How to install Krita 5.2.14 on a Chromebook

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Chromebook Linux Apps

This guide will walk you through installing Krita 5.2.14 on your Chromebook using Linux Apps (Crostini). Krita is a powerful, professional-grade open-source digital painting application that's perfect for artists, illustrators, and designers. Whether you're creating concept art, comics, textures, or matte paintings, Krita offers a comprehensive suite of tools that rival commercial alternatives.

Important Compatibility Information

Before proceeding, please note that this tutorial will only work on Chromebooks with an Intel or AMD CPU that have Linux Apps Support enabled. Unfortunately, this method is not compatible with Chromebooks using an ARM64 architecture CPU, as the AppImage we'll be downloading is compiled specifically for x86_64 processors.

If you're unsure whether your Chromebook supports Linux Apps, check out our comprehensive list of all currently supported Chromebooks with Linux Apps (Crostini) support.

Video Tutorial

We recommend following along with the video tutorial above as it provides visual guidance through each step of the process. The commands and detailed explanations below complement the video.

Understanding AppImages

For this installation, we'll be using an AppImage file. AppImages are a universal Linux package format that bundles an application with all its dependencies, making it portable and easy to run across different Linux distributions. Think of it as a self-contained executable that doesn't require traditional installation. This approach is particularly useful on Chromebooks because it simplifies the process and avoids potential dependency conflicts.

Step-by-Step Installation Commands

Follow these commands in order within your Linux terminal on your Chromebook. Each command serves a specific purpose in getting Krita up and running.

Step 1: Update Your System

First, we'll update the package lists to ensure we're installing the latest versions of any dependencies:

sudo apt update

Step 2: Install Required Dependencies

Next, we need to install several packages that Krita requires to function properly. The kmenuedit package allows us to create menu entries, fuse is necessary for AppImages to run, and libnss3 provides essential network security services:

sudo apt install kmenuedit fuse libnss3

Step 3: Download Krita AppImage

Now we'll download the Krita AppImage directly from the official KDE servers. The -c flag allows the download to resume if it's interrupted:

wget -c https://download.kde.org/stable/krita/5.2.14/krita-5.2.14-x86_64.AppImage

Step 4: Make the AppImage Executable

By default, downloaded files don't have execute permissions. We need to change this so we can run the AppImage:

chmod 755 krita-5.2.14-x86_64.AppImage

Step 5: Launch Krita

You can now launch Krita directly from the terminal using this command:

./krita-5.2.14-x86_64.AppImage

Step 6: Create a Menu Entry (Optional but Recommended)

To make Krita easier to access in the future without using the terminal, you can create a menu entry. Run the following command to open the KDE Menu Editor:

kmenuedit

Once the Menu Editor opens, you can create a new entry for Krita. You'll need to specify the path to your AppImage file and can add an icon if desired. For detailed instructions on creating the menu entry, refer to the Google Doc used in the tutorial.

What Makes Krita Special?

Krita has been developed specifically with digital artists in mind. Unlike general-purpose image editors, it focuses on painting and illustration workflows. Some standout features include:

  • Brush Engine: Over 100 professionally designed brushes with extensive customization options
  • Layer Management: Advanced layer support including vector layers, filter layers, and group layers
  • Stabilization Tools: Brush stabilizers that help create smooth lines, perfect for inking and line art
  • Animation Support: Built-in animation tools for creating frame-by-frame animations
  • Resource Management: Easy import and organization of brushes, textures, and patterns
  • Pop-up Palette: Quick access to colors and brushes with a right-click interface

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems running Krita, here are some solutions to common issues:

  • AppImage won't run: Ensure you've installed the FUSE library (step 2) and that the file has execute permissions (step 4)
  • Graphics performance issues: Chromebook Linux Apps run in a container, which may affect performance. Try adjusting Krita's performance settings in Preferences > Performance
  • Menu entry doesn't appear: You may need to restart your Chromebook or refresh the app drawer for the menu entry to show up
  • Crashes on startup: Make sure all dependencies are installed correctly. Re-running step 2 can help ensure nothing was missed

Getting Help

If you have any questions or run into issues not covered here, please feel free to contact us via a YouTube comment on the video above. We're here to help and respond to all questions!

Additional Resources

To learn more about Krita and access official documentation, tutorials, and community resources, visit the official Krita website.

For those interested in purchasing a new Chromebook specifically for creative work like this, have a look at our Chromebook comparison and Buyers Guide. You can also join our mailing list to be notified about all major Chromebook sales.

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