For those keen on advanced image processing and viewing on Ubuntu systems, Nomacs emerges as a top-tier choice. This open-source image viewer, tailored for casual users and professionals, is designed to offer a comprehensive suite of features without compromising performance. If you plan to install Nomacs on Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish or its older stable release Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa, this guide is tailored for you.
Distinctive Features of Nomacs:
- Extensive Image Format Support: Beyond the common JPEG, PNG, and GIF formats, Nomacs gracefully handles raw camera formats and specialized ones like PSD and XCF.
- Efficiency at its Core: Nomacs is engineered for speed, ensuring rapid startups and fluid performance, irrespective of the hardware in use.
- Robust Image Editing Capabilities: From basic tasks like cropping and resizing to advanced operations such as color adjustments and filters, Nomacs has it.
- Batch Processing: Streamline your tasks by simultaneously applying modifications to multiple images, a testament to Nomacs’ efficiency-driven design.
- Innovative Synchronization: Nomacs introduces a unique synchronization feature, allowing users to compare images seamlessly.
- Plugin Integration: Augment the capabilities of Nomacs by integrating plugins, expanding the realm of possibilities in image editing and processing.
- Universal Compatibility: With versions available for Linux, Windows, and macOS, Nomacs ensures a uniform experience across diverse platforms.
As we delve deeper into this guide, we’ll elucidate the step-by-step process to install Nomacs on Ubuntu, covering two primary installation avenues for your convenience.
Table of Contents
Install NoMacs on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via APT
The primary method to install Nomacs is through the apt command from Ubuntu’s default repository, which is suitable for most users and highly recommended.
To begin the installation, open the terminal and enter the following command:
sudo apt install nomacs
This command directs the system to utilize APT for obtaining and installing the Nomacs image viewer from Ubuntu’s default repository. If you prefer a more up-to-date version, consider using the Flatpak installation method with Flathub as your choice.
Install Nomacs on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via Flatpak and Flathub
An alternative method to install Nomacs is using Flatpak, a flexible package management system with a sandboxed application environment. To install Nomacs via Flatpak, you must add the Flathub repository containing the Nomacs package.
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 instructions for obtaining the latest supported version using the Flatpak Team Official LaunchPAD PPA.
Begin by opening the terminal and entering the following command to integrate the Flathub repository:
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
With the repository now integrated, you can proceed to install Nomacs by executing the command below:
flatpak install flathub org.nomacs.ImageLounge
This command will install the Nomacs image viewer using the Flatpak package management system, ensuring you have the most recent version from the Flathub repository.
Launch Nomacs on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04
Once you’ve successfully installed Nomacs, there are a couple of ways to launch the image viewer. Firstly, you can open Nomacs directly from the terminal by typing:
nomacs
For those who installed Nomacs using Flatpak, you’ll need to launch it with the following command in a terminal window:
flatpak run org.nomacs.ImageLounge
While launching from the terminal is an option, a more convenient approach is to use the desktop environment. To open Nomacs via the desktop, navigate to Activities > Show Applications and search for “nomacs.” Click on the Nomacs icon to launch the image viewer, and you’re all set to start exploring its features.

Tips on Getting Started with Nomacs on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04
As a new user of Nomacs on Ubuntu Linux, you may find the following tips and tricks helpful for getting started and making the most of this versatile image viewer:
- Familiarize yourself with the interface: Nomacs has a clean and intuitive interface, with a toolbar at the top, a thumbnail preview at the bottom, and file tree navigation on the left. Spend some time exploring the interface to understand where various tools and options are located.
- Customize the appearance: Under Edit > Settings, you can customize the appearance and behavior of Nomacs. Adjust the theme, background color, and thumbnail size to suit your preferences.
- Learn keyboard shortcuts: Nomacs has a range of keyboard shortcuts that can help streamline your workflow. For example, use the arrow keys to navigate between images, Ctrl + ‘+’ and Ctrl + ‘-‘ to zoom in and out, and ‘F11’ to toggle fullscreen mode. Check the Help > Keyboard Shortcuts menu for a full list.
- Synchronize multiple instances: Nomacs allows you to synchronize multiple instances for comparing images side by side. Open multiple program instances, select Window > Synchronize > Link All or Link Selected, and use the arrow keys to navigate simultaneously through images.
- Explore editing features: Nomacs comes with basic image editing tools such as cropping, resizing, and rotating, as well as more advanced options like color adjustments and filtering. These tools can be accessed through the Adjustments and Tools menus.
- Utilize batch processing: If you need to apply changes to multiple images, Nomacs supports batch processing. Go to Tools > Batch Processing, add the images you want to process, and choose the desired actions, such as resizing, renaming, or format conversion.
- Extend the functionality with plugins: Nomacs supports plugins that enhance its capabilities. Visit the official Nomacs website to find and install plugins catering to your needs.
Following these tips and exploring the various features of Nomacs, you can effectively manage, edit, and enhance your images, making it an indispensable tool for image processing tasks on Ubuntu Linux.

Additional Commands for Nomacs on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04
How to Update Nomacs on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04
The process of updating Nomacs varies depending on your chosen installation method. To update the image viewer, use the appropriate command based on your installation method:
APT Update Method For Nomacs on Ubuntu
Keep your Nomacs installation up-to-date by running the following commands in the terminal:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
Flatpak Update Method For Nomacs on Ubuntu
For those who installed Nomacs using Flatpak, use the following command to update:
flatpak update
Remove Nomacs From Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04
If you no longer need Nomacs and wish to uninstall it, use the command corresponding to your original installation method:
APT Remove Method For Nomacs on Ubuntu
For users who installed Nomacs with APT, enter the following command in the terminal to uninstall the application:
sudo apt remove nomacs
Flatpak Remove Method For Nomacs on Ubuntu
For those who installed Nomacs using Flatpak, execute the following command to remove it:
flatpak uninstall --delete-data org.nomacs.ImageLounge
Conclusion
In conclusion, installing Nomacs on Ubuntu provides users with a powerful and versatile image viewer that is both lightweight and feature-rich. With its wide range of supported formats, user-friendly interface, and advanced image editing capabilities, Nomacs is an excellent choice for developers and casual users. The two installation methods, APT and Flatpak, offer flexibility in choosing the most suitable approach based on user preferences and requirements. Following the outlined steps and tips for first-time usage, users can effectively manage, edit, and enhance their images, making Nomacs an indispensable tool in image processing tasks on Ubuntu Linux.