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How to Install Blender on Linux Mint 21 or 20
Last Updated on by Joshua James
Blender is a leading open-source 3D creation suite offering various modeling, animation, rendering, and more features. Whether you’re using Linux Mint 21 or the older stable release of Linux Mint 20, installing Blender can significantly enhance your creative capabilities.
Key Features of Blender for Linux Mint Users
Comprehensive Toolset: Blender is a one-stop shop for all things 3D, from modeling and animation to rendering and compositing. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized software.
Rendering Flexibility: With support for both real-time (Eevee) and high-end production (Cycles) render engines, Blender offers artists a versatile platform for their projects.
VR Support: Blender includes VR rendering capabilities, allowing for immersive scene inspection.
Customization and Scripting: The software’s open architecture allows extensive customization and Python scripting is available for automation and testing.
Community-Driven: Being open-source, Blender benefits from a global community that contributes to its development, ensuring it stays up-to-date and feature-rich.
Given Blender’s robust features and flexibility, it’s no wonder the software is a popular choice among Linux Mint users. This guide will provide concise, step-by-step instructions on how to install Blender on Linux Mint 21 or Linux Mint 20. Whether you prefer using APT or Flatpak, this guide covers you for a smooth installation process.
Table of Contents
Section 1: Install Blender via APT on Linux Mint 21 or 20
Step 1: System Update Before Blender Installation on Ubuntu
Commence by refreshing the package database and upgrading your Linux Mint system. This critical first step ensures that all existing software on your system is current, preventing potential compatibility issues during the forthcoming installation process. Execute the command below to initiate this process:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
Step 2: Install Blender via APT Command on Linux Mint
Your initial option involves leveraging the APT package manager with the default repository of Linux Mint, which houses Blender. This method is inherently uncomplicated and swift. However, one should note that the Blender version offered in the default repository may not always be the most recent. This latency occurs as updates are primarily geared toward resolving urgent security concerns. To incorporate Blender using this technique, implement the command stated below:
sudo apt install blender
For those seeking an alternative method for a much up-to-date version, check out section 2.
Section 2: Install Blender via Flatpak and Flathub on Linux Mint 21 or 20
In this portion, we shall elucidate an alternative method of introducing Blender into your Linux Mint environment using Flatpak. Flatpak is a universal packaging standard for Linux software, akin to Snap. It brings many benefits, such as simplified distribution, sandboxing for enhanced security, and the capability to operate multiple versions of a single application concurrently.
Step 1: Enable Flathub for Blender on Linux Mint
Before introducing Blender through Flatpak, you must enable the Flathub repository. Flathub serves as the main hub for obtaining Flatpak applications. To enable Flathub, execute the command mentioned below in your terminal:
This command appends the Flathub repository to your Flatpak configuration. This ensures you have access to various applications, including Blender.
Step 2: Install Blender via Flatpak on Linux Mint
With Flathub now an active part of your Flatpak environment, you are equipped to install Blender using the flatpak install command. Input the following command in your terminal:
flatpak install flathub org.blender.Blender -y
This command retrieves and installs Blender directly from the Flathub repository, providing you with the most current version of the application.
Section 3: Initializing Blender on Linux Mint 21 or 20
Now that we have Blender successfully installed on your Linux Mint system, you can initiate the application in various ways. This section will present diverse techniques to start Blender, ensuring you can access the application quickly and conveniently.
Step 1: Initiating Blender via Terminal on Linux Mint
If you want to start Blender directly from the terminal, input the following command:
blender
For those who have installed Blender using Flatpak, you’ll need to use a distinct command to launch Blender from the terminal:
flatpak run org.blender.Blender
Although these terminal commands allow you to launch Blender, alternative ways to access the application might be more convenient.
Step 2: Launching Blender from the Desktop Environment on Linux Mint
A more practical and user-friendly way to launch Blender is through your desktop environment. You can do this by navigating the following path in your system:
Taskbar > Graphics > Blender
PinScreenshot demonstrating the steps to launch Blender on Linux Mint 21 or Linux Mint 20.
Section 4: Top Tips for Getting Started with Blender on Linux Mint
Embarking on your journey with Blender on Linux Mint can be an exhilarating experience, with a world of creative possibilities to explore. Here are some helpful tips to assist you in starting this adventure on the right foot. These tips cater to Linux-specific Blender usage and should provide some valuable insights for beginners and even seasoned Blender users.
Tip 1: Customize Your Workspace
Blender offers a highly customizable interface to tailor to your needs and preferences. You can rearrange panels, create new ones, and even save your configurations as workspaces. Make use of this feature to create an environment that enhances your workflow.
# To save a workspace
File > Defaults > Save Startup File
Tip 2: Enable Auto Save
Blender has an auto-save feature that could be a real lifesaver, especially when you’re on a big project. This feature is disabled by default in Blender, but enabling it is straightforward.
# Enable auto-save
Edit > Preferences > Save & Load > Auto Save
Tip 3: Make Use of Blender’s Command Line Options
As a Linux user, you might find utilizing Blender’s robust command-line options efficient. These can be particularly useful for rendering animations or managing files. To view a list of all command-line options, just type blender --help in your terminal.
blender --help
Tip 4: Install Blender Add-ons
Blender supports a wide range of add-ons, which can extend the software’s functionality significantly. From modeling tools to import/export utilities, there’s likely an add-on for whatever you need. You can install add-ons through the Blender interface itself.
Blender has a plethora of keyboard shortcuts that can help speed up your workflow dramatically. For example, pressing Shift + A in the 3D view will bring up the add menu. You can find a complete list of Blender’s shortcuts under Help > Keymap.
# View Keymap
Help > Keymap
Remember, Blender is a powerful tool with many features, so don’t be discouraged if things initially seem complicated. It’s all about learning and experimenting. As you gain experience, you’ll become more comfortable and proficient with the software.
PinScreenshot showing the Blender welcome screen, confirming successful installation on Linux Mint 21 or Linux Mint 20.
Section 5: Blender Management Commands on Linux Mint 21 or 20
In this section, we will focus on understanding your diverse array of management commands when interacting with Blender on a Linux Mint system. The commands and strategies we’ll discuss cater to updating, upgrading, and removing Blender from your Linux Mint system. We’ll approach these tasks from the perspective of the two installation methods we’ve covered previously – the APT and Flatpak methods.
Keeping Blender Up-to-date on Linux Mint 21 or 20
To ensure the smooth running of Blender and to access the latest features and fixes, it’s crucial to keep the application updated. The process of updating your Blender installation will depend on the method you used to install the software in the first place.
APT Update Method for Blender on Linux Mint
For those who’ve installed Blender using the APT package manager, updating your Blender installation will be a two-step process. This process involves updating your system first and upgrading the specific packages. You can execute the following commands to accomplish this:
sudo apt upgrade
sudo apt upgrade
Flatpak Update Method for Blender on Linux Mint
If you’ve installed Blender using the Flatpak method, the process to update it simplifies to running a single command in your terminal:
flatpak update
Uninstall Blender from Linux Mint 21 or 20
If a need arises to uninstall Blender from your Linux Mint system, you can accomplish this using the appropriate command that aligns with the method used to install Blender.
APT Remove Method for Blender on Linux Mint
To successfully uninstall Blender, which was installed using the APT package manager, you can implement the command:
sudo apt remove blender
Flatpak Remove Method for Blender on Linux Mint
To remove a Flatpak installation of Blender, use the following command in your terminal. Note that this command will also delete any associated data:
To reflect on our journey, we have successfully navigated installing, launching, updating, and uninstalling Blender on Linux Mint. Each step has been broken down into detailed sections, with explicit commands, to cater to experienced users and novices alike. This comprehensive guide has aimed to provide clarity and inspire confidence in your interactions with Blender, one of the most powerful open-source 3D creation suites.
Emphasis has been placed on the versatility and adaptability of Blender, which, when paired with the robust and user-friendly Linux Mint, makes for a reliable and efficient combination. From launching Blender directly from the terminal or using your desktop environment to updating and uninstalling using APT or Flatpak methods, you are now equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage Blender on your Linux Mint system.
