How to Install MyPaint on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04 or 20.04

This guide will demonstrate how to install MyPaint on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04 LTS Linux releases using the command-line terminal and either APT Package Manager or the third-party package manager Flatpak with Flathub for alternative installation.

MyPaint is an open-source, raster graphics editor specifically designed for digital painters and artists. It is known for its user-friendly interface and extensive range of features tailored to enhance the creative process. Some of the key highlights of MyPaint include:

• Infinite canvas: Allows artists to work without the constraints of space, providing a limitless area to express creativity.
• Customizable brushes: Offers a vast library of brushes, which can be tailored to suit various painting styles and techniques.
• Pressure-sensitive support: Compatible with graphics tablets, enabling dynamic control over brush effects for a natural drawing experience.
• Layer management: Supports multiple layers, allowing for non-destructive editing and greater flexibility in composing complex images.
• Simple and intuitive interface: Designed to minimize distractions, enabling artists to focus solely on their artwork.
• Community-driven development: Regular updates and a growing collection of brushes and features, driven by an active community of users.
• Cross-platform compatibility: Available for various operating systems, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of users.
• Support for various file formats: Enables easy sharing and compatibility with other software.

With these features, MyPaint stands out as a powerful tool for digital artists looking for a straightforward yet versatile painting application. Let’s now move on to the installation process of MyPaint on Ubuntu Linux.

Install MyPaint on Ubuntu via APT

Update the Ubuntu System Before MyPaint Installation

Before you begin, run an update on your system to ensure all existing packages are up to date to avoid any conflicts.

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

The first option is to install MyPaint with APT from Ubuntu’s repository. This may be ideal for users who do not want to manually download the paint program or install a third-party manager since MyPaint does not change that often regarding updates for new features.

Install MyPaint on Ubuntu via APT Command

Run the following command to install MyPaint from the standard repository using the following command:

sudo apt install mypaint

Install MyPaint on Ubuntu via Flatpak and Flathub

Another option for installing MyPaint is utilizing the Flatpak package manager combined with Flathub. Flatpak is a widely used alternative to Snapcraft, which comes pre-installed on Ubuntu and is supported by many other Linux distributions as the default third-party package manager for supplementary applications.

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 offers step-by-step instructions for acquiring the most recent supported version using the Flatpak Team Official LaunchPAD PPA.

Check If Flathub is Enabled on Ubuntu For MyPaint

To begin, enable Flatpak on your system by executing the following command in your terminal:

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

Install MyPaint on Ubuntu via Flatpak Command

Now install MyPaint using the following flatpak command.

flatpak install flathub org.mypaint.MyPaint -y

Launch MyPaint on Ubuntu via CLI Commands or GUI Path

Now that you have the paint application installed, launching can be done in a few ways.

CLI Methods to Launch MyPaint

The first way to open MyPaint is to use the following terminal command.

mypaint

Alternatively, Flatpak users must launch using the command below from a terminal instance.

flatpak run org.mypaint.MyPaint

GUI Method to Launch MyPaint

However, this isn’t practical, and you would use the following path on your desktop to open the application.

Activities > Show Applications > MyPaint

First-Time Tips with MyPaint on Ubuntu

Once you have installed MyPaint on your Ubuntu system, it’s time to explore its features and create your digital masterpieces. This section will guide you through first-time tips, customizations, and general advice to help you maximize your MyPaint experience.

MyPaint Interface

Familiarize yourself with MyPaint’s user-friendly interface to streamline your creative workflow.

• Canvas Navigation: Use the middle mouse button to pan the canvas and scroll the mouse wheel to zoom in and out.
• Toolbar: Access essential tools, such as brushes, color selection, and layer management, from the toolbar at the top of the screen.
• Panels: Customize the placement of panels, like layers, brushes, and colors, to suit your preferences. Panels can be detached, resized, or hidden as needed.

Explore MyPaint Brushes

MyPaint’s dynamic brush engine provides various brushes to suit every artistic need. Get to know the brushes by:

• Browsing the Brush Library: Browse through the extensive collection of default brushes, organized into categories like Basic, Experimental, and Texture.
• Creating Custom Brushes: Modify existing brushes or create new ones by adjusting their settings in the brush editor.
• Importing Brushes: Import additional brush packs from the MyPaint community or other artists, expanding your creative toolbox.

MyPaint Layers Tips

Organize your artwork using MyPaint’s powerful layer management system. Enhance your productivity by:

• Adding and Removing Layers: Create new layers for different artwork elements and delete layers when they are no longer needed.
• Reordering Layers: Drag and drop layers to rearrange their stacking order, allowing you to control the visibility and interaction of various elements.
• Layer Modes: Experiment with various blending modes, such as Multiply or Overlay, to achieve unique effects in your artwork.

Advanced MyPaint Color Selection

Master MyPaint’s color management system to find the perfect hues for your creations:

• Color Wheel: Utilize the color wheel to select colors with precision.
• Color Palettes: Create custom color palettes for specific projects or use predefined palettes for convenience.
• Color History: Access previously used colors easily using the color history panel.

MyPaint Keyboard Shortcuts

Boost your efficiency by learning MyPaint’s keyboard shortcuts. Customize shortcuts to your liking, and discover helpful default shortcuts, such as:

• Brush Size: Use the ‘[‘and’]’ keys to decrease or increase the brush size.
• Toggle Panels: Press the ‘Tab’ key to show or hide all panels for a distraction-free workspace.
• Undo and Redo: Use ‘Ctrl + Z’ to undo and ‘Ctrl + Y’ to redo your actions.

With these tips and tricks in mind, you’re well-equipped to make the most of your MyPaint experience on Ubuntu. Explore this powerful digital painting tool’s endless possibilities and unleash your creativity.

Additional MyPaint Commands with Ubuntu

Update MyPaint

Regularly update the application to keep MyPaint current and benefit from the latest features and improvements. Depending on your installation method, use the appropriate commands:

APT MyPaint Update Command

sudo apt upgrade && sudo apt upgrade

Flatpak MyPaint Update Command

flatpak update

Remove MyPaint

If you no longer need MyPaint, follow the steps below to uninstall it properly. Choose the appropriate command based on your original installation method:

APT MyPaint Remove Command

sudo apt remove mypaint

Flatpak MyPaint Remove Command

flatpak uninstall --delete-data org.mypaint.MyPaint

Conclusion

That’s a wrap! We’ve covered how to install MyPaint on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04 LTS and shared some handy tips for first-time users. Dive in, explore the brushes, and customize your workspace to make MyPaint your go-to digital canvas. Keep experimenting and enjoy unleashing your creativity on your Ubuntu system. Happy painting!