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How to Install OpenRGB on Linux Mint 21/20
Last Updated on by Joshua James
OpenRGB is a free, open-source software solution that provides a unified control interface for RGB lighting in computer systems, peripherals, and other compatible devices. Developed by a dedicated community, OpenRGB aims to eliminate the need for multiple proprietary software solutions by offering compatibility with various devices and manufacturers. This introduction will explore the key features, advantages, and compatibility of OpenRGB and discuss how it can enhance the user experience when managing RGB lighting.
Key Features and Advantages of OpenRGB:
Unified Interface: OpenRGB streamlines the RGB lighting control process by offering a single interface for various devices, reducing complexity and software clutter.
Open-Source: The community-driven development of OpenRGB ensures transparency, continuous improvement, and the ability to customize the software to fit individual needs.
Cross-Platform: OpenRGB’s compatibility with multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, makes it accessible to many users.
Wide Device Compatibility: The software supports a growing list of devices from various manufacturers, such as ASUS, ASRock, Corsair, G.Skill, Gigabyte, HyperX, MSI, Razer, and more.
SDK and Plugins: OpenRGB offers an SDK (Software Development Kit) for developers to create plugins and third-party integrations, further expanding its capabilities.
Safety Features: Designed with safety in mind, OpenRGB incorporates features to prevent potential hardware conflicts or issues when controlling RGB lighting.
Active Community: The OpenRGB community is committed to expanding device compatibility, fixing issues, and improving the software’s functionality.
No Manufacturer Bloatware: Using OpenRGB, users can avoid installing manufacturer-specific software that may include unwanted bloatware or background processes.
OpenRGB empowers users to create unique and personalized RGB lighting configurations, offering a streamlined, open-source, and cross-platform solution for managing RGB lighting across multiple devices. The following guide will demonstrate how to install OpenRGB on Linux Mint 21 or Linux Mint 20 distributions series with the official Launchpad PPA or Flatpak with the Flathub repository and command terminal.
Table of Contents
Method 1: Install OpenRGB with a PPA
Step 1: Import OpenRGB PPA
Start by updating your system to ensure all existing packages are current, minimizing potential conflicts during OpenRGB installation.
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
By default, OpenRGB is not included in Linux Mint. Import the continuously updated PPA maintained by Thomas Karl Pietrowski to access the latest updates.
Step 2: Import the PPA
Proceed to import the PPA using the following command to match your Linux Mint distribution:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:thopiekar/openrgb -y
Before continuing, run an APT update to reflect the newly imported PPA:
sudo apt update
Step 3: Install OpenRGB
Now that the PPA is imported install OpenRGB using this command:
sudo apt install openrgb
After installation, verify it using the --version command:
Method 2: Install OpenRGB with Flatpak and Flathub
An alternative method for installing OpenRGB on Linux Mint involves using Flatpak, a powerful utility for installing and managing Linux applications, in conjunction with the Flathub repository. Flatpak comes pre-installed on Linux Mint as a replacement for Snapcraft, which is disabled on all Linux Mint systems.
Step 1: Activate Flathub for Flatpak
To enable Flathub for Flatpak on your Linux Mint system, execute the following command in your terminal:
With Flathub enabled, you can now install OpenRGB by running the subsequent command:
flatpak install -y flathub org.openrgb.OpenRGB
This command downloads and installs the OpenRGB application along with all necessary dependencies onto your Linux Mint system. This approach allows you to efficiently manage and update your OpenRGB application alongside other Flatpak applications.
How to Launch OpenRGB
After successfully installing OpenRGB on your Linux Mint system, you can launch the application in various ways.
Option 1: Launch OpenRGB using the Terminal
To open OpenRGB from the terminal, enter the following command:
openrgb
For Flatpak installations, use this command instead:
flatpak run org.openrgb.OpenRGB
Option 2: Launch OpenRGB from the Desktop
While terminal commands are effective, desktop users might prefer launching OpenRGB through the graphical user interface. To do so, follow this path:
Taskbar > Accessories > OpenRGB
By employing either of these methods, you can easily access and manage your OpenRGB application on your Linux Mint system.
Congratulations on installing OpenRGB! Now that you have it on your system, it’s time to dive into RGB customization for your gaming rig or workstation. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of using OpenRGB, provide tips for getting started, and share best practices for creating the perfect lighting setup.
Opening OpenRGB for the First Time Once you have installed OpenRGB on your system, you can launch it by searching for “OpenRGB” in your system’s application menu or using the appropriate method for your operating system.
Connecting Your Devices Upon launching OpenRGB, the application will automatically detect compatible devices connected to your system. You’ll see a list of devices in the main window. If any devices are missing or not recognized, ensure they are connected properly, and their respective drivers are installed. Some devices may require additional software or plugins to be fully compatible.
Navigating the Interface OpenRGB features an intuitive user interface, making it easy to customize your RGB settings:
The left pane displays the list of connected devices.
The right pane shows the customization options for the selected device.
At the top of the window, you’ll find the menu bar with additional options and settings.
Tips for Getting Started Here are some helpful tips for getting started with OpenRGB:
Familiarize yourself with the user interface and explore the available customization options for each device.
Experiment with different color schemes and lighting effects to see what works best for your setup.
Use the “Profile” feature to save and quickly switch between different lighting configurations.
Consult the OpenRGB wiki or community forums if you encounter any issues or need help with a specific device.
Customization Ideas OpenRGB offers a wide range of customization options, allowing you to create a truly unique lighting experience. Some ideas to consider:
Sync the lighting of all your devices for a cohesive and visually appealing setup.
Use a color palette that complements the design of your room or gaming area.
Create custom lighting effects for specific applications or games.
Set up reactive lighting that responds to in-game events or system alerts.
Best Practices To get the most out of OpenRGB, keep the following best practices in mind:
Keep your devices’ firmware and drivers up-to-date for optimal compatibility and performance.
Regularly check for OpenRGB updates to stay current with new features and bug fixes.
Back up your lighting profiles in case you need to reinstall the application or move to a new system.
Be mindful of performance impacts when using complex lighting effects, as they may consume additional system resources.
Now that you have a solid understanding of OpenRGB’s features and functionality, it’s time to start customizing your RGB setup. Happy tweaking!
Example of the OpenGB Settings page on Linux Mint:
Given that the tutorial has installed OpenRGB using the command line terminal, it is always recommended to check for updates often for desktop users with the following command.
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
Most users would have auto-update notifications and possibly auto-update/upgrades with GUI. I recommend running this command on the odd occasion to ensure updates are being fetched and installed.
How to Remove (Uninstall) OpenRGB on Linux Mint
Use the following command entirely for users who no longer wish to have OpenRGB.
sudo apt remove openrgb
Also, remember the PPA GPG key and repository, as this is no longer needed, which you can remove with the following command.
In summary, OpenRGB is a powerful and versatile RGB customization tool that can be easily installed on Linux Mint using the Launchpad PPA or Flatpak with Flathub. Both methods provide a convenient way to manage and maintain the software, allowing you to take full advantage of OpenRGB’s features and create the perfect lighting setup for your gaming rig or workstation.
Relevant Links and Additional Resources
To further enhance your OpenRGB experience on Linux Mint, we’ve compiled a list of relevant links and additional resources:
Linux Mint Community: The official community page for Linux Mint, where you can find support, tutorials, and discussions related to the distribution. Link: https://community.linuxmint.com/
OpenRGB Launchpad PPA (Thomas Karl Pietrowski): The Launchpad PPA for OpenRGB, maintained by Thomas Karl Pietrowski, which provides an easy way to install and maintain the software on Ubuntu-based distributions like Linux Mint. Link: https://launchpad.net/~thopiekar/+archive/ubuntu/openrgb
Flatpak: The official website for Flatpak, a universal package manager for Linux that simplifies software installation and management. Link: https://www.flatpak.org/
OpenRGB GitHub Repository: The source code repository for OpenRGB, where you can find the latest development updates and contribute to the project. Link: https://github.com/CalcProgrammer1/OpenRGB
OpenRGB Discord: The official OpenRGB Discord server, where you can connect with other users, ask questions, and share your lighting setups. Link: https://discord.gg/AQwjJPY
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