How to Install Krita on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

Jammy Jellyfish and Focal Fossa users, the artistic realm of Ubuntu is about to get more vibrant. For those eager to install Krita on Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish or its older stable release Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa, the journey into digital artistry is poised to be transformative. Krita, a formidable open-source digital painting tool, has carved its niche among global artists, illustrators, and graphic design maestros. Let’s delve into the attributes that make Krita an indispensable asset for digital creators:

Features of Krita:

• Cross-Platform and Open-Source: With its presence on Windows, macOS, and Linux, Krita ensures wide accessibility. Its open-source nature garners contributions from a passionate community, perpetually enhancing the software.
• Diverse Artistic Tools: Krita’s expansive arsenal of brushes, tools, and customization avenues empowers artists to manifest their visions, be it in concept art, textures, or comic illustrations.
• Advanced Layer and Vector Capabilities: Krita’s prowess in layer management, combined with non-destructive editing and potent vector tools, makes it a preferred choice for raster and vector artwork.
• Adaptable User Interface: Krita’s interface, adjustable to individual tastes, ensures artists have an optimized workspace tailored to their comfort.
• Animation and Rendering: Catering to animators and game designers, Krita facilitates frame-by-frame animation and adept 2D rendering.
• Accessibility Commitment: The ethos of the Krita Foundation revolves around democratizing digital art. While Krita is free, supporting its evolution through donations aids in its continual refinement.

Embarking on the Krita journey on Ubuntu is straightforward. The subsequent guide will elucidate the steps to install Krita using the APT package manager from Ubuntu’s default repository or via Flatpak with Flathub.

Install Krita on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via APT

Before installing Krita, ensure your Ubuntu system is up-to-date to avoid potential issues during the installation process and maintain the best security practices. To do this, open your terminal and enter the following command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Krita is readily available in Ubuntu’s default repositories, making the installation process straightforward for users who need a stable version, even if it’s not the most recent release. To install Krita using APT, open your terminal and execute the following command:

sudo apt install krita krita-l10n

This command installs the latest version of Krita available in the Ubuntu repository, along with the localization package for various languages. For users who prefer a more up-to-date version of Krita, consider installing it from the Flathub repository using the Flatpak package manager, which we will cover in the next section.

Install Krita on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via Flatpak and Flathub

For those seeking an alternative approach to installing Krita, consider using Flatpak, a flexible package management system with a sandboxed application environment. To install Krita via Flatpak, you must first add the Flathub repository containing the Krita package.

Note: If Flatpak isn’t installed on your system, please refer to How to Install Flatpak on Ubuntu with the Flatpak Team Official LaunchPAD PPA. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for obtaining the latest supported version using the Flatpak Team Official LaunchPAD PPA.

Next, start the installation of Krita by opening your terminal and executing the following command to integrate the Flathub repository:

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

Next, install Krita using the subsequent Flatpak command:

flatpak install flathub org.kde.krita

After completing these steps, Krita will be installed on your system using the Flatpak and Flathub package manager, providing a secure and sandboxed environment for your digital painting needs.

Install Krita on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via Snap

Snap is a user-friendly way to manage and deploy software on Ubuntu. In this alternative installation method section, we’ll walk you through the steps to install Krita on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04.

Step 1: Check if Snap is on Your Ubuntu System

Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, developed Snap for easy software management. While most Ubuntu systems already have Snap, you can install it with this command if it’s missing:

sudo apt install snapd -y

Set Up Classic Snap Support for Krita on Ubuntu

Some snaps, including Krita, may need ‘classic’ mode to function best. This mode gives them more access to system resources. To enable it, use this command:

sudo ln -s /var/lib/snapd/snap /snap

Step 3: Install the Core Snap

Installing the ‘core’ snap before adding other applications is a good practice. This ensures that all snaps work well together. You can add the core snap with:

sudo snap install core

Step 4: Install Krita on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 using Snap

With everything set, it’s time to install Krita. Use this simple command:

sudo snap install krita

This command tells your system to use Snap to install Krita, making digital artistry just a click away.

Launch Krita on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via CLI or GUI

There are several methods for launching Krita, depending on your installation method and preference. Here are the different ways to start Krita on your system.

First, if you have opened your terminal, you can launch Krita immediately with the appropriate run command that matches your installation method:

krita

flatpak run org.kde.krita

snap run krita

For desktop users, locate the Krita application icon by navigating to Activities > Show Applications > Krita. You can also add Krita to your favorites for easy access, ensuring a seamless workflow for your digital painting and design projects.

Tips on Getting Started with Krita on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

Now that you have installed Krita on your Ubuntu desktop, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the nuances of the software to maximize its capabilities in a Linux environment. Let’s delve into some valuable tips that can assist new users in enhancing their Krita experience.

General Tips For Krita on Ubuntu

Shortcuts & Keybindings: like many other applications, Krita becomes significantly more efficient when you master its shortcuts. Familiarize yourself with the default keybindings by navigating to:

Settings > Configure Krita > Keyboard Shortcuts

Resource Bundles: For those who love to have many brushes and textures at their fingertips, the Resource Manager is your best friend. You can import new brush packs or even ones you’ve created:

Settings > Manage Resources

Customizations with Krita on Ubuntu

Theme Customization: To switch between light and dark themes or customize the overall look of Krita, navigate to:

Settings > Theme

Workspace Arrangement: Krita offers several default workspaces tailored for tasks such as painting, animation, etc. You can switch between them or create your own using the workspace dropdown at the top right.

Dockers Management: Dockers provide quick access to various functions. You can hide, show, or move them around according to your workflow preferences. To manage, navigate to:

Settings > Dockers

Other Tips For Krita on Ubuntu

Backup Your Settings: Periodically backing up your configurations is always a good practice. This way, you can quickly restore your setup if something goes awry. Go to:

Settings > Configure Krita > Backup

Use Reference Images: Krita provides a Reference Docker, which allows you to open images as a painting reference. This can be extremely helpful when trying to get proportions and colors right.

Performance Settings: Depending on your system’s specifications, you might need to adjust Krita’s performance settings to ensure smooth operation. To tweak, head over to:

Settings > Configure Krita > Performance

Remember, as with any software, continuous exploration, and practice will further enhance your proficiency and creativity. Happy painting!

Additional Krita Commands with Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

Update Krita on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

To update Krita, it is often best to run an update check using CLI to ensure packages are getting updated. Depending on the package manager you used to install Krita, use one of the below commands that will check for updates and prompt you to upgrade if an update is available for Krita or anything else installed via your package manager.

APT Update Command Method For Krita Installations on Ubuntu

sudo apt upgrade && sudo apt upgrade

Flatpak Update Command Method For Krita Installations on Ubuntu

flatpak update org.kde.krita

Snap Update Command Method For Krita Installations on Ubuntu

snap refresh

Remove Krita From Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

Depending on the original installation method, use one of the following commands to uninstall Krita if you no longer require the application.

APT Remove Command Method For Krita Installations on Ubuntu

sudo apt remove krita krita-l10n

Flatpak Remove Command Method For Krita Installations on Ubuntu

flatpak uninstall org.kde.krita

Snap Remove Command Method For Krita Installations on Ubuntu

sudo snap remove krita

Conclusion

In conclusion, installing Krita on Ubuntu is a straightforward process that can be accomplished using either the APT or Flatpak methods. Each method has its advantages, with APT offering a more integrated experience with the Ubuntu ecosystem, while Flatpak provides a sandboxed environment and potentially more up-to-date versions. No matter your chosen method, you can access a robust and versatile digital painting application perfect for artists and graphic designers.