AppImageKit icon

AppImageKit

AppImageKit is an open source tool for packaging Linux applications as AppImages - self-contained software packages that run on common Linux distributions without needing installation or admin rights. AppImages make applications portable and sandboxed.

What is AppImageKit?

AppImageKit is an open source tool that allows developers to package Linux applications as AppImages - self-contained software bundles that run on most major Linux distributions without needing installation or admin rights. AppImages are portable across distributions and versions, easy to build and deploy, and sandboxed from the rest of the system.

Key features of AppImageKit include:

  • Bundles all dependencies into a single file for simplified delivery and installation
  • Works on Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, CentOS, openSUSE and more without modification
  • Integrates with existing package managers like apt and rpm
  • Sandboxes applications to prevent interference with the base system
  • Allows incremental updates so only changed files need to be downloaded
  • Open source under the MIT license

AppImages have been referred to as the ultimate in cross distribution delivery of Linux applications. For developers, AppImageKit provides an easy way to reach users across distributions. For users, AppImages provide out-of-the-box software that "just works" without instability concerns. The sandboxed nature improves security as well.

The Best AppImageKit Alternatives

Top Apps like AppImageKit

Flatpak, Flathub, Snapcraft, Zero Install, Chef Habitat, Orbital Apps, Panamax are some alternatives to AppImageKit.

Flatpak

Flatpak is a utility for software deployment and package management on Linux. It provides a framework for building, distributing, installing and running applications in isolated environments called sandboxes.Some key features of Flatpak include:Sandboxing - Each Flatpak app runs in its own sandbox, isolated from the rest of the...

Flathub

Flathub is an open source community-driven app repository and build service for desktop applications on Linux. It serves as a centralized location for users to discover, install, and receive updates for Flatpak applications across various Linux distributions.Some key things to know about Flathub:Over 9000 desktop applications across categories like...

Snapcraft

Snapcraft is an open source tool developed by Canonical for building and distributing software packages called snaps for Linux systems. It provides an easier way for developers to package desktop, server and IoT applications and deliver them across multiple Linux distributions.Some key features of Snapcraft include:All-in-one packaging -...

Zero Install

Zero Install is an open source software distribution system that allows applications to be run directly from network resources without needing local installation. It works by determining dependencies and downloading the latest software versions on-demand. Some key features of Zero Install include:Decentralized distribution - Apps can be run from...

Chef Habitat

Chef Habitat is an open source application automation platform created by Chef Software. It allows developers to build, deploy, and manage applications and services across heterogeneous infrastructure environments such as on-premises data centers, public cloud platforms, or hybrid infrastructure.Key features and benefits of Chef Habitat include:Provides a consistent...

Orbital Apps

Orbital Apps is a no-code software platform designed to help users build, deploy and scale applications without needing to write any code. It features an intuitive visual interface that allows users to connect apps, data sources, AI tools, and automation components through pre-built connectors and templates.Some key capabilities and...

Panamax

Panamax is an open-source container management platform built on Docker and CoreOS. It allows users to easily deploy, monitor, manage, and scale Docker containers through a simple graphical user interface.Some key features of Panamax include:Graphical container management - Easily create, run,and link Docker containers without touching the...