How to Install OpenRGB on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS

OpenRGB is free and open-source software used to control RGB lighting control that does not require manufacturer software. The software allows for RGB amber lighting, game integrations, music visualization, etc. OpenRGB also comes with a plugin interface that can extend the software’s functionality even further.

In the following tutorial, you will learn how to install OpenRGB on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS Focal Fossa by importing a third-party PPA that maintains this great open-source software among multiple versions of Ubuntu and some tips on updating and removing the software if required in the future.

Update Ubuntu

Before you begin, make sure your system is up-to-date to avoid any conflicts during the installation, and for good practice, use the terminal command as follows.

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Import OpenRGB PPA

To successfully install OpenRGB, you will need to import the PPA “OpenRGB”. This PPA is continuously updated, so you will always have the latest updates.

In your terminal, use the following command to import the PPA.

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:thopiekar/openrgb -y

Next, run an apt update.

sudo apt update

Install OpenRGB

With the PPA now imported, you can begin installing using the following command.

sudo apt install openrgb -y

Once installed, verify the installation using the –version command.

openrgb --version

Example output:

How to Launch OpenRGB

To launch OpenRGB, you can do this in a few ways.

First, while you are in your terminal, you can use the following command:

openrgb

Alternatively, run the openrgb & command in the background to free up the terminal.

openrgb &

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

Activities > Show Applications > OpenRGB.

Example:

Once opened, you will arrive at your default landing screen showing what hardware devices are installed. The tutorial machine has a G502 Hero Gaming mouse, which is now present.

Example:

Further adjustments, installing plugins, and much more can be found in the settings menu to customize your PC hardware fully.

Example:

How to Update OpenRGB

The best way to upgrade the software, depending on what versions you have installed, is using the following command that should all the requirements from standard to nightly using the command line terminal.

Alternatively, the desktop should notify you of updates.

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

How to Remove (Uninstall) OpenRGB

Use the following command entirely for users who no longer wish to have OpenRGB.

sudo apt autoremove openrgb --purge -y

Also, remember the PPA repository as this is no longer needed.

The command looks familiar to adding the repository, and this time you added the syntax –remove syntax for the removal.

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:thopiekar/openrgb -y

Comments and Conclusion

In the tutorial, you have learned how to install OpenRGB by importing a PPA and installing the latest version on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS Focal Fossa.

One of the biggest draws for OpenRGB is no manufacturer software is required as it can be bloated, invade privacy, and hoard resources. The downside is not all devices will work straight out of the box.