How to install Pinta on a Chromebook

on
Chromebook Specials

This guide will walk you through the process of installing Pinta, a lightweight image editing application, on your Chromebook using Linux apps (Crostini). Pinta is an excellent free alternative to more complex image editors, offering an intuitive interface with powerful features for photo editing, drawing, and graphic design.

Whether you're new to Linux on Chromebooks or an experienced user, this tutorial provides clear step-by-step instructions to get Pinta up and running on your device. We'll be using Flatpak, a universal package management system that makes installing and managing Linux applications straightforward and secure.

Video Tutorial

Follow along with our video tutorial above for a visual walkthrough, or use the written instructions and commands below at your own pace.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, you'll need to enable Linux apps on your Chromebook. If you haven't already done this, navigate to your system settings, click on "About Chrome OS" in the left panel, and turn on Linux development environment (also known as Crostini). The setup process typically takes just a few minutes.

Once Linux apps are enabled, you'll have access to a terminal application where we'll enter the commands needed to install Pinta.

Why Use Flatpak?

Flatpak is a modern application distribution framework that provides several advantages for Chromebook users. It ensures applications run in a sandboxed environment with consistent dependencies across different Linux distributions. This means you'll always get the latest version of Pinta with all its features, regardless of which Chromebook model you're using. Flatpak also handles updates automatically, keeping your applications secure and up-to-date.

Installation Commands

Open the Terminal application from your Chromebook's app launcher and execute the following commands in order. You can copy each command and paste it into the terminal using Ctrl+Shift+V or by right-clicking (two-finger click on the touchpad) and selecting paste.

Step 1: Update Your System

First, we'll update the package repositories to ensure we're working with the latest information:

sudo apt update

This command refreshes the list of available packages and their versions, ensuring you install the most current software.

Step 2: Install Flatpak

Next, we'll install Flatpak itself, which serves as the foundation for installing Pinta:

sudo apt install flatpak

Press Enter when prompted to confirm the installation. This will download and install the Flatpak package manager on your system.

Step 3: Add the Flathub Repository

Flathub is the primary repository for Flatpak applications, hosting thousands of apps including Pinta:

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

This command adds Flathub as a software source. The "--if-not-exists" flag ensures the command won't cause errors if you've already added Flathub previously.

Step 4: Install Pinta

Finally, we'll install Pinta from Flathub:

sudo flatpak install flathub com.github.PintaProject.Pinta

Press Enter to confirm the installation when prompted. The download size may vary, but the installation typically completes within a few minutes depending on your internet connection.

Launching Pinta

Once the installation is complete, you'll find Pinta in your Chromebook's app launcher within the Linux apps folder. Simply click the icon to launch the application. The first launch might take a few extra seconds as the application initializes.

What Can You Do with Pinta?

Pinta offers a comprehensive set of image editing tools perfect for everyday tasks. You can crop and resize photos, adjust colors and brightness, add text and shapes, apply artistic effects and filters, and work with multiple layers for more complex compositions. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible for beginners while still providing enough functionality for intermediate users.

The application supports common image formats including PNG, JPEG, BMP, TIFF, and more, making it easy to work with images from various sources.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any issues during installation, here are some common solutions:

  • Command not found errors: Make sure Linux apps are properly enabled and your terminal session is active.
  • Permission denied: Ensure you're including "sudo" at the beginning of commands that require administrative privileges.
  • Download failures: Check your internet connection and try running the command again.
  • Application won't launch: Try restarting your Chromebook, which often resolves initialization issues.

Additional Resources

For reference and additional information, check out these helpful links:

If you have any questions or run into difficulties during the installation process, please leave a comment on our YouTube video and we'll be happy to help you troubleshoot!

Have a look at our Chromebook comparison and Buyers Guide for more information on choosing the right Chromebook for your needs.

Join our mailing list to be notified about all major Chromebook sales.

Comments

Post a Comment