How to Install AppImage Programs on Chromebook

Jun. 19, 2020

If you are new to Chromebook then I would highly recommend you toset up Linux on Chrome OS. It would allow you to use many desktop-class apps which are simply nowhere to be found on Chrome OS. The traditional way to install apps on Linux is through the Terminal, but in some cases, developers also offer a portable AppImage installer. Popular Linux apps like Krita and Shotcut come in the AppImage package and they are super convenient. You just need to double-click on the AppImage file and the program will be up and running. How cool is that? So, if you want to install AppImage programs on Chromebook then simply follow this guide and you will be all set.

Run AppImage Programs on Chromebook

There are two ways to run AppImage programs onChromebook. You can either use a Linux file manager to run the program or use the Terminal. Thefirst method is slightly lengthy, but it’s very convenientonce you have set up everything. The latter method is, however, a quick way to run AppImage programs, but you will have to fiddle with commands. Anyway, here I am showing both the methods so you can pick one easily.

1. There are many file managers for Linux, butI would recommend Nautilus. It’s simple and works pretty well. So first off, install the Nautilus file manager by running the below command on the Terminal.

2. Once you have done that, open the Chrome OS launcher andlook for the Linux apps folder. It usually sits on the first page. Now, open the “Files” app. This is the Nautilus file manager that we just installed.

3. After that, download the AppImage program andmove it to the “Linux files” section. You can do so from the default “Files” app of Chrome OS.

4. Now, open the Linux files app (Nautilus) and right-click on the AppImage program. After that,click on “Properties”.

5. Move to the “Permissions” tab andenable the “Execute” checkbox. Now, the AppImage program is ready to be executed.

6. Finally,double-click on the AppImage programand voila, there you have it. The AppImage program runs just like that on Chromebook. Now onwards, you don’t need to do all these steps. Just double-click and the program will open up. For new programs, follow the instructions from step #3.

7. If you want to quickly run an AppImage program on Chromebook then the Linux Terminal is the best way to do it. First of all, move the AppImage program to the “Linux files” sectionusing the Files app.

8. Next,copy the entire nameof the file including the.AppImageextension. You can also rename it to something shorter so that you can easily type it on the Terminal.

9. Now, open the Linux Terminal andtypechmod a+x. After that, give a space and paste the file name that you copied above. It will look something like this. Now, hit enter and it will make the program executable. Note that, it won’t output anything.

10. Having done that, now enter./and paste the program name againwithout any space. Here is how it will look.

11. Finally, hit enter and the AppImage application will run instantly on Chromebook. Now onwards, you will have tojust repeat step #4to run the program. For new programs though, you will have to make it executable first by following step #3.

So that is how you can install AppImage programs on Chromebook. We have offered two methods and both are easy and straightforward. However, if you are not well acquainted with the Terminal then the first method would be my recommendation. Anyway, that is all from us. If you want to discover thebest Linux apps for Chromebookthen go through the linked article. You can also click on the link to learn moreChrome OS tips and tricks.

Passionate about Windows, ChromeOS, Android, security and privacy issues. Have a penchant to solve everyday computing problems.