Krita is a powerful, open-source digital painting application that has rapidly gained popularity among artists, illustrators, and graphic designers worldwide. Developed by the Krita Foundation, this feature-rich software is designed to cater to the needs of creative professionals and enthusiasts alike. Some of the factors contributing to Krita’s popularity and success are:
- Open-source and cross-platform: Krita is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible to many users. The open-source software benefits from a dedicated community of developers and contributors who continuously work to improve and expand its capabilities.
- Rich set of tools and brushes: Krita boasts an extensive collection of brushes, tools, and customization options, enabling artists to create anything from concept art and illustrations to textures and comic panels.
- Layer and vector support: Krita offers advanced layer management, non-destructive editing, and robust vector tools, making it ideal for raster and vector artwork.
- User-friendly interface: The application features a customizable user interface tailored to individual preferences, allowing artists to create a comfortable and efficient workspace.
- Animation and 2D rendering: Krita supports frame-by-frame animation and 2D rendering, catering to the needs of animators, game designers, and traditional artists.
- Commitment to accessibility: The Krita Foundation is dedicated to making professional-grade digital painting tools accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial means. This commitment is reflected in the software’s affordability, as Krita can be downloaded and used for free, though donations are encouraged to support its ongoing development.
This guide will demonstrate how to install Krita on Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish or Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa using the APT package manager with Ubuntu’s default repository or using Flatpak with Flathub, utilizing the command line terminal.
Table of Contents
Method 1: Install Krita with 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 upgradeKrita 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-l10nThis 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.
Method 2: Install Krita with 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.flatpakrepoNext, install Krita using the subsequent Flatpak command:
flatpak install flathub org.kde.kritaAfter 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.
How to Launch Krita
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:
APT Installation: If you installed Krita using the default repository (APT), launch Krita by entering the following command in your terminal:
kritaFlatpak: If you installed Krita using Flatpak, run the following command in the terminal:
flatpak run org.kde.kritaDesktop Application: 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.
Example of Krita application icon on Ubuntu Desktop:
Once open, you will arrive at the default landing screen of Krita, where you can begin to use the painting program. Here are some tips for first-time users:
- Familiarize yourself with the Krita interface:
- Explore the various panels, such as the toolbox, layers, and brush settings.
- Customize the layout by docking or undocking panels to create a personalized workspace.
- Learn the basic tools and brushes:
- Experiment with the different brushes, erasers, and blending modes to understand their effects.
- Discover essential shortcuts for tools like brush (B), eraser (E), and color picker (Ctrl).
- Set up your canvas and document:
- Choose the right canvas size and resolution based on your project requirements.
- Understand the difference between various color profiles and choose the one that best fits your needs.
- Utilize layers and layer styles:
- Organize your artwork using layers and layer groups.
- Take advantage of layer styles like blending modes and opacity for more advanced effects.
- Save and export your work:
- Save your work regularly in Krita’s native file format (.kra) to preserve layer information.
- Export your artwork to popular formats like PNG or JPEG for sharing or further editing.
- Explore additional resources:
- Visit Krita’s official website for tutorials, documentation, and community support.
- Check out YouTube channels and online courses dedicated to Krita for more advanced techniques and tips.
Remember, practice makes perfect. As you spend more time in Krita, you will better understand the software and its capabilities, allowing you to create stunning artwork on your Ubuntu desktop.
Example of Krita on a Ubuntu desktop once launched:
Additional Tips
How to Update Krita on Ubuntu
APT Method:
Since you have installed Krita using the APT method, you can check for updates manually by running the standard APT commands. Ideally, you should be notified of updates along with the rest of your system updates.
sudo apt upgrade && sudo apt upgradeFlatpak method
To update Krita installed via Flatpak, execute the following command in your terminal:
flatpak update org.kde.kritaHow to Remove Krita on Ubuntu
Depending on the original installation method, use one of the following commands to uninstall Krita if you no longer require the application.
APT Method:
sudo apt remove krita krita-l10nFlatpak Method:
flatpak uninstall org.kde.kritaConclusion
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.
Additional Resources and Relevant Links
- Krita Official Website: The official website for Krita offers comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and community support for users of all skill levels.
- Krita User Manual: Access the Krita user manual to learn more about the software’s features, tools, and customization options.
- Krita YouTube Channel: Explore the official Krita YouTube channel for video tutorials, demonstrations, and new feature announcements.
- Krita Artists Community: Join the Krita Artists Community to connect with other users, share your work, and seek advice on improving your skills in Krita.
- David Revoy’s Blog: David Revoy, a renowned Krita artist and illustrator, shares tips, tutorials, and artwork created using Krita on his blog.
With these resources at your fingertips, you’ll be well-equipped to make the most of Krita on your Ubuntu desktop and create stunning digital artwork.