How to Install OpenShot on Linux Mint 22, 21 or 20

OpenShot is a powerful and user-friendly open-source video editor designed to be easy to use while providing rich features. It supports various video, audio, and image formats and offers tools like video transitions, keyframe animations, audio mixing, clip resizing, scaling, trimming, and cutting. OpenShot also includes advanced features such as a chroma-key (green screen), slow motion, and time effects, making it suitable for beginners and advanced users.

To install OpenShot on Linux Mint 22, 21, or 20, you have several options. You can use Linux Mint’s default repository, the OpenShot developers’ Launchpad PPA for the latest stable or development builds, or Flatpak with the Flathub repository. These methods ensure access to the version that best fits your needs, whether you prioritize stability or cutting-edge features.

Method 1: Install OpenShot via APT

Update Linux Mint Before Installing OpenShot

Start by updating your Linux Mint system to ensure compatibility and prevent potential conflicts during the OpenShot installation. Open your terminal and execute the following command:

sudo apt update

This command refreshes your package list with the latest versions from Linux Mint repositories. After updating the package list, upgrade any outdated packages with:

sudo apt upgrade

With these updates, your system is ready for a smooth OpenShot installation.

Choose Your Installation Method for OpenShot

OpenShot can be installed on Linux Mint using two different methods. The first method installs OpenShot directly from the Linux Mint repository. The second method uses a Personal Package Archive (PPA) provided by the OpenShot developers. The choice depends on whether you prefer stability (Mint’s repository) or the latest features (PPA).

Option 1: Install OpenShot from the Linux Mint Repository

Install OpenShot from the Linux Mint repository for a stable and secure version. The Linux Mint team tests and maintains this version, ensuring reliability.

To install, use the following command:

sudo apt install openshot-qt

Option 2: Install OpenShot via PPA

For the latest features and updates, consider using the OpenShot PPA. There are two options: the stable PPA for general users and the development PPA for those who want the newest advancements.

Stable OpenShot PPA Installation:

To import the stable OpenShot PPA, use:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:openshot.developers/ppa -y

Development OpenShot PPA Installation:

For the latest development version, use:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:openshot.developers/libopenshot-daily -y

After adding your chosen PPA, update your repository list:

sudo apt update

Now, install OpenShot with:

sudo apt install openshot-qt

Additionally, you could use a similar command below to print the sources of where OpenShot was installed:

apt policy openshot-qt

This is handy when installing from one of the OpenShot dev PPAs.

Method 2: Install OpenShot via Flatpak and Flathub

Enable Flathub for OpenShot Installation

To begin the OpenShot installation using Flatpak, first enable the Flathub repository. Flathub is a major hub for Flatpak applications, offering various software choices.

Run this command in your terminal to add Flathub to your Flatpak configuration:

sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Install OpenShot on Linux Mint via Flatpak Command

Once Flathub is enabled, you can install OpenShot using Flatpak. This method guarantees you receive the most current version of OpenShot, which operates independently of your system’s libraries. This independence enhances both stability and security.

Install OpenShot with the following command:

flatpak install flathub org.openshot.OpenShot -y

Launching OpenShot via CLI or GUI

CLI Methods to Launch OpenShot

After installing OpenShot, you can start the application using the command line. The command differs based on the installation method used:

• For APT Installation:

openshot-qt

This command is straightforward and launches the version installed via APT.

• For Flatpak Installation:

flatpak run org.openshot.OpenShot

GUI Methods to Launch OpenShot

Gnome Environment:

1. Click “Activities” at the top-left corner of the screen.
2. Choose “Show Applications” (represented by a grid icon) to view all installed applications.
3. Find and click the “OpenShot Video Editor” icon to start the program.

Cinnamon, XFCE, KDE Environments:

1. Access the menu or taskbar specific to your desktop environment.
2. Browse through the applications list or use the search function to find OpenShot.
3. Click on the “OpenShot Video Editor” icon to open the application.

Managing OpenShot

Update OpenShot

Regularly updating OpenShot ensures you have the latest features and security enhancements. Use the terminal for updates to ensure proper processing.

For APT installations, execute:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

For Flatpak installations, the update command is:

sudo flatpak update

Remove OpenShot

Should you need to remove OpenShot, the uninstallation process varies based on the installation method.

APT Method to Uninstall OpenShot

For APT installations, remove OpenShot with:

sudo apt remove openshot-qt

If OpenShot was installed via a PPA and no other applications from this PPA are in use, remove the repository with:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:openshot.developers/ppa -y

For installations from the developer’s PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:openshot.developers/libopenshot-daily -y

Flatpak Method to Uninstall OpenShot

To uninstall the Flatpak version of OpenShot and delete its data, use:

flatpak uninstall --delete-data org.openshot.OpenShot -y

Conclusion

With OpenShot successfully installed on your Linux Mint system, you can now leverage its extensive video editing capabilities to create professional-quality videos. Regularly check for updates to benefit from the latest features and improvements.