How to Install digiKam on Linux Mint 21 or 20

For Linux Mint users seeking a robust solution for digital photo management, digiKam offers a compelling package. This open-source application is a comprehensive platform for managing, editing, and organizing digital photos. This guide will focus on how to install digiKam on Linux Mint 21 or the older stable release of Linux Mint 20.

Why digiKam Stands Out for Linux Mint Users

• Cost-Effective: digiKam is free and open-source, offering many features without subscription fees or hidden costs.
• Feature-Rich: From basic photo organization to advanced editing tools like face recognition and geotagging, digiKam caters to both novice and professional photographers.
• Cross-Platform: digiKam is available on multiple operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux.
• Customization: The interface is highly adaptable, allowing you to set up your workspace according to your preferences.
• RAW File Support: Professionals who require RAW file support will find digiKam fully equipped for their needs.

In summary, digiKam is a versatile and powerful tool for anyone interested in digital photography. The upcoming guide will provide step-by-step instructions for installing digiKam on Linux Mint 21 or Linux Mint 20, ensuring you have access to this excellent photo management solution.

Section 1: Install digiKam via APT on Linux Mint 21 or 20

Step 1: Updating Your Linux Mint System Before digiKam Installation

The first step in any installation process is ensuring your system is up-to-date. This is not only a good practice but also helps to prevent any potential conflicts during the installation process. You must use the terminal to update your Linux Mint system.

In the terminal, you will need to execute the following command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

The sudo command allows you to run commands with administrative privileges. The apt update command updates your package list with the latest versions available from the repositories, while the apt upgrade command upgrades all the installed packages on your system to their latest versions.

Step 2: Install digiKam

To install DigiKam using the default APT repository. The official Linux Mint team maintains this repository, and contains a stable and secure version of digiKam. However, the version in the default repository may not be the latest one available.

To install DigiKam using the default APT method, execute the following command in your terminal:

sudo apt install digikam

For an alternative installation method with Flatpak, see section 2.

Section 2: Install digiKam via Flatpak and Flathub on Linux Mint 21 or 20

Flatpak is an alternative package management system designed to provide isolation from the rest of the system, reducing the possibility of conflicts between applications. It is similar to Snap but is often preferred due to its decentralized nature. Flatpak applications are distributed through repositories, with Flathub being the most popular. Installing DigiKam through Flatpak ensures that you always have the latest version of the application, as updates are handled directly by the application developers.

Step 1: Enable Flathub for digiKam on Linux Mint 21 or 20

Before installing digiKam through Flatpak, you must enable the Flathub repository. This repository is a primary source for Flatpak applications and contains various applications. To add the Flathub repository to your Flatpak configuration, execute the following command in your terminal:

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

This command adds the Flathub repository to your system’s list of Flatpak sources. The --if-not-exists flag ensures that the repository is only added if it’s not already in the list of sources.

Step 2: Install digiKam via Flatpak on Linux Mint 21 or 20

With Flathub enabled, you can now proceed to install DigiKam. To do this, you will use the flatpak install command, which installs the specified application from the specified repository. Run the following command in your terminal:

flatpak install flathub org.kde.digikam -y

This command installs DigiKam from the Flathub repository. The -y flag automatically confirms the installation, preventing the command from pausing to ask for confirmation.

Section 3: Launching digiKam on Linux Mint 21 or 20

After successfully installing DigiKam, the next step is to launch the application and explore its features. There are several ways to launch DigiKam, depending on your preferences and the method you used for installation.

Step 1: Launching digiKam from the Terminal on Linux Mint

One of the quickest ways to launch DigiKam is directly from the terminal. This method is particularly useful if you already have a terminal window open. To launch DigiKam from the terminal, type the following command and press Enter:

digikam

This command tells the system to start the DigiKam application.

If you installed DigiKam using Flatpak, the command to launch DigiKam is slightly different. In this case, you would use the following command:

flatpak run org.kde.digikam

Step 2: Launching digiKam from the Desktop Environment on Linux Mint

While launching applications from the terminal can be quick and efficient, it’s not always the most convenient method, especially if you prefer using a graphical interface. Thankfully, you can also launch DigiKam directly from your desktop environment.

To launch DigiKam from your desktop environment, navigate to the application menu on your taskbar. From there, go to the Graphics category, and you should see DigiKam listed among the applications. Click on DigiKam to launch the application.

Section 4: Tips on Getting Started with digiKam on Linux Mint 21 or 20

Navigating a new software can be daunting, especially as feature-rich as DigiKam. To help you get started, here are some detailed tips and tricks tailored explicitly for Linux Mint users:

• Familiarize Yourself with the Interface: DigiKam’s interface is robust and customizable, designed to cater to a wide range of user needs. Spend some time exploring the various panels, menus, and options available. Understanding the layout and where different tools are located will streamline your workflow and simplify the photo management process.
• Utilize the Advanced Search Tools: DigiKam offers comprehensive search tools beyond simple file name searches. You can search by tags, ratings, dates, and even specific metadata embedded in your photos. This feature is handy when dealing with a large photo library, allowing you to pinpoint specific images quickly.
• Leverage the Tagging System: DigiKam’s tagging system is a powerful organizational tool. You can assign custom tags to your photos, effectively grouping related images. The software even supports hierarchical tag structures, where tags can have sub-tags, providing a more granular level of organization.
• Employ Batch Processing Tools: DigiKam includes various batch processing tools that can significantly speed up repetitive tasks. For instance, you can resize, rename, or convert multiple photos simultaneously. Additionally, you can apply a uniform set of edits to a group of photos, ensuring a consistent aesthetic across your collection.
• Customize Your Workspace: DigiKam allows you to tailor your workspace to your specific needs. You can select the visible panels, rearrange them to your liking, and even save your layout configurations. This feature enables you to create and switch layouts depending on your current task, enhancing productivity.
• Explore the Editing Tools: DigiKam boasts many editing tools, from basic adjustments like cropping and color correction to more advanced functionalities like layers and masks. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these tools to discover their capabilities and how they can enhance your images.

Remember, the key to mastering DigiKam is exploration and practice. The more you use it, the more you’ll uncover its potential. Enjoy your journey into the world of advanced photo management with DigiKam!

Section 5: Managing digiKam on Linux Mint 21 or 20

Knowing how to manage the application is essential once DigiKam is installed on your Linux Mint system. This includes knowing how to update DigiKam to ensure you’re always using the latest features and improvements and how to remove the application should you no longer need it.

How to Update digiKam on Linux Mint 21 or 20

Keeping your applications up-to-date is crucial for maintaining system security and functionality. Updates often include essential bug fixes, security patches, and new features. While Linux Mint will typically notify you of available updates, it’s good practice to check for updates periodically manually.

Update digiKam Installed via APT on Linux Mint

If you installed DigiKam using the APT method, you can check for updates by opening a terminal and running the following command:

sudo apt update

This command updates the package lists for upgrades for packages that need upgrading and new packages that have just come to the repositories.

Update digiKam Installed via Flatpak on Linux Mint

If you installed DigiKam using Flatpak, you can check for updates by running the following command in a terminal:

flatpak update

This command checks for updates in your Flatpak applications and applies them.

How to Remove digiKam on Linux Mint 21 or 20

If you no longer need DigiKam, you can remove it from your system. The method you use to remove DigiKam depends on how you installed it.

Removing digiKam Installed via APT on Linux Mint

If you installed DigiKam using the APT method, you can remove it by running the following command in a terminal:

sudo apt remove digikam

Remove digiKam Installed via Flatpak on Linux Mint

If you installed DigiKam using Flatpak, you can remove it by running the following command in a terminal:

flatpak remove  --delete-data org.kde.digikam -y

This command removes the specified Flatpak application and deletes its associated data. The -y flag automatically confirms the removal.

Conclusion

In this guide, we’ve walked through installing digiKam on Linux Mint using different methods, namely APT and Flatpak. We’ve also discussed how to launch DigiKam and shared some tips for getting started with this powerful photo management tool. Whether a beginner or a professional photographer, DigiKam offers a range of features that can enhance your digital imaging workflow. Remember, the key to mastering DigiKam is exploration and practice. The more you use it, the more you’ll uncover its potential.