:

sudo apt install celluloid

After installation, run a command like APT Policy to verify the installation of the PPA version. This command will show you the installed source and version:

apt-cache policy celluloid

As mentioned, install the significantly updated version of Celluloid using the PPA. If you prefer not to use PPAs but want updated software through a package manager, install Celluloid on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via Snapcraft or Flatpak through Flathub. We will cover the following best options in the sections below.

Install Celluloid on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via Snap

The second option we will cover is to install Celluloid on Ubuntu versions 22.04 or 20.04 through Snapcraft, a platform natively available on Ubuntu distributions, courtesy of ownership by Canonical.

Step 1: Verify Snap Presence for Celluloid Installation on Ubuntu

Begin by confirming the installation of Snap. In some cases, it might be absent; therefore, ensure its presence by running the command below:

sudo apt install snap -y

Skip this step if Snap is already installed on your system.

Step 2: Install Celluloid on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via Snap Command

Proceed to install Celluloid via Snap by executing the command presented below:

sudo snap install celluloid

Install Celluloid on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via Flatpak and Flathub

This guide will cover the last method to install Celluloid: installing the software with the Flatpak package manager utilizing the Flathub repository.

Ubuntu users may not know that the Linux community highly regards Flatpak as a secure package manager because it uses sandboxing functionality to create a secure environment for each application, reducing system-wide risks. Flathub, working alongside Flatpak, serves as a central repository and digital warehouse for various applications, including Celluloid, simplifying installation.

Ensure your system supports Flatpak prior to installing Celluloid. If not, you’ll need to install Flatpak first. For detailed instructions, refer to our informative guide on installing Flatpak.

Step 1: Add Flathub Repository for Celluloid on Ubuntu

The first step towards installing Celluloid is integrating the Flathub repository into your system. This integration facilitates the effortless installation of Celluloid and various other Flatpak applications.

Execute the following command in your terminal for integration:

sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

This command incorporates the Flathub repository into your existing Flatpak structure, preparing your system to install Celluloid and other applications.

Step 2: Install Celluloid on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via Flatpak Command

With the Flathub repository now integrated, you can proceed with installing Celluloid. This process is initiated with the flatpak install command. For installing Celluloid, use the following:

flatpak install flathub io.github.celluloid_player.Celluloid -y

This command pulls Celluloid from the Flathub repository and installs it onto your system in a streamlined manner.

Launch Celluloid on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

You can launch the application with CLI or the GUI application icon after you have installed Celluloid.

CLI Methods to Launch Celluloid on Ubuntu

The first option you can immediately launch the application utilizing the run command that matches your installed method:

celluloid

snap run celluloid

flatpak run io.github.celluloid_player.Celluloid

GUI Method to Launch Celluloid on Ubuntu

Most desktop users would most likely use the application icon to launch Celluloid; you can find this with the following path:

Activities > Show Applications > Celluloid

Tips for Getting Started with Celluloid on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

Congratulations on installing Celluloid on your Ubuntu system! Here are some pivotal first-time tips to streamline your experience with this versatile media player with Ubuntu.

General Tips for First-Time Users

• Familiarize With Shortcuts:
  • Learning keyboard shortcuts will expedite your navigation and control over the media player. Access the shortcut list by navigating to Preferences > Interface > Shortcuts.
• Adjust Playback Settings:
  • Customize playback settings for an optimal viewing experience. Head over to Preferences > Playback to adjust settings like speed, subtitle delay, and more.
• Utilize the Playlist Feature:
  • Create and manage playlists to organize your media. Access and control playlists by clicking on the playlist icon at the top right of the interface.

Customization Tips

• Theme Customization:
  • Modify the Celluloid interface by selecting a theme that suits your visual preference. You can switch between different themes under Preferences > Interface > Appearance.
• Font & Subtitle Customization:
  • You can change the font type, size, and color for subtitles. Navigate to Preferences > Subtitles for these settings.
• Hardware Acceleration:
  • For smoother playback, especially for high-resolution videos, enable hardware acceleration from Preferences > Advanced.

Other Helpful Tips

• Mpris2 Integration:
  • Celluloid seamlessly integrates with Mpris2, a specification that allows media players to interact with other applications, enhancing your multimedia experience on the Linux desktop.
• Multiple Windows:
  • If you wish to run multiple windows of Celluloid simultaneously, launch the application from the terminal using the following command:

celluloid --new-window

• Streaming Online Videos:
  • Celluloid supports streaming from online sources. To stream a video, open the application and press Ctrl + L or navigate to Media > Open Location and enter the video URL.

Additional Resources

To deepen your understanding and mastery of Celluloid, consider exploring the official Celluloid documentation and participating in community forums dedicated to Linux multimedia applications.

Additional Commands with Celluloid on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

This section will quickly cover how to update using CLI for all package managers and learn how to remove Celluloid for those who no longer wish to use it.

Update Celluloid on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

Depending on the package manager you use to install Celluloid on Ubuntu, run the corresponding update command that will blanket check all installations done by that package manager, which, if a Celluloid update is available, will prompt you to upgrade along with anything else:

APT Method to Update Celluloid on Ubuntu

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Snap Method to Update Celluloid on Ubuntu

snap refresh

Flatpak Method to Update Celluloid on Ubuntu

flatpak update

Remove Celluloid from Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

In this last section of additional commands with Celluloid on Ubuntu, if you no longer wish to have Celluloid installed, use the corresponding command that matches the package manager you originally used to install the software below.

APT Method to Remove Celluloid From Ubuntu

sudo apt remove celluloid

Additionally, PPA installations should remove the PPA if you no longer wish to install Celluloid, especially from the PPA.

Snap Method to Remove Celluloid From Ubuntu

sudo snap remove celluloid

Flatpak Method to Remove Celluloid From Ubuntu

flatpak remove io.github.celluloid_player.Celluloid

Conclusion

This guide provided a comprehensive walkthrough for installing Celluloid on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 using various methods, ensuring flexibility based on user preference. The covered installation procedures include using the default Ubuntu repository, leveraging the LaunchPAD PPA, utilizing Snapcraft, and engaging Flatpak with Flathub. Each approach offers a straightforward and efficient pathway for users to seamlessly get Celluloid operational on their Ubuntu systems, catering to different user needs and system configurations.