SMPlayer is a comprehensive multimedia player that offers a seamless experience for audio and video playback. For those aiming to install SMPlayer on Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish or its older stable release of Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa, this introduction sheds light on its core features and the benefits it brings to the table.
Key Features of SMPlayer:
- Diverse Format Support: SMPlayer effortlessly plays various audio and video formats, including popular ones like AVI, MP4, MKV, MP3, FLAC, and more.
- Efficient Subtitle Management: SMPlayer handles subtitles and supports their download, upload, and modification.
- Platform Versatility: With its cross-platform nature, SMPlayer is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring consistent performance across different operating systems.
- Personalized Experience: Users can tailor SMPlayer’s appearance with various skins and icon themes.
- Integrated Codecs: Including numerous codecs eliminates the need for separate installations, simplifying media playback.
- Playback Memory: A unique feature where SMPlayer remembers playback settings, including the last viewed point, audio track, and volume for each file.
- YouTube Integration: The built-in YouTube browser lets users search and play YouTube videos directly within SMPlayer.
- Open-Source Advantage: The global community continually enhances the open-source SMPlayer, keeping it up-to-date and rich in features.
Given its robust capabilities and user-centric design, SMPlayer has become a top choice for multimedia enthusiasts. For those using Ubuntu, the compatibility with Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish and Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa ensures a smooth installation process. The subsequent guide will detail the steps to get SMPlayer up and running on these Ubuntu versions.
Table of Contents
Install SMPlayer on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via APT
Utilizing the APT, or Advanced Package Tool, is an efficient way to handle packages on Ubuntu. APT simplifies managing software on Unix-like computer systems by automating software packages’ retrieval, configuration, and installation.
Update Ubuntu Before SMPlayer Installation
Before we begin the installation of SMPlayer, it’s crucial to update your Ubuntu system. This ensures that all existing packages are current, preventing potential conflicts arising from outdated software. You can accomplish this by running the following command:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeInstall SMPlayer on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via APT Command
There are several ways to install SMPlayer; the best method for you will depend on your specific needs and the version of Ubuntu you’re running.
Option 1: Install SMPlayer from Ubuntu Repository
For most users, the most straightforward and safest method to install SMPlayer is directly from the Ubuntu repository. This approach ensures system compatibility and stability. However, depending on your Ubuntu system’s Long-Term Support (LTS) version, the SMPlayer package in the repository may not be the most recent one. It might lack the latest features or improvements in performance and bug fixes. If this concerns you, you might want to consider the second option or the Flatpak method.
To install SMPlayer directly from the Ubuntu repository, use the following command:
sudo apt install smplayerOption 2: Install SMPlayer on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via APT PPA
An alternative method to install SMPlayer is using a Personal Package Archive (PPA). PPAs provide software that is not available in the official Ubuntu repositories or a more up-to-date version of the software. In this case, we will use the PPA by Alexander Pozdnyakov, which offers a more recent version of SMPlayer.
To add the PPA to your system, run the following:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:alex-p/smplayer -yAfter adding a new PPA, updating your APT package list to include the newly available packages from the PPA is necessary. You can do this with the following command:
sudo apt updateNow, you’re ready to install SMPlayer along with its themes from the PPA using the following command:
sudo apt install smplayer smplayer-themes -yThis approach ensures you’re getting the latest features and improvements of SMPlayer. It’s a bit more involved than using the Ubuntu repository, but the benefits of having the most recent version of SMPlayer can outweigh the additional steps required.
Install SMPlayer on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via Flatpak and Flathub
Flatpak is a versatile, next-generation technology for building and distributing desktop applications on Linux. It provides a sandbox environment where users can run applications in isolation from the rest of the system. This section delves into installing SMPlayer using Flatpak and the Flathub repository, offering an alternative way to install applications that often have more recent versions than those found in traditional repositories.
Step 1: Enable Flathub on Ubuntu For Applications (SMPlayer)
Before installing SMPlayer via Flatpak, enable the Flathub repository, the primary hub for applications packaged in the Flatpak format. Add Flathub as a remote repository in your Flatpak configuration by running the command in your terminal:
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoThis command grants your system access to the extensive application collection on Flathub, which includes SMPlayer.
Step 2: Install SMPlayer on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via Flatpak Command
After enabling Flathub, proceed to install SMPlayer. Flatpak requires a unique application identifier for each application installation. For SMPlayer, use the identifier net.smplayer.SMPlayer.
To install SMPlayer using Flatpak, execute the following command:
flatpak install flathub info.smplayer.SMPlayer -yUpon executing this command, Flatpak will fetch the latest version of SMPlayer from the Flathub repository and install it on your system.
If your system doesn’t have Flatpak installed, you’ll need to install it first. You can follow our comprehensive guide on “How to Install Flatpak on Ubuntu” for step-by-step instructions on installing the most recent supported version of Flatpak.
Install SMPlayer on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via Snap
The third option is to install SMPlayer with the natively installed Snapcraft package manager snapd. For new users of Ubuntu, Snap facilitates straightforward software installation.
Step 1: Install Snap on Your Ubuntu System
Ensure your Ubuntu system has Snap installed. Ubuntu usually comes with Snapd pre-installed. If not, use the following command for installation:
sudo apt install snapd -yStep 2: Enable Classic Snap Support (Optional)
Some applications, including SMPlayer, require ‘classic’ Snap mode for optimal functionality, providing broader system access. Enable it with this command:
sudo ln -s /var/lib/snapd/snap /snapStep 3: Install the Core Snap
Installing the ‘core’ snap beforehand is necessary, as it supplies essential libraries and services for other snaps. Install it using:
sudo snap install coreStep 4: Install SMPlayer on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via Snap
Now you can install SMPlayer with the command:
sudo snap install smplayerThis command instructs Snap to install SMPlayer on your system.
Launching SMPlayer on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04
With SMPlayer successfully installed, the next step is to enjoy its many features. There are several ways to launch the application, catering to command-line users and those who prefer graphical interfaces.
CLI Methods to Launch SMPlayer on Ubuntu
Users who prefer the command line can launch SMPlayer by simply typing the following command into the terminal:
smplayerThis command calls the executable file of SMPlayer, launching the application.
However, the command differs slightly for those who installed SMPlayer using Flatpak or Snap. To open SMPlayer, use the following command that matches your installation method:
flatpak run info.smplayer.SMPlayersnap run smplayerGUI Method to Launch SMPlayer on Ubuntu
Launch SMPlayer from the Applications menu if you prefer using the graphical interface. In Ubuntu, most desktop environments, like GNOME, offer an easy-to-navigate Applications menu that lists all installed software. To launch SMPlayer, navigate to:
Activities > Show Applications > SMPlayer
Starting Tips with SMPlayer on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04
Embarking on using a new multimedia player like SMPlayer offers excitement, though the myriad features and options can be daunting. This section delivers valuable tips for improving your SMPlayer experience on Ubuntu Linux. The tips cover general usage, customization, and additional handy features to elevate your multimedia experience.
General Tips with SMPlayer on Ubuntu
Use Keyboard Shortcuts with SMPlayer on Ubuntu
SMPlayer provides numerous keyboard shortcuts to enhance your navigation and control speed significantly. Below are some frequently used ones:
- Space: Play/Pause the Video
- Right Arrow: Forward 10 seconds
- Left Arrow: Rewind 10 seconds
- F: Fullscreen toggle
- M: Mute/Unmute audio
Subtitle Download with SMPlayer on Ubuntu
SMPlayer integrates with the online OpenSubtitles database, allowing you to search for and download subtitles directly from the player. To use this feature, go to Subtitles > Find subtitles on OpenSubtitles.org.
SMPlayer Customization Tips on Ubuntu
Change SMPlayer Theme and Icons on Ubuntu
SMPlayer allows you to customize its look and feel by changing themes and icons. To do this, navigate to Options > Preferences > Interface, where you can select from various themes and icons to suit your taste.
Adjust SMPlayer Subtitle Appearance on Ubuntu
You can customize the appearance of your subtitles, including the font, color, and size. Go to Options > Preferences > Subtitles to make these adjustments.
Other Tips with SMPlayer on Ubuntu
SMPlayer Screenshot Capture on Ubuntu
SMPlayer provides an easy way to capture screenshots from your Video. Simply navigate to Video> Screenshot to capture the current frame.
Play YouTube Videos with SMPlayer on Ubuntu
SMPlayer can stream YouTube videos directly. To do this, go to Open > URL, and paste the YouTube link.
Additional SMPlayer Commands with Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04
Once you’ve installed SMPlayer on your Ubuntu system, knowing how to manage it is vital. This means updating the software regularly and understanding how to uninstall it when necessary. This section will guide you through these steps with clear instructions.
Update SMPlayer on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04
Keeping your SMPlayer installation up-to-date ensures you benefit from the latest features, bug fixes, and performance improvements. Depending on your installation method, you can update the SMPlayer using either the APT package manager or Flatpak.
APT Update Method For SMPlayer on Ubuntu
If you’ve installed SMPlayer using the APT method, you can update it by running the following command:
sudo apt upgrade && sudo apt upgradeThis command updates SMPlayer and all other packages installed via the APT package manager, including system packages.
Flatpak Update Method For SMPlayer on Ubuntu
If you’ve installed SMPlayer via Flatpak, use the following command to update it:
flatpak updateSnap Update Method For SMPlayer on Ubuntu
Update Snapcraft installations through the CLI with the following command:
sudo snap refreshRemove SMPlayer From Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04
If you no longer need SMPlayer, you can uninstall it from your system. Like the update process, uninstallation also depends on your installation method.
APT Remove Method for SMPlayer on Ubuntu
If you’ve installed SMPlayer using the APT method, you can uninstall it using the following command:
sudo apt remove smplayer smplayer-themesIf you don’t plan to use the PPA again after uninstalling the software, remove it using the following command:
sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:alex-p/smplayer -yFlatpak Remove Method for SMPlayer on Ubuntu
If you’ve installed SMPlayer via Flatpak, use the following command to uninstall it:
flatpak uninstall --delete-data info.smplayer.SMPlayerSnapcraft Remove Method for SMPlayer on Ubuntu
Lastly, for SMPlayer installations via Snapcraft, use the following command to remove the software:
sudo snap remove smplayerFinal Thoughts
In conclusion, we’ve guided you through installing, updating, and removing SMPlayer on Ubuntu Linux. We have discussed the three primary methods of installation, namely the APT package manager, Flatpak, or Snap. We have also delved into how to keep the software up-to-date and the process to uninstall it when needed. Following this guide, you can efficiently manage the SMPlayer application on your Ubuntu system, ensuring you have the latest features and keeping your system clean and efficient.