The easiest way to install Aseprite on Linux is through Steam or the official Ubuntu package. If neither fits your distribution, you can compile Aseprite from its source code using the project’s current build helper. The source is available to build and use for your own purposes, but Aseprite’s license does not allow you to redistribute compiled copies.
| Method | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Steam | Most Linux users who want the simplest setup | Official Linux build with automatic updates through Steam. |
| Ubuntu DEB | Ubuntu and compatible Debian-based systems | Paid downloads include an Ubuntu package; Aseprite says its Linux packages target Ubuntu 20.04 or later. |
| Build from source | Arch, Fedora, openSUSE, Void, Debian, Ubuntu, and advanced users | Requires development packages, Git, CMake, Ninja, and the matching Skia build. |
You can buy Aseprite from the official Aseprite store. Existing customers can sign in to the Aseprite account page to access current downloads and updates.
Steam is the most straightforward option because you do not need to compile anything or manage Skia yourself. The official Aseprite Steam page lists SteamOS + Linux support, with Ubuntu 20.04 64-bit as the minimum Linux OS.
Aseprite is DRM-free. The project’s documentation also explains that the Steam-installed Linux binary can be launched directly from its Steam library location if you prefer not to open Steam first.
If you bought Aseprite directly or linked a supported purchase to an Aseprite account, sign in and download the current Ubuntu DEB package. The official Aseprite FAQ says paid downloads include Ubuntu packages and notes that they can also be unpacked and executed on other distributions, although Ubuntu is the intended target.
If your desktop does not have a graphical DEB installer, Ubuntu and Debian-based systems can normally install a downloaded package from the terminal with sudo apt install ./filename.deb, replacing the filename with the package you downloaded.
Use the source-build route when you want to compile Aseprite yourself or when a ready-made package does not suit your distribution. The current official build instructions recommend the project’s build.sh helper on Linux. This is important because older guides that manually clone an old Skia branch are outdated; the helper can obtain the matching prebuilt Skia package for the current source tree.
Use the command for your distribution:
Ubuntu or Debian:
sudo apt-get install -y g++ clang cmake ninja-build unzip libx11-dev libxcursor-dev libxi-dev libxrandr-dev libgl1-mesa-dev libfontconfig1-devFedora:
sudo dnf install -y gcc-c++ clang libcxx-devel cmake ninja-build unzip libX11-devel libXcursor-devel libXi-devel libXrandr-devel mesa-libGL-devel fontconfig-develArch Linux:
sudo pacman -S gcc clang cmake ninja unzip libx11 libxcursor libxi libxrandr mesa-libgl fontconfig libwebpopenSUSE:
sudo zypper install gcc-c++ clang cmake ninja unzip libX11-devel libXcursor-devel libXi-devel libXrandr-devel Mesa-libGL-devel fontconfig-develgit clone --recursive https://github.com/aseprite/aseprite.git
cd aseprite./build.shFollow the prompts. The script stores its build configuration, downloads a compatible Skia package when needed, configures CMake, runs the build, and prints the path to the resulting Aseprite executable. For an unattended default release build, the script also supports ./build.sh --auto --norun.
git submodule update --init --recursive inside the Aseprite source directory../build.sh.For most people, Steam or the official Ubuntu package is faster and easier. Building from source is the better choice when you specifically need a self-compiled Linux build or your distribution is not covered by the packaged options.
Capture Linux desktop audio in Audacity by routing its recording stream to your output device’s monitor source. Follow PulseAudio and PipeWire steps, export tips, and fixes for silent tracks.
Install Dropbox on Linux from the official package, sign in, sync a local folder, manage selective sync, and check status from the command line.
Install Inkscape from your Linux distribution’s repositories, the Ubuntu stable PPA, Snap, or Flathub, with current commands and notes for choosing a package source.
Use FSlint to scan selected Linux folders, review duplicate groups, and safely delete redundant files or learn when hard-link merging is appropriate.
Install SABnzbd on Ubuntu or Debian, or run it in Docker on another Linux host. Then open the web interface and configure your provider and download folders.
Install the Paper GTK theme from supported Linux repositories, enable it for GTK apps in GNOME Tweaks, and see what the legacy theme can and cannot change.
The old OpenMediaVault Plex plugin is archived. Set up Plex on OMV 8 with OMV-Extras, the Compose plugin, persistent storage, and Plex’s official container.
Clean and speed up Ubuntu with safe APT cleanup, storage checks, and startup controls that help free space and troubleshoot a sluggish desktop.
Install Hiri on Linux with its Snap package or official tarball, add a desktop launcher, and check supported accounts plus a warning about Hiri’s old Snap release.
Use Fastfetch and built-in Linux commands to check your distro, kernel, CPU, memory, graphics, storage, and connected devices, then save a clear report.
