Pop!_OS

https://support.system76.com/articles/difference-between-pop-ubuntu/

https://pop.system76.com/

Pop!_OS is an operating system for STEM and creative professionals who use their computer as a tool to discover and create. Unleash your potential on secure, reliable open source software. Based on your exceptional curiosity, we sense you have a lot of it.

C.O.S.M.I.C. & the Pop!_Shell

This section describes COSMIC and the Pop!_Shell, the two main GUI components of Pop!_OS.

COSMIC

C.O.S.M.I.C. stands for Computer Operating System Main Interface Components. COSMIC is the name for the main shell components in Pop_Shell (separate from the tiling and window-management components). It makes the following changes to the standard GNOME Shell environment:

• The Dock
• Workspaces
• Configuration options via the Pop Desktop Settings Widget
• Mousepad gestures for navigating between applications
• A Workspaces overview that has been separated from the Applications menu

Sources

https://support.system76.com/articles/roadmap/ https://support.system76.com/articles/pop-os-development-approach/

Does Pop!_OS Offer an LTS Version?

Pop!_OS LTS releases follows Ubuntu's LTS release schedule, with the exception that System76 only supports one LTS version of Pop!_OS until the next version is released. Note that many components of previous Pop!_OS LTS versions are still supported under Ubuntu's LTS support schedule. Also note that System76 has a very active rolling-release schedule, so end-user apps (eg. Pop Shell) often continue to receive feature updates. System76's hardware enablement (e.g. kernel & drivers) also receive feature updates.

• how capable users can contribute to the project (but reports, github pr's)
• how users can donate (https://pop.system76.com/)

Help Develop Pop!_OS

Describe how technically adept users can contribute to Pop!_OS's code.

Report Bugs and Request Features

Describe how end users can submit bug reports and feature requests.

Donate to Pop!_OS Development

Provide steps to contribute monthly to Pop!_OS development.

Getting Started

• Create a Pop!_OS Live USB - Create a bootable live USB using Etcher, Popsicle, or Rufus.

• Install Pop!_OS - Specify locale settings, encrypt the system drive, and create a user account.

Create Pop!_OS Installation Media

Pop!_OS can be run from a USB drive in a live environment. You can use the live USB to install Pop!_OS permanently on a system, demo Pop!_OS without installing, or use the drive as a system recovery tool.

Preparation

Creating a bootable Pop!_OS USB drive requires three components:

• A USB flash drive. The flash drive must have at least 8 GB of free space. All data on the flash drive will be lost during the creation process.

• The Pop!_OS.iso image: Download Pop!_OS at this link.

• A program to write the Pop!_OS.iso image to the flash drive. Reference the table below for popular image flashing software.

Choose a Pop!_OS Image

Pop!_OS offers its ISO image in 3 varieties:

• Intel/AMD - An ISO that does not include propriety NVIDIA drivers.

Note: If you accidentally install the non-NVIDIA version on a PC with a discrete NVIDIA GPU, run sudo apt install system76-driver-nvidia in a Terminal session to obtain the missing drivers.

• NVIDIA - An ISO containing proprietary NVIDIA drivers for systems with discrete NVIDIA GPUs.

• RAS PI 4 - An ISO image compatible with the ARM64 processor in a Raspberry Pi 4.

Create the Installation Media

This process will vary depending on the host operating system. Refer to the appropriate page for your current operating system.

• Create a Bootable Pop!_OS USB in Linux
• Create a Bootable Pop!_OS USB in Windows
• Create a Bootable Pop!_OS USB in MacOS

Create a Bootable Pop!_OS USB in Linux

This section explains the process of creating a bootable Pop!_OS USB in Linux using Popsicle.

• Install ISO flashing software.
• Download the Pop!_OS.iso file.
• Flash the ISO to your USB storage device.

Install Popsicle

Popsicle is a Linux utility for flashing multiple USB devices at once. You can install Popsicle as an AppImage or a Flatpak.

AppImage

1. Download the Popsicle AppImage from this Popsicle repository.

2. Navigate to the downloaded AppImage. Right-click the AppImage and select Properties.

3. Select the Permissions tab and check the Execute box.

   

4. Double click the Popsicle AppImage to launch it.

Flatpak

1. Follow the instructions on Flatpak.org if Flatpak is not installed in your Linux distribution.

2. Open a Terminal session and enter this command:

   flatpak install flathub com.system76.Popsicle
   

3. Enter this command to launch Popsicle:

   flatpak run com.system76.Popsicle
   

Download the Pop!_OS.iso File

Download the appropriate Pop!_OS.iso file for your target system. See the preparation guide for information about each version.

Take note of the hash value for your chosen ISO. Use this value to verify the integrity of the ISO file in step four of the installation process.

Create the Bootable USB

Flash your USB media with the Pop!_OS.iso image. Note that this process will completely erase all previous data on the USB storage device.

1. Launch Popsicle. The app may display as USB Flasher in search results.

   

2. Click Choose Image.

   

3. Navigate to the local directory with your Pop!_OS.iso file and select it.

   

4. Click the drop down menu next to Hash and choose SHA256, then click Check. Compare the hash result to the value you saw when selecting your Pop!_OS.iso file.

   

5. Click Next.

6. Select the USB installation media. Click Next.

   

7. Enter your system password if prompted, then wait for the installation to complete.

   

8. Click Done when the process completes.

Next Steps

Use your bootable Pop!_OS USB to demo, install, or recover a current Pop!_OS installation.

Install Pop!_OS

Follow the steps in the Standard Installation section.

Demo Pop!_OS

Use the bootable USB to demo Pop!_OS as a live system.

Create a Bootable Pop!_OS USB in Windows 10

This section explains the process of creating a bootable Pop!_OS USB in macOS using balenaEtcher.

• Install ISO flashing software.
• Download the Pop!_OS.iso file.
• Verify the Pop!_OS.iso hash value.
• Flash the ISO to your USB storage device.

Install Etcher

1. Navigate to Etcher's download page and click Download for Windows (x86|x64).

   

2. Navigate to the downloaded executable and run it.

   

3. Click I Agree and wait for the installation to complete.

   

4. Wait for the installation process to complete.

   

Download the Pop!_OS.iso File

Download the appropriate Pop!_OS.iso file for your target system. See the preparation guide for information about each version.

Take note of the hash value for your chosen ISO. Use this value to verify the integrity of the ISO file.

Verify the Hash Value

1. Launch the Windows Command Prompt.

   

2. Navigate to the folder where the Pop!_OS.iso file is located. The user's Downloads folder is used in the below example. Substitute your username for USERNAME.

   cd C:\Users\USERNAME\Downloads
   

3. Use the CertUtil program to verify your ISO file. Make sure the name of the ISO matches exactly what is in your folder. The filename varies depending on the ISO version you chose.

   CertUtil -hashfile pop-os_21.10_amd64_intel_8.iso sha256
   

4. This command will output a long string of characters. Compare the output to the appropriate hash value on the Pop!_OS download site.

Create the Bootable USB

Flash your USB media with the Pop!_OS.iso image. Note that this process will completely erase all previous data on the USB storage device.

1. Launch Etcher if it is not already running.

2. Select Flash from file, then navigate to and select your Pop!_OS.iso file.

   

3. Click Select target and select your USB drive.

   

4. Click Flash!.

   

5. Close Etcher once the installation completes.

   

Next Steps

Use your bootable Pop!_OS USB to demo, install, or recover a current Pop!_OS installation.

Install Pop!_OS

Follow the steps in the Standard Installation section.

Demo Pop!_OS

Use the bootable USB to demo Pop!_OS as a live system.

Create a Bootable Pop!_OS USB in macOS

This section explains the process of creating a bootable Pop!_OS USB in macOS using balenaEtcher.

• Install ISO flashing software.
• Download the Pop!_OS.iso file.
• Verify the Pop!_OS.iso hash value.
• Flash the ISO to your USB storage device.

Install Etcher

1. Navigate to Etcher's download page and click Download for macOS.

   

2. Click the Downloads folder from the Dock and select the Etcher .dmg file.

   

3. Drag the Etcher logo into the applications folder.

   

Download the Pop!_OS.iso File

1. Download the appropriate Pop!_OS.iso file for your target system. See the preparation guide for information about each version.

2. Take note of the hash value for your chosen ISO. Use this value to verify the integrity of the ISO file.

   

3. If prompted, confirm you want to allow downloads from pop.system76.com.

Verify the Hash Value

1. Click the Launchpad icon, then search for terminal. Click the Terminal icon to launch it.

   

2. Change directory to the folder containing your Pop!_OS ISO file. In this example, the ISO is in the Downloads folder.

   cd Downloads
   

3. Use the shasum command to verify your ISO file. Make sure the name of the ISO matches exactly what is in your folder. The filename varies depending on the ISO version you chose.

   shasum -a 256 pop-os_21.10_amd64_intel_8.iso
   

4. This command will output a long string of characters. Compare the output to the appropriate hash value on the Pop!_OS download site.

Create the Bootable USB

1. After installation, click the Launchpad icon on the Dock. Select the balenaEtcher icon to launch the app. If prompted, confirm you want to open the app.

   

2. Select Flash from file, then navigate to and select your Pop!_OS.iso file.

   

3. Click Select target and select your USB drive.

   

4. Click Flash!. Enter your password if prompted.

   

5. Close Etcher once the installation completes.

   

Next Steps

Use your bootable Pop!_OS USB to demo, install, or recover a current Pop!_OS installation.

Install Pop!_OS

Follow the steps in the Standard Installation section.

Demo Pop!_OS

Use the bootable USB to demo Pop!_OS as a live system.

Installing Pop!_OS

The Pop!_OS installer guides the user through setup of basic system settings.

• Verify system and installation requirements.
• Choose a locale and keyboard language.
• Perform system hard drive selection and partitioning (advanced).
• Create a user account.
• Enable system disk encryption.

Requirements

System Specifications

Secure Boot

Systems with Secure Boot enabled must disable this feature before installing Pop!_OS. Secure boot can be disabled in the BIOS of most computers; however, the process to disable secure boot will vary by laptop and motherboard model.

Installation Media

The Pop!_OS.iso can be easily flashed to a USB drive. See Create a Bootable Pop!_OS USB.

Installation Media Selected as Boot Device

Power off the target computer and insert the bootable USB. Power on the computer and enter the boot device menu selection for your BIOS or UEFI system. The table below lists lists several common methods for System76 laptops and desktops. Consult your computer manufacturer's documentation to access this menu on third-party computers.

Pop!_OS Installation

1. Choose a language.

2. Select a locale.

3. Select a keyboard input language.

4. Select a keyboard layout.

5. Choose the Clean Install option for a standard installation. This is the best option for new Linux users, but be aware that this will erase all contents of the target drive.

Note: The Custom (Advanced) option opens GParted. GParted allows users to choose partition tables and create custom partitions.

6. Choose the target drive for the OS installation. Click Erase and Install.

7. Enter your first and last name (or a display name). A suggested username will populate in the User Name field.

Tip: You don't need to type your username when logging into Pop!_OS normally, but it can be handy to remember when logging into a terminal session, logging in remotely via SSH, or performing certain configurations.

8. Enter the account password.

9. Choose to encrypt the drive, and optionally create a separate encryption password.

Note: Encrypting the system disk ensures user data is secure in the event that someone gains unauthorized physical access to the device.

10. Wait for the installation to complete. Click Restart Device when prompted.

Navigate Pop!_OS

The Pop!_OS desktop environment is based on the GNOME shell and layered with other components called Pop!_Shell and COSMIC (Computer Operating System Main Interface Components).

• Position and Manipulate Windows - Manipulate windows using Auto Tiling and Stacking.
• Organize Your Work - Use Workspaces to organize running applications.
• Locate and Organize Your Data - Use the Nautilus file browser to locate and organize your files and folders.
• Find and Launch Applications - Use desktop menus to locate, launch, and organize installed applications.

Locate & Launch Applications

Applications can be launched from the Dock, the Launcher, the Applications menu, and the Terminal.

Browsing & Launching Installed Applications

Installed applications can be viewed in the Applications menu and the Pop!_Shop Installed screen.

The Applications Menu

The Applications menu can be accessed from the Dock or by clicking Applications in the upper left corner of the screen.

Applications can be grouped into folders. Click Create Folder and give the folder a name.

Click and drag an application icon to add it to your folder.

Launching Applications from the Applications Menu

Click an application's icon to launch it.

The Pop!_Shop

Launch the Pop!_Shop, then click the Installed button to display a list of installed applications.

Launching Applications from the Pop!_Shop

Select an installed application, then click Open.

Using the Launcher

Press the SUPER key or the Show Launcher icon to bring up the Launcher.

Search for the name of the application. The Launcher will display currently running instances of that application first. Select the top result to focus the currently running instance of the application.

Launching Applications from the Launcher

To run a new instance of a currently running application, use the the 🠑 🠓 keys or mouse left-click to select the application.

Using the Dock

Click the application's icon pinned to the Dock.

You can pin additional applications to the Dock by right-clicking the application's icon in the Applications menu and selecting Pin to Dash.

Remove applications from the Dock by right-clicking the application and selecting Remove from Favorites.

Alt + F2 & the Terminal

If you know the application's executable name, you can launch the application with a single command using Alt + F2 or by typing it into a Terminal window. Note that an application's executable name is not always the application name in lower-case as shown below. Unlike the Launcher, these options will not accept the name of the app in any form besides the executable name.

Using Alt + F2

Press Alt + F2 to bring up a command entry window. Enter the name of the application's executable and press Enter.

Using the Terminal

Launch the Terminal from the Dock or by pressing SUPER + T, then type the name of the application's executable and hit Enter.

Navigate Between Application Windows

Pop!_OS includes keyboard shortcuts for quickly switching between system and application windows.

Using the Dock

The Dock will will designate a running application with a small white dot. Click the application to bring its window into focus. This behavior can be further customized in Settings ➞ Desktop ➞ Dock.

Launch or Cycle Windows: A running application will be focused when its icon is clicked. Additional clicks will cycle through instances of that application.

Launch or Minimize Windows: A running application will be focused or minimized when its icon is clicked.

Launch, Minimize, or Preview Windows: When clicked, a running application will be minimized, focused, or the user can preview multiple windows (only if the application has multiple windows open).

Using the Launcher

Pressing SUPER will display the Launcher. All currently running applications will be listed below the search bar. Select a running application with the 🠑 🠓 keys, then hit Enter to bring the window into focus.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Pressing SUPER + Tab will display a list of running application icons across the screen. Continue holding SUPER and pressing Tab to toggle between applications. You can also navigate between applications with the 🠐 🠒 keys.

Note: For many of these commands, the Alt key will perform the some function as SUPER when used in window-manipulation keyboard shortcuts.

Mouse over or release Tab on highlighted application icons to display multiple open windows for that application. Continue holding SUPER and press ~ to toggle between the multiple windows. The 🠓 key can also be used while the app is selected as an alternative to the ~ key. This brings the selection down to the window list where the 🠐 🠒 keys can be used to select a window.

Release SUPER + Tab to navigate to the highlighted application.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Workspaces

Workspaces serve to reduce window clutter, especially on smaller displays.

Using Workspaces

Show and access workspaces by clicking on the workspaces icon in the dock, clicking Workspaces in the top left corner of your screen, or by pressing SUPER + D.

The open windows for a given workspace will display when that workspace is selected.

Click and drag applications between workspaces as needed.

Selecting a window and pressing SUPER + Shift + the 🠑 or 🠓 keys will move a window to a different workspace.

Press the SUPER + Ctrl + the 🠑 or 🠓 to move between workspaces.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Manipulating Windows with Tiling, Stacking & Resizing

This section describes the Auto Tiling, Stacking, and window adjustment features in Pop!_OS.

Window Adjustment Mode

Adjustment mode allows users to easily manipulate the placement of windows using keyboard shortcuts.

Place a window into adjustment mode by bringing the window into focus, and then pressing SUPER + Enter. The window will be highlighted in yellow. You can now manipulate the window with the 🠐 🠑 🠒 🠓 keys in combination with other keys.

While in adjustment mode, press and hold Shift and use the 🠐 🠑 🠒 🠓 keys to resize the window. Hit Enter to apply sizing.

All keyboard shortcuts available in adjustment mode can be viewed and modified in Settings ➞ Keyboard ➞ View and Customize Shortcuts ➞ Move, resize, and swap windows. You can also view all tiling shortcuts by clicking the tiling button in the upper right corner of the screen, and then clicking View All.

Auto Tiling Windows

Pop!_OS optimizes workflows using a smart window management system called Auto Tiling. Auto Tiling automatically positions and sizes windows to minimize wasted screen space.

Enable Auto Tiling by clicking on the tile icon in the upper right corner and enabling the toggle, or by pressing SUPER + Y. Tiling settings include options for window titles, active window hint, active window color, and gaps.

All keyboard shortcuts for Auto Tiling mode can be found in Settings ➞ Keyboard ➞ View and Customize Shortcuts ➞ Tiling.

Add a Floating Window Exception

Floating Window Exceptions exclude individual windows from Auto Tiling. Pop!_OS applies default exceptions to some applications based on user feedback.

1. Run the application that needs to be exempted from Auto Tiling. Click the tile menu, then click Floating Window Exceptions.

   

2. Click Select to add an exception.

   

3. Select the running application that should be exempted from Auto Tiling.

   

4. Choose to create an exception for all windows belonging to an application, or only the currently selected window.

   • Current Window Only: This option uses the window's title to apply the exception in addition to its application, so any windows with the same title (now or in the future) will all have the exception applied.
   • This App's Window: This option will apply the exception to all windows launched by a specified application.

   In this example, only the current Terminal window will be selected for exemption.

   

5. The Terminal window can now be dragged around freely.

   

Stacking Windows

Stacking is an additional Auto Tiling feature enabling multiple windows to occupy the same screen space.

1. While Auto Tiling is enabled, select a window and press SUPER + S to create a stack. Stacks have a yellow list of windows at the top.

2. Select a separate window and press SUPER + Enter to enter adjustment mode. The window to be merged is designated by a yellow highlight across the entire window.

3. Use the 🠐 🠑 🠒 🠓 keys to move the window into the stack.

4. Launching additional applications while a window within a stack is selected will automatically add that application to the same stack.

5. Use SUPER + 🠐 🠒 keys to navigate between windows in the stack.

6. Remove a window from the stack by pressing SUPER + Enter to activate adjustment mode, and then use 🠐 🠑 🠒 🠓 keys to move the window outside of the stack.

Navigate Files and Folders

Pop!_OS uses a file manager called Files to graphically browse files and folders stored on the system and in connected cloud storage accounts. In Linux, a user's data is stored in their Home directory by default.

• Launch Nautilus and navigate through local directories.
• Use search to locate files and filter results by file type.
• Change how files are visually represented, and sort displayed files by specific properties.
• Tag frequently used files and folders for quick access using Starred items and Bookmarks.

The Home Directory

In Linux, each user account is provisioned with their own /home folder. This is where data from regular user activities will accumulate. A user's Home directory contains these common folders:

• Desktop
• Documents
• Downloads
• Music
• Pictures
• Public
• Templates
• Videos

Using Files

Pop!_OS uses the Files to provide a graphical interface for navigating folders (also called directories).

Click the Files icon on the Dock to launch the file manager.

Files displays default folders and connected USB storage devices on the left. Additional drives are made visible by clicking + Other Locations.

Single-click folders or drives in the left sidebar to view their contents. In the contents section on the right, double-click sub-folders to navigate into them, or double-click files to open them.

The back and forward buttons will go back and forward in your browsing history similar to a web browser (regardless of folder hierarchy), while the breadcrumbs will always display the folders containing the current folder.

Using Search

Click the magnifying glass icon to search within the current directory, including any sub-folders below the current directory.

Enter a search term; matched items will automatically populate below the search bar.

Click the down arrow and enter a date in When to limit the search to files' creation date. You can also select a relative date range from the list. Choose to apply the date query to Last Modified, Last Used, or Created file attributes.

To limit the search to a specific file type, click the down arrow next to the magnifying glass and select an item under What. This will limit the search to that specific file type.

• Full Text: This option will search files' contents for a match.
• File Name: This option will search only the files' names for a match.

Viewing & Sorting Options in Nautilus

Change file icon size and sort files alphabetically, by modification date, by file size, or by type.

• List view: Orders files and folders into columns and rows with sortable headers.
• Grid view: Orders files and folders into an array of icons.

Toggle between List and Grid view using the icon in the upper right corner.

List view allows sorting files and folders using properties in the column headers.

Add additional property fields in List view by clicking the down arrow and selecting Visible Columns....

Tick boxes next to the additional fields you want to add for List view.

While in Grid view, click the down arrow to sort files by alphabetical order, modification date, size, or type.

In either List or Grid view, click the + and - buttons to change file and folder icon sizes.

Bookmarks & Starred Items

Bookmarking and starring items makes them quickly accessible within Nautilus.

Adding Bookmarks

Adding a bookmark pins a folder below the locations listed on the left. These folders can be quickly accessed without navigating through directories.

Navigate into the folder that you want to pin as a bookmark. Right-click the blank space within the folder and select Add to Bookmarks.

You can also left-lick and drag the folder over to the left panel.

Remove a bookmark by right-clicking it and select Remove.

Starred Items

Similar to bookmarks, starred files and folders can be quickly accessed in the Starred section in the left panel.

To star an file or folder, right-click it and select Star.

Starred items can be removed from the Starred section by right-clicking and selecting Unstar.

Customize Pop!_OS

Desktop configuration options are located in the Settings application. The GNOME Tweaks and Extensions applications provide customization beyond the Settings menu.

• Customize the Desktop - Choose background wallpaper, set a dark or light theme, modify the Dock appearance, and modify workspace behavior.
• Configure Application Settings - Specify which applications are allowed to display on-screen messages, and designate applications to handle specific file types.
• Change Keyboard Settings - Change your keyboard language or layout and customize keyboard shortcuts.
• Connect an Online Account - Synchronize your files by connecting an online account with an existing cloud storage provider.
• Assign Color Profiles - Activate or upload color profiles for individual displays and users.
• Customize Region and Language Settings - Manage installed languages and formatting for numbers, dates, times, and currencies.
• Configure Accessibility Settings - Enable features that provide input and output sensory assistance to users.
• Use GNOME Tweaks and Extensions - Install and manage additional features.

Accessing System Settings

The Settings application is accessed from several locations.

Press the SUPER key and type “settings” to launch the Settings application.

Click the gear icon located on the Dock.

Click the icons in the upper right corner and select Settings.

Customizing the Desktop

Options to change the look and feel of Pop!_OS are located in Settings ➞ Desktop.

• Desktop Options: Modify the SUPER key's function, enable the Hot Corner, and add or position top bar elements.
• Background settings: Set pre-installed wallpaper or user images as the background image.
• Appearance settings: Choose a dark or light theme that applies across the entire desktop environment.
• Dock settings: Modify the Dock's visibility, placement, size, and displayed icons.
• Workspaces settings: Configure workspace positioning and behavior.

Desktop Options

This section describes settings to customize desktop elements available in the Desktop Options tab.

Super Key Action

Assign the SUPER key to start the Launcher, display workspace navigation, or view installed applications.

Hot Corner

Display workspace navigation when the user moves the mouse cursor to the upper left corner of the screen.

Top Bar

Display or hide the (1) Workspaces or (2) Applications buttons on the top bar, and set the (3) date, time, and notifications to left, right, or center.

Window Controls

Enable or disable the minimize and maximize buttons in window titlebars.

Background Settings

This section describes settings to change the desktop background located in the Background tab. Alternatively, this option is available by right-clicking anywhere on the desktop and selecting Change Background....

Note: Background modes such as centered, scaled, spanned, stretched, tiled, and zoomed can be set using the GNOME Tweaks application: GNOME Tweaks Appearance Settings

Set Pre-installed Images as Wallpaper

Select an image from the list. There is no “apply” button; the desktop background will update automatically when an image is selected.

Set User Images as Wallpaper

1. Click Add Picture… and navigate to the location of your image.

   

2. Click Open.

   

3. Select the image added to the list of available wallpapers.

   

Alternatively, right-click the image and choose Set as Wallpaper from within the file browser.

Appearance Settings

This section describes the Light and Dark theme options located in the Appearance tab. These themes apply to all windows across the operating system. Each theme also includes a default desktop background, unless a background was already assigned by the user while using that theme.

• Pop Light theme example:

• Pop Dark theme example:

  Note: Custom themes may cause graphical glitches, but they can be applied using GNOME Tweaks.

Dock Settings

This section describes settings located in the Dock tab for modifying Dock visibility behavior and Dock icons.

Enable Dock

Disable or enable the Dock.

Dock Enabled

Dock Disabled

Dock Options

Dock options include settings to enable icons for utilities (such as the Launcher, Applications menu, and Workspaces menu), configure focusing behavior when an application's Dock icon is clicked, and enable visual characteristics of the Dock.

Extend Dock to Edges of the Screen

Lengthen the Dock's edges so that it appears as a panel that extends to the screen edges.

Show Launcher Icon in Dock

Display an icon that starts the Launcher when clicked.

Show Workspaces Icon in Dock

Display an icon that activates the workspaces and windows view when clicked.

Show Applications Icon in Dock

Display an icon that launches the Applications menu when clicked.

Show Mounted Drives

Display an icon for each mounted drive.

Icon Click Action

Specify what action should occur when an application's Dock icon is clicked. See examples of Icon Click Action behavior in Navigate Between Running Applications.

Dock Visibility

Set Dock hiding behavior.

Show Dock on Display

Display the Dock on all displays or only the primary display.

Dock on primary display only

Dock on both displays

Dock Size

Set the Dock size to Small (36px), Medium (48px), Large (60px), or specify a custom size.

Position on the Desktop

Display the Dock horizontally along the bottom of the screen (default), or vertically on the left or right sides.

Example of the Dock positioned along the left side of the screen:

Workspaces Settings

Workspace placement and behavior is controlled in the Workspaces tab. Learn more about using Workspaces in the Using Workspaces section.

Dynamic Workspaces

Automatically remove workspaces when they contain no active windows, and automatically generate new workspaces when a window is dragged to the next lowest workspace.

Fixed Number of Workspaces

Specify a static number of workspaces.

Multi-monitor Behavior

Workspaces Span Displays (Default)

All connected displays are treated as one desktop. Windows/Applications can be moved between displays without being moved to another workspace. Switching to a workspace above or below switches all monitors to the next workspace.

Workspaces on Primary Display Only

Workspace navigation only affects the monitor set as the primary display. Switching workspaces leaves applications/windows on secondary displays in view.

Placement of the Workspace Picker

Specify whether the workspace picker appears along the left or right side of the screen.

Application Settings

• Applications settings: Manage application permissions, allow system integration features, specify default handlers, and view disk space usage per app. These settings may not be available for all applications, depending on the functionality or access required by the application.
• Notifications settings: Control which applications display notifications, what notifications are displayed, and where they are displayed.
• Default Applications settings: Specify applications that should always open certain file types.

Applications Settings

Options to control application access to system features and resources are located in the Settings ➞ Applications tab.

Built-in Permissions

View the data and system services requested or required by an application. Permissions can include access to system devices, using the system's network connection, reading and writing to the file system, and the ability to change settings. Many applications include built-in permissions that cannot be modified by the user. View permissions granted to an application by clicking the Built-in Permissions button.

Integration

Disable or enable system-wide features used by an application. These features include the ability to appear in search, display notifications, and run in the background.

Default Handlers

Configure specific file MIME types and links handled by the application. Click an entry to display more information about the file types assigned to the application.

Clicking Unset will remove the file type association with the application. These associations can be restored using the File Manager or a command-line procedure.

To set a default application for a large number of similar file types, such as images, see the Default Applications section.

Usage

Display an application's disk usage. Click on the Storage button to view space used by the application itself, data created by the application, and temporary data cached by the application. Click Clear Cache to clear an application's temporary data.

Application Notifications

Settings to control application notification behavior are located in the Settings ➞ Notifications tab.

Viewing Notifications

Application notifications appear in the upper center of the screen by default. Click the date and time to view recent notifications. You can also globally disable notifications by toggling Do Not Disturb.

Configuring an Application's Notification Behavior

Select an application from the list to configure its notification behavior.

Default Applications

Options to set the default web browser, email client, calendar application, music player, video player, and photo viewer are located in Settings ➞ Default Applications. This menu allows setting a single application as the default handler for a larger number of similar file types.

Designate an application as the default by selecting it from the dropdown menu. If no appropriate application is installed to handle a media type, the dropdown selection will be grayed out.

Set Default Applications Using the File Manager

Launch the file manager and navigate to the file you want to open. Right click the file and select Properties.

Click the Open With tab and choose the appropriate program from the list.

Set Default Applications Using the Terminal

Modify the MIME Apps List File

The mimeapps.list file contains entries associating applications with specific links and MIME file types. Application names listed in this file will be appended with .desktop.

1. Determine your application's .desktop name using this command to list all .desktop applications:

   ls /usr/share/applications
   

Take note of your desired default application's .desktop name, or leave this Terminal window open and start a new Terminal session to complete the next steps.

Note: The /usr/share/applications directory will show most system-wide apps installed, but it won't show user-local apps; apps can be placed in any of the directories you see in the output of echo $XDG_DATA_DIRS. For example, Flatpak apps are installed to ~/.local/share/flatpak/exports/share/applications/ by default.

2. Open the mimeapps.list file using this command:

   nano ~/.config/mimeapps.list
   

3. Locate the file MIME type entry and edit it using the .desktop application name. For example, this entry specifies that all .webm files are opened with VLC media player by default:

   video/webm=vlc.desktop;
   

If a file's MIME type is not listed in mimeapps.list, you can determine a file's MIME type by navigating to the file's location and using the mimetype command:

mimetype my-image.png
my-image.png: image/png

Then create an entry in the [Added Associations] section of the mimeapps.list file:

image/png=deepin-image-viewer.desktop;

Using the mimeopen Command

Launch a Terminal session, navigate to your file, and type this command:

mimeopen -d my-image.png

Enter a number to correspond with a listing in the output:

Please choose a default application for files of type image/png

	1) Deepin Image Viewer  (deepin-image-viewer)
	2) GNU Image Manipulation Program  (org.gimp.GIMP)
	3) Gwenview  (org.kde.gwenview)
	4) ksnip  (org.ksnip.ksnip)
	5) ImageMagick (color depth=q16)  (display-im6.q16)
	6) Firefox Web Browser  (firefox)
	7) Image Viewer  (org.gnome.eog)
	8) Other...

Keyboard Settings

Options to set input sources, input source switching, special character entry methods, and keyboard shortcuts are located in Settings ➞ Keyboard.

Adding an Input Source

1. Click the + to display available input sources.

   

2. Select a language from the list.

   

3. Select a keyboard layout and click Add.

   

   Display keyboard layouts by clicking the three vertical dots on the right and clicking View Keyboard Layout.

   

   Type while viewing the keyboard layout to verify accurate key recognition.

Customizing Keyboard Shortcuts

Pop!_OS includes default shortcuts that execute commands to perform navigational actions or launch programs. Use the Keyboard Shortcuts section to modify shortcuts for existing commands, or create shortcuts to execute custom commands. See Navigate Pop!_OS to learn about default window manipulation and navigation shortcuts in Pop!_OS.

Customize Shortcuts for an Existing Command

1. Click View and Customize Shortcuts to view all keyboard shortcuts.

   

2. To add an additional shortcut to an existing command, click the three dots to the right and choose Add another shortcut.

   

3. Enter a key combination when prompted.

   

Create a Shortcut to Perform a New Command

1. Click Custom Shortcuts.

   

2. Click Add Shortcut, then enter a name and command.

   

3. Click Set Shortcut and enter a key combination.

   

Online Accounts

Settings to connect online accounts are located in Settings ➞ Online Accounts. These settings provide single sign-on for online providers. Connected accounts can directly access services like Mail, Calendar, Contacts, Maps, Photos, Files, and Music, without requiring sign-on through a web browser.

Required Data Access

An up-to-date version of this chart can also be found on the GNOME wiki.

Connecting an Online Account

Connecting an account authorizes Pop!_OS to enable system integrations with the account provider. The registration process for each provider will vary.

1. Select a provider and enter your login information.

   

2. Review the account data that will become accessible to GNOME, then click Allow.

   

3. Toggle switches to enable or disable specific integrations to the service. Close the window when finished.

   

4. Connected accounts appear above the list of selectable providers.

   

Color Profiles

Options to configure color profiles for displays are found in Settings ➞ Color. Color profile presets allow the user to control how displays represent colors.

Adding Color Profiles to Displays

1. Select a display, then click Add Profile to see a list of available color profiles.

   

2. Select a color profile from the list and click Add.

   

3. The color profile is now added to the display's list of profiles and automatically enabled.

   

Switching between Existing Color Profiles

Enable a different profile from the list by selecting it and clicking Enable.

Importing Custom Profiles

Add .ICC or .ICM color profiles using the Import File... button. ICC profiles are found on the International Color Consortium website.

Region & Language

Options to set the system language, manage installed languages, and configure numeric and currency localization are located in Settings ➞ Region & Language.

• Language: The language used for text in windows and web pages in Pop!_OS.
• Formats: The format used for numbers, dates, and currencies in Pop!_OS.

Managing Installed Languages

Clicking Manage Installed Languages opens the Language Support menu. This menu includes options to assign languages in order of preference, install new languages, or remove languages. The Apply System-Wide setting uses the same language choices for the startup and login screens.

Installing Additional Language Support

When the Language Support menu is first launched after a fresh install, you may be prompted to install additional language support.

Click Details to view additional language support items. These items can include translations or writing aids available for your chosen language(s).

Click Install to install additional language support items.

Changing the System Language

1. Click Language.

   

2. Select a language from the list, then click Select.

   

3. Click Restart to end the login session. Changes will be applied upon login.

   

Date, Time, Units, and Number Formats

Click Formats to open the Formats menu.

This screen lists common Date, Time, Number, and Units of Measure settings organized by language.

Apply a format by clicking it; a check mark will appear next to the selected option. You can preview the format in the right panel. Click Done when finished.

Accessibility Settings

Options to configure accessibility settings are located in Settings ➞ Accessibility. Accessibility features provide visual and audio enhancements to highlight system actions for greater usability. This section briefly describes each setting, but more information can be found on GNOME's help page.

Always Show Accessibility Menu

When Always Show Accessibility Menu is enabled, accessibility options can be toggled using a the gear icon in the upper right corner.

Seeing

Seeing settings provide visual enhancements to help visually impaired users navigate the operating system's user interface.

High Contrast

Enabling High Contrast applies a high contrast theme to windows and icons.

High Contrast Mode Off

High Contrast Mode On

Large Text

Enabling Large Text increases the size of text across system windows and supported applications.

Large Text Disabled

Large Text Enabled

Enable or Disable Animations

Animations appear when minimizing and maximizing windows. Disabling animations may improve performance on systems with low video resources.

Animations Enabled

Animations Disabled

Cursor Size

Cursor Size allows users to choose between five cursor sizes.

Zoom

The Zoom setting designates all or a part of the screen to display magnified content. This feature can be further customized to render the zoomed area to specific portions of the screen, increase or decrease the zoom magnification, add a crosshair, and add color effects to the zoomed area.

Magnification

This option determines the magnification of the zoom effect. Values range from 1-20 and correspond to percentages; a value of 4.0 applies a magnification of 400%.

Follow Mouse Cursor & Screen Part

If Full Screen is selected under Screen part and the Follow mouse cursor radio button is selected, the magnification effect is rendered to the entire display area.

Follow Mouse Cursor & Half Screen Zoom

Select a portion of the screen to display the rendered zoom effect. If Follow mouse cursor remains selected, the Top Half and Bottom Half options will render the zoom effect to an unfixed horizontal band of the screen. The Left Half and Right Half options will render the zoom effect to an unfixed vertical band of the screen.

Magnify a Fixed Portion of the Screen

Select the radio button next to Screen part to focus zoom rendering to the section of the screen selected in the dropdown.

The zoomed area of the screen renders to a static portion that corresponds with the selected drop-down option.

Magnifier Extends Outside of the Screen

When Magnifier extends outside of the screen is enabled, magnified content continues to scroll when the cursor moves toward the edges of the screen.

Disabled

Enabled

Keep Magnifier Cursor Centered

When Keep magnifier cursor centered is enabled, the cursor stays in a fixed position in the center unless moving along the screen's edges. Magnified content always scrolls beneath the cursor.

Magnifier Cursor Pushes Contents Around

When Magnifier cursor pushes contents around is enabled, magnified contents do not move until the cursor pushes against the edges of the magnified area.

Magnifier Cursor Moves with Contents

Magnified content moves with the mouse, but the mouse does not remain in a fixed position on the screen. This provides indication of the general area of the mouse's position on the un-magnified screen.

Crosshairs

Crosshairs help users locate their mouse while navigating zoomed content.

Color Effects

Color effects modify the color of zoomed content. These settings assist users with photophobia or when using the computer under poor lighting conditions.

Screen Reader

The Screen Reader option enables a feature that converts the displayed text of a focused window to audible speech.

Sound Keys

When Sound Keys is enabled, users will hear a beep whenever Num Lock or Caps Lock are turned on or off.

Hearing

When the Visual Alerts setting is enabled, alert sounds will be accompanied by a visual flickering of the entire screen or window.

Flash the Entire Window

Flash the Entire Screen

Typing

Typing accessibility features enhance keyboard input behavior.

Screen Keyboard

Enabling Screen Keyboard will display an interactive keyboard wherever text entry is possible.

Repeat Keys

The default Repeat Keys feature allows key inputs to repeat when a key is held down. Users can configure the delay before this actions occurs, and the repeat speed once the action occurs. Disabling Repeat Keys prevents keys from repeating when held down.

Cursor Blinking

When Cursor Blinking is enabled, the cursor will blink when a text field is selected. Users can also adjust the blink speed.

Typing Assist

Typing Assist settings modify the way a keyboard accepts input from the user.

Pointing & Clicking

Pointing & Clicking settings extend input options for controlling the mouse.

GNOME Tweaks & Extensions

GNOME Tweaks and GNOME Shell Extensions provide additional customization beyond the Settings menu.

• Fine Tune the Desktop Experience Beyond the Settings Menu - Configure advanced options for appearance, fonts, keyboard & mouse input, and application windows.
• Add Functionality to Pop!_OS - Use GNOME Extensions and GNOME Extensions Manager to install and manage applications that add features and improve productivity.
• Change the Entire Desktop UI - Use GNOME Tweaks and Extensions to change default theme elements such as window design, animations, color schemes, icons and workspaces. Or, revert the desktop theme back to Pop!_OS defaults.

GNOME Tweaks

GNOME Tweaks is an optional software package allowing users to further customize the appearance and behavior of Pop!_OS. GNOME Tweaks features include changing power settings, managing startup applications, and changing fonts.

• Fine-tune the Desktop Experience - Change the cursor, use custom desktop icons, choose custom system sounds, set a separate lock screen background, and apply background adjustments (zoom, stretched, spanned, centered).
• Choose System Fonts - Define system fonts used in application windows, enable text hinting, and improve text visibility with antialiasing and scaling factor adjustments.
• Configure Advanced Keyboard and Mouse Input Options - Enable Emacs-style input across the operating system, define which SUPER key activates the Super Key Action, choose a mouse acceleration provide, and enable mouse-click emulation for laptop touchpads.
• Select Applications that Start At Login - Manage a list of applications that launch as soon as you log into Pop!_OS.
• Add More Information in the Top Bar - Include or remove the weekday and date in the top bar, and show seconds in the displayed time.
• Control Window Placement Using Different Types of Clicks - Configure double, middle, and secondary-click to perform window actions such as maximize, minimize, or displaying the window's menu. Choose which window titlebar buttons are visible and their placement.
• Configure Advanced Window Options - Choose to attach model dialogs to windows, center new windows, and whether clicking, hovering, or secondary-clicking focuses a window.

Installing GNOME Tweaks

Launch the Pop!_Shop from the Dock and search “gnome tweaks”, then click Install.

General Settings

Appearance

Appearance settings modify the theme, background, and lock screen elements of the desktop environment.

Theme Options

Note: Applying custom GNOME theming options may cause system instability or glitchy behavior. Additionally, custom themes are not subject to testing by the System76 Quality Assurance team or application developers.

Background Options

Lock Screen Options

Image Adjustment Examples

Zoom

Zooms into the image until it fills the desktop.

Centered

Centers the image on the desktop without making any adjustments to the image's size or aspect ratio.

Scaled

Scales the image so that the entire image fits within the desktop at its largest possible size, without modifying the aspect ratio of the image.

Spanned

Spans the wallpaper image across multiple displays.

Stretched

Stretches the edges of the image to fit the desktop.

Wallpaper

Tiles the image across the desktop.

Fonts

Fonts settings allow you to specify the default fonts used throughout the operating system. Be aware that many applications are designed with default fonts. Changing these fonts may result in unwanted positioning and sizing of text in application labels.

Keyboard & Mouse

Keyboard & Mouse settings extend customization of keyboard and mouse input behavior.

Keyboard

Mouse

Mouse Click Emulation

Choose how different click types are performed on the touchpad.

Fingers

Click with two fingers on the touch pad to input right-click, and three fingers input a middle-click.

Fingers Right-Click

Fingers Middle-Click

Area

Click the bottom right of the touch pad to input right-click, and the bottom middle for a middle-click.

Area Right-Click

Area Middle-Click

Startup Applications

Choose applications that will automatically start after you log in.

Add an application by clicking the +, selecting an application from the list, then clicking Add.

Top Bar

Top Bar settings allow you to configure what information is displayed in the clock.

You can also choose to display week numbers in the in the drop-down calendar.

Window Titlebars

These settings allow you to control window placement using different types of clicks on the titlebar. You can also choose available titlebar buttons and their placement.

Note: Some applications, like Firefox, will ignore changes to button placement.

Right, middle, and left-click buttons can each be configured to perform one of the following actions when clicking a window's titlebar:

* This feature is not supported by all application windows.

Windows

The Windows menu offers additional features for interacting with system and application windows.

GNOME Shell Extensions

GNOME Shell extensions are features written by third party developers that build upon the GNOME Shell. Extensions are similar to Chrome Extensions or Firefox Addons.

• GNOME Extensions is an official GNOME application for managing these extensions.
• Extension Manager is a utility for browsing and installing extensions. While this is not an official GNOME application, it is supported by the GNOME team.

Both applications provide menus for configuring, disabling, or removing installed extensions.

Installing the GNOME Extensions & Extension Manager Apps

GNOME Extensions is installed by default in Pop!_OS, but if it is removed it can be reinstalled using the Pop!_Shop. The GNOME Extension Manager is not installed by default. To install either of these applications, launch the Pop!_Shop and type extensions, then click Install for each application.

Built-In Extensions

Components packaged in Pop!_OS are listed in the Built-In section. Toggle the switches to enable or disable an extension.

These features comprise the Computer Operating System Main Interface Components (COSMIC).

Installing Additional Extensions

Launch the Extension Manager application. Select Browse at the top of the window. Use the search bar to find an extension. Click Install to install the extension.

Changing an Extension's Settings

Developers will include unique settings to tweak the functionality of their extension. Extension settings are managed from the User-Installed Extensions list.

Toggle the switch next to the listed extension to enable or disable it. Click the gear icon to view specific settings for an extension.

Removing Extensions

Select the chevron to the right of the extension's listing. This will expand a menu. Click the Remove button to uninstall the extension.

Managing User Themes

User themes include changes to window animations, desktop color schemes, window designs, icons, and workspaces. You can install custom GNOME Themes from Gnome-look.org, or other similar web sites. The Pop!_OS default themes can be re-applied using GNOME Tweaks or the by using Terminal commands.

Note: Applying custom GNOME theming options may cause system instability or glitchy behavior. Additionally, custom themes are not subject to testing by Pop!_OS or application developers.

Enabling User Themes

1. Launch the GNOME Extension Manager.

   

2. Click Browse and search for user-theme@gnome, then click Install.

   

3. Click Installed and ensure the toggle switch for User Themes is enabled.

   

Adding a Custom User Theme

Note: Themes in Pop!_OS 22.04 must support GTK 4. Additionally, it may be necessary to disable some COSMIC components from GNOME Extensions for certain themes to work properly.

Downloading a Custom Theme

Custom GNOME user themes can be downloaded from Gnome-look.org.

Download files for the theme are usually listed under the Files section on the theme's page.

Installing a Custom Theme

Follow the instructions on the theme's page to add it to your system; these are typically listed in the Product section on the theme's page. If no instructions are listed, click the link provided next to Source and view the theme's README.

Installation methods will vary, but the process will usually involve extracting a tar.gz file to either /usr/share/themes/ (requiring sudo), or to ~/.themes/. In the example below, a theme called example-theme.tar.xz is extracted to ~/.themes/.

tar -xf example-theme.tar.xz -C ~/.themes

Applying a Custom Theme

Launch GNOME Tweaks, then select the Appearance tab and choose a theme from the Shell dropdown menu for GNOME Shell themes, or the Legacy Applicaions drop-down menu for GTK themes.

If GNOME Tweaks was already open when extracting the theme to your local directory, you may need to restart GNOME Tweaks for the new theme to show up in the drop-down. Additionally, for a theme to apply after it's selected, you may need to restart GNOME Shell by pressing Alt + F2, then typing r and hitting Enter.

Resetting the User Theme to Default

You can reset user themes to the Pop!_OS defaults using GNOME Tweaks and Extensions, or by entering Terminal commands.

Using GNOME Tweaks and Extensions

Launch GNOME Tweaks, then select the Appearance tab and select Pop options for all available theme settings. You should also disable any additional extensions you have installed if you want to fully restore the default COSMIC experience.

Note: Navigating to Appearance settings in the Settings application and selecting a Pop!_OS theme will also reset the themes to default.

Launch GNOME Extensions and re-enable any built-in extensions you may have disabled when applying a custom theme.

Using the Terminal

1. Reset the shell theme:

   dconf reset /org/gnome/shell/extensions/user-theme/name
   

2. Disable the user-themes extension:

   gnome-extensions disable user-theme@gnome-shell-extensions.gcampax.github.com
   

3. Reset the Legacy Applications theme (GTK Theme):

   gsettings reset org.gnome.desktop.interface gtk-theme
   

4. Re-enable built-in extensions by running these commands one at a time:

   gnome-extensions enable cosmic-workspaces@system76.com
   gnome-extensions enable cosmic-dock@system76.com
   gnome-extensions enable pop-cosmic@system76.com
   gnome-extensions enable pop-shell@system76.com
   

5. (Optional) Disable all user-installed extensions to restore the default COSMIC desktop experience:

   gsettings set org.gnome.shell disable-user-extensions true
   

Managing Applications

Users can install, update, and remove application packages using GUI and CLI options in Pop!_OS.

• Manage applications with Pop!_OS's built-in app store - Find, install, update, and remove software packages using the Pop!_Shop.
• Download and install applications from a publisher's web site - Download Debian packages from the internet and install them using a simple GUI utility called Eddy.
• Download and immediately run your applications without installing - Quickly add applications using self-contained AppImages.
• Install, update, and remove applications using typed commands - Use apt (Advanced Package Tool) or Flatpak to install applications using the Terminal.
• Manage repositories - Install packages even if they're not available in commonly-used repositories by adding new sources with Repoman or the Terminal.
• Resolve package issues - Use Terminal commands to securely remove packages and fix common package errors for apt and Flatpak packages.

Installing Applications in Pop!_OS

In Linux, applications can share libraries of code in order to streamline software development and deployment. These libraries are grouped into packages. Packages required by an application are called dependencies. When you install an application in Pop!_OS, an application's dependencies are downloaded to your computer.

Pop!_OS comes pre-packaged with several tools for installing software applications.

• Using the Pop!_Shop - Manage applications using a GUI interface. Applications in the Pop!_Shop are downloaded from System76's worldwide CDN, which mirror's Ubuntu's repositories for .deb packages. The Pop!_Shop also displays Flatpak applications from FlatHub.org, and any apps with AppStream data from third-party repositories that are configured in Repoman.
• Using Eddy - Install .deb packages downloaded from the web.
• Using the Terminal - Manage applications packaged as .deb files and Flatpaks using typed commands.

AppImages, Flatpaks, & Deb Packages

Different formats use different strategies to ensure all dependencies are present. Some methods are more convenient and include all dependencies, while others provide efficiency by checking to see if any of the required dependencies are already on your computer.

• Flatpaks - Flatpaks install a “containerized” version of the software. This means the software runs in its own sandbox and the installation will include all dependencies (called runtimes) and libraries required by the application. By default, Flatpaks pull all dependencies from FlatHub.org. Additional Flatpak repositories can be configured using Repoman.
• Deb Packages - Deb is the package format used by Debian-based distributions. This is the package type that apt will handle when installing applications via the Terminal. You can also download .deb packages online and install them with Eddy.
• AppImage - An AppImage is a completely self-contained single file that includes all required dependencies. Users only need to download the file to their local storage and provide it with execute privileges.

The Pop!_Shop

Pop!_OS includes a GUI application called the Pop!_Shop for easy installation and management of open-source and proprietary applications. Packages listed in the Pop!_Shop reference several sources:

• Debian (.deb) Packages - Debian packages from default sources are referenced from System76's worldwide CDN. This CDN combines mirrored Ubuntu repositories with applications packaged specifically for Pop!_OS. This dedicated CDN also provides Pop!_OS users with improved bandwidth and resource up-time.
• Flatpak Applications - The Pop!_Shop also references Flathub applications hosted on FlatHub.org.
• AppStream Data from Third-party Repositories - Applications will appear in the Pop!_Shop if the user configures third-party repositories in Repoman, and the application provides AppStream metadata to the Pop!_Shop.

Pop!_Picks

Pop!_Picks offers a curated list of applications that System76 recommends to developers and general users.

Recently Updated

Find applications with recent developer support.

Categories

Find the appropriate application by category.

Installing Applications through the Pop!_Shop

1. Open the Pop!_Shop by clicking the rocket ship icon in the dock, or by pressing SUPER and typing “pop shop”.

   

2. Type the application's name in the search field.

   

3. Some applications will provide the option to install either a Flatpak or Deb version. See AppImages, Flatpaks, & Deb Packages for a comparison of these packages types.

   

4. Click Install.

Updating Applications through the Pop!_Shop

Click Installed in the top middle of the window.

Click Update next to an app to update an individual application. To apply all updates, select Update All.

Note: If you experience errors updating packages using the Pop!_Shop, it's possible these can be easily resolved by running simple maintenance commands that clean up apt and Flatpak packages.

Removing Applications through the Pop!_Shop

Select the application that you want to remove from the Installed list.

Select Uninstall.

Eddy

The Pop!_Shop does not include all applications available for installation in Pop!_OS. Eddy is an alternative GUI application that can handle installation of Debian packages downloaded from the internet.

Installing Deb Packages with Eddy

Eddy is an open-source Debian package installer that comes pre-installed with Pop!_OS.

1. Download the application's .deb file. When given file options, choose the version that matches your CPU architecture.

   

2. Open the file. .Deb files should open using Eddy by default. If prompted, choose Eddy as the file handler.

   

3. Click on Install and enter the user password if prompted.

   

   If your Debian package has already been downloaded locally, navigate to the package and double-click it. Eddy will handle the deb file by default.

   

Removing Deb Packages with Eddy

Launch Eddy and click Open. Then, navigate to the Debian package that you used to install the application.

Click Uninstall.

AppImages

The AppImage format packages an application in a single, self-contained file. This format allows for a simplified installation process. Appimage.github.io provides links to download hundreds of applications as AppImages. Once downloaded, an AppImage must be given execute permissions in order to launch.

Downloading an AppImage

1. Navigate to appimage.github.io and click the Download button next to an application.

   

2. The link may take you to the application's GitHub repository. Download the latest stable version of the AppImage. Make sure you download the compatible version for your 32-bit (i386) or 64-bit (x86-64) CPU architecture. All modern personal computers will have a 64-bit CPU.

   

3. Navigate to the downloaded AppImage. Right-click the AppImage file and choose Properties.

   

4. Select the Permissions tab and check the box for Execute.

   

5. Close the Properties window and double-click the AppImage to launch it, or right click the AppImage and select Run.

   

Updating an AppImage

AppImages are easily updated by downloading the latest version to replace the currently downloaded AppImage. The AppImageUpdate project provides a method for doing this automatically.

Installing AppImageUpdate

Download the latest AppImageUpdate version from its Github repository. Again, make sure you download the compatible version for your CPU architecture.

Navigate to the file and right-click it. Select Properties and click the Permissions tab. Check the box next to Execute.

Updating an AppImage with AppImageUpdate

Launch AppImageUpdate by double-clicking its .AppImage file, navigate to the location of the AppImage application that you wish to update, and then select it and click Open.

AppImageUpdate will fetch the latest version of the AppImage, and the selected AppImage will have .old appended to its name.

Deleting an AppImage

Simply select the AppImage file and press Del on your keyboard, right click and choose Move to Trash, or click and drag the AppImage to the trash.

Installing Applications with the Terminal

The Terminal provides more flexibility and efficiency when installing applications. Apt and Flatpak are powerful package management tools that allow users to install, update, and remove packages using simple and intuitive commands.

Understanding Package Managers

A package manager is an application that keeps track of packages' files on your computer. A package manager can also verify and retrieve dependencies for any program the user wishes to install, and check for updates for currently installed programs.

The Advanced Packaging Tool (apt)

Pop!_OS comes preinstalled with the Advanced Packaging Tool (apt). apt is a package manager that lies on top of another package manager called dpkg. When a user wants to update their system or a single application, apt checks for its dependencies, downloads the the application and its dependencies, and installs them. apt accomplishes this by referencing online package databases called repositories.

dpkg can install applications downloaded in the .deb format. However, dpkg does not have apt's functionality for downloading applications, or for automatically fetching and installing dependencies. dpkg commands remain a useful tool for troubleshooting package issues.

Flatpak

Flatpak is a package format that installs a “containerized” version of the software. This means the software runs in its own sandbox, and the installation will include all dependencies and libraries required by the application. In Flatpak, dependencies are grouped into "runtimes" that are compatible with any Linux distribution. Flatpaks pull all runtimes and libraries from Flathub.org by default. Flatpaks also do not require installing using super user privileges (sudo).

Launching the Terminal

Apt and Flatpak are command-line based applications that require users to enter typed commands into a Terminal.

You can launch the Terminal using one of these methods:

• Click the Terminal icon in the Dock.
• Press SUPER + T.
• Press SUPER to bring up the launcher, and then type "terminal" and hit Enter.

Using Sudo

Commands beginning with sudo tell the Terminal that the command should be run with super user (root) privileges. These privileges are required when installing applications or making other modifications to the operating system. The first time you run sudo in a command prompt, you will need to provide your password.

Managing Applications with apt

It is best practice to run sudo apt update before installing any packages with apt. This command fetches the most up-to-date index of all repositories that apt manages.

sudo apt update

Installing with apt

To install an application, run the command below and substitute [packagename] with the desired application (do not include brackets in the command).

apt install [packagename]

Updating Applications with apt

Update apt's index:

sudo apt update

Run this command to update a single application:

sudo apt --only-upgrade install [packagename]

Run this command to update the entire system, including all installed applications:

sudo apt full-upgrade

Note: The full-upgrade option will downgrade or remove dependencies as necessary when upgrading packages. The upgrade option will not perform these tasks. Running the full-upgrade option will avoid many dependency and package-related issues that may occur when updating Pop!_OS.

Removing Applications with apt

Uninstall an application using the remove command.

sudo apt remove [packagename]

Note: The remove command removes a single application. However, it may leave behind a small number of configuration files. The purge command will completely remove all trace of an application, including residual configuration files. To completely remove a package, see instructions for using the autoremove command with the --purge option.

Managing Applications with Flatpak

Installing Applications with Flatpak

flatpak install [packagename]

Updating Applications with Flatpak

Run this command to update a single application using Flatpak:

flatpak update [packagename]

Run this command to update all Flatpak applications on your computer:

flatpak update

Removing Applications with Flatpak

Run this command to remove a single Flatpak application:

flatpak uninstall [packagename]

Managing Repositories

Pop!_OS repositories can be managed using Repoman (GUI) or the apt-manage command, which is unique to Pop!_OS.

• Manage Repositories with Repoman - Access the Repoman tool through the Pop!_Shop to add and remove repositories.
• Manage Repositories with the Terminal - Use the apt-manage or flatpak command line tools to add, modify, and remove repositories.
• Manually Add and Remove Repositories - Directly modify the /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ and ~/.local/share/flatpak/repo/ text files that control package sources.

Understanding Repositories

A repository is developer-maintained online resource that hosts applications' packages. When you use apt or Flatpak, the tool handles requests to download necessary files from a repository for an application. Distributions will have default, or "official" repositories that they use to maintain the applications that a developer chooses to include in the distribution. A repository may also be referred to as a source, repo, or remote (for Flatpak).

Pop!_OS includes these built-in repositories:

• http://apt.pop-os.org/ubuntu/ - This is System76's Ubuntu mirror, which is available via a global CDN.
• https://apt.pop-os.org/release - This repository provides the released versions of Pop!_OS packages.
• https://apt.pop-os.org/proprietary - This repository contains a number of applications not packaged by Ubuntu, or that are out of date on Ubuntu.

If any of these repositories have been removed from a system, they can be added back using the information on this page.

Understanding the Use Case for Third-Party Repositories

Pop!_OS's official sources listed in Repoman's Settings and Extra Sources tabs will provide all package resources required for Pop!_OS's out-of-the-box functionality. This includes all applications included in the default installation and available in the Pop!_Shop. A third-party repository is required if a desired application's files are not hosted in these official repositories.

Third-Party Repositories and PPAs

Third-party repositories (including PPAs) allow users to install and update applications from unofficial sources. Users should exercise caution when installing these, as their packages are not typically examined by Pop!_OS or Ubuntu developers. You should only install third-party repositories from sources you trust.

A Personal Package Archive (PPA) is a type of third-party apt repository that is hosted on Canonical's Launchpad platform. The URL for a PPA begins with ppa.launchpad.net. From a user's perspective, PPAs work the same as other third-party repositories.

Why Use Third-Party Hosting?

Developers may choose to host their application's files outside of a distribution's official repositories for a number of reasons:

• To provide easy and quick access for new and experimental versions of their software.
• To quickly apply bug fixes and updates.
• To provide convenient access to their application to users across Linux distributions.

Managing Repositories with Repoman

Repoman allows users to add apt and Flatpak repositories. Users may want to add an apt repository or additional Flatpak repository if their software is not included in the Pop!_Shop, or they may want to remove an unneeded repository after uninstalling the only application that required it.

Access Repoman by launching the Pop!_Shop, clicking the three lines, and then clicking System Software Sources....

Caution: Adding third-party apt or Flatpak repositories allows installation of software that has not been validated by System76 or other trusted Linux communities. Software available via third-party apt and Flatpak repositories may not be vetted against packages that introduce security vulnerabilities. Users should take caution and only add external repositories that they trust.

Official Sources

This section lists System76's Ubuntu mirror. This mirror includes Pop!_OS application packages that come from Ubuntu (additional packages that make Pop!_OS are added on top via the apt.pop-os.org/release repo found in the Extra Sources tab). This is also where installation files for many applications in the Pop!_Shop reside. Changing this mirror is not necessary since Pop!_OS will automatically download updates from the fastest source using System76's worldwide CDN.

The toggle switches enable or disable software components based on licensing and support:

• Restricted - Proprietary drivers and components that are not open source
• Universe - Free and open-source software that is community maintained
• Multiverse - Software restricted by copyright or legal reasons

Managing apt Repositories with Repoman

Apt archives (including PPAs) are created by developers to distribute software not included in default Ubuntu or Pop!_OS repositories.

Viewing Extra Sources

Click on the Extra Sources tab to display repositories used by third-party applications.

Note: While this page is generally used to add sources for third-party apt repositories, most sources with a URI containing http://apt.pop-os.org are critical to Pop!_OS's desktop functionality and should not be removed. See this page for more information about Pop!_OS's apt sources.

Adding an apt Repository

Click the + button.

Enter the source details for the repository and click Add. Enter your user password when prompted.

The repository will appear in the Extra Sources list.

Removing an apt Repository

Select a repository from the list and then click on the trash can icon to delete the repository.

Click Remove to confirm removal of the PPA.

Managing Flatpak Repositories with Repoman

Flatpak uses Flathub.org by default, but developers may choose to host their own Flatpak repository to offer the latest, potentially unstable, versions of their software.

Viewing Flatpak Repositories

Access Repoman by launching the Pop!_Shop, clicking the three lines, and then clicking System Software Sources....

Click on the Flatpak tab. This tab displays repositories used by Flatpak applications.

Adding a Flatpak Repository

Click the + button.

Enter the source details for the repository and click Add.

Removing a Flatpak Repository

Select a repository from the list and then click on the trash can icon to delete the repository.

Click Remove to confirm removal of the Flatpak repository.

Managing Repositories with the Terminal

Use the apt-manage tool to add and remove apt repositories in the /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ directory. Use the flatpak tool to add and remove Flatpak repositories from the ~/.local/share/flatpak/repo/ directory.

Using the apt-manage Command

The apt-manage command is unique to Pop!_OS and comes from repolib, the same library that Repoman is built upon. All options for the apt-manage command can be viewed by opening a Terminal and entering:

apt-manage -h

Add a Repository Using apt-manage

The add option will create an entry in the text file located in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/. Enter this command and enter your password when prompted.

apt-manage add [RepositoryURI]

In this example, the apt repository for the ProtonVPN CLI tool is added:

Confirm the repository has been added using the list option:

apt-manage list

Remove a Repository Using apt-manage

While sources can be added using the URI, they must be removed using the repository's source name.

Use the list option to obtain the source name of the repo you wish to remove:

apt-manage list

Use the remove option to remove the source:

apt-manage remove [SourceName]

Press y to confirm you want to remove the source and enter your password when prompted.

Confirm the repository has been removed using the list option:

apt-manage list

Using the flatpak Command

Flatpak repositories can be added and removed using options available with the flatpak command. See all available options for the flatpak command by opening the Terminal and entering:

flatpak -h

Adding a Repository with the flatpak Command

Use the remote-add and user options to add a remote Flatpak repository for the current user.

flatpak remote-add --user [repo-name] [repo-url]

Use the remote-list option to confirm the repository has been added:

flatpak remote-list

Removing a Repository with the flatpak Command

Use the remote-delete command to remove a repository. Specify the name of the repository in this command. Use the remote-list option to confirm the repository's name if you aren't sure.

flatpak remote-delete [repository name]

Use the remote-list option to confirm the repository has been deleted:

flatpak remote-list

Directly Editing Repository Configuration Files

Add and remove repositories by directly editing text files located in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ (apt repositories) or ~/.local/share/flatpak/repo/ (Flatpak repositories).

Manually Adding apt Repositories

In order to manually create a text file for a repository, it's important to understand the deb822 format. This format organizes a repository's attributes into human-readable fields.

For example, here is the deb822-formatted file for Pop!_OS's 22.04 proprietary application repository:

X-Repolib-Name: Pop_OS Apps
Enabled: yes
Types: deb
URIs: http://apt.pop-os.org/proprietary
Suites: jammy
Components: main

To manually create an apt source, open the Terminal and navigate to /etc/apt/sources.list.d/:

cd /etc/apt/sources.list.d/

Create a new text file using nano, or a text editor of your choice:

sudo nano [my-new-source-name].sources

Define the fields for your source:

Save your text file. Use the apt-manage tool with the list option to verify the apt source has been added:

apt-manage list

Manually Removing apt Repositories

Open the Terminal and navigate to /etc/apt/sources.list.d/.

cd /etc/apt/sources.list.d/

Use the rm command with the source's filename to remove an apt source.

sudo rm [SourceFileName]

Use the ls command to list the current sources and confirm the source has been removed.

ls

Manually Adding Flatpak Repositories

All fields for a remote repository are described in the Flatpak command reference.

*These options are often used to represent the remote repository in a GUI program.

This example shows the config file entry for the Flatub beta repository:

[remote "flathub-beta"]
url=https://dl.flathub.org/beta-repo/
xa.title=Flathub beta
gpg-verify=true
gpg-verify-summary=true
xa.comment=Beta builds of Flatpak applications
xa.description=Beta builds of Flatpak applications
xa.icon=https://dl.flathub.org/repo/logo.svg
xa.homepage=https://flathub.org/

To manually add a Flatpak remote repository, open the Terminal and navigate to ~/.local/share/flatpak/repo:

cd ~/.local/share/flatpak/repo

Open the config file using nano, or your preferred text editor:

nano config

At minimum, a Flatpak remote repository should contain these fields:

[remote "New Flatpak Repository"]
url=https://new.flatpak.repo.org/apps/
gpg-verify=value
gpg-verify-summary=value

Save the config file and exit your text editor.

Use the flatpak command with the remote-list option to verify the new Flatpak repository has been added:

flatpak remote-list

Manually Removing Flatpak Repositories

Open the Terminal and navigate to ~/.local/share/flatpak/repo/.

cd ~/.local/share/flatpak/repo/

Open the config file using nano, or your preferred text editor:

nano config

Delete the lines that define the Flatpak repository you want to remove:

Save the file and exit your text editor.

Use the flatpak command with the remote-list option to verify the new Flatpak repository has been removed:

flatpak remote-list

Package Manager Maintenance

If your system complains about a failed upgrade, package manager conflicts, broken upgrades, or other package-related issues, there are several common fixes to these problems. Some package manager issues can be resolved with the graphical update program, but many require the command line.

General Fixes for Apt Packages

These commands perform general cleanup that can resolve many of apt's errors and should be run one at a time.

sudo apt clean
sudo apt update
sudo dpkg --configure -a
sudo apt install -f
sudo apt full-upgrade
sudo apt autoremove --purge

• apt clean - The clean command clears out the local repository of retrieved package files.
• apt update - the update command fetches indexes from all configured sources. These indexes are used by other apt commands to determine which packages can be upgraded or installed.
• dpkg --configure -a - The --configure -a command configures any unpacked but not yet configured packages.
• apt install -f - The -f option attempts to correct broken dependencies
• apt full-upgrade - In addition to downloading and installing package updates, full-upgrade downgrades or removes dependencies as necessary when upgrading packages.
• apt autoremove --purge [packagename] - In addition to removing a package, autoremove will remove dependencies no longer required by any installed application. Combining with purge will remove any residual configuration files related to the package.
• apt autoremove --purge - Running this command with no specified package will remove any packages that were previously dependencies for other installed packages but are no longer required (either because the dependent package was removed, or because the package was updated to no longer depend on certain packages.)

Fixing Individual Apt Packages

The reinstall Option

You may see packages that are still broken and need to be installed manually or purged manually. This may indicate that the package has broken or cyclical dependencies.

This command reinstalls the package, which can be useful if the package has many reverse dependencies (the packages that depend on a given package):

sudo apt install --reinstall [packagename]

The purge Option

Note: Be careful when using purge and autoremove. Verify the terminal output to confirm the command will only affect the packages you are trying to fix. If unrecognized packages are removed causing unexpected changes, run sudo apt install pop-desktop and reboot to ensure those critical Pop!_OS components are reinstalled.

This command will remove a package and its system-wide configuration files. Use it to remove a package that is causing issues:

sudo apt purge [packagename]

Using autoremove with purge

Running the autoremove option will remove dependencies that are no longer required by any application after removing a package. Removing unneeded dependencies saves disk space, saves network bandwidth (from future updates to those dependencies), and is a good security practice to reduce the attack surface of the system. To remove both the package and all of its dependencies, run:

sudo apt autoremove --purge [packagename]

Installing a Specific Version with the policy Option

The policy option shows the available versions of a package. This is useful if you want to tell apt to install a specific version using the [packagename]=[version].

Use this command to list all available versions for an application:

apt policy [packagename]

Use this command to install a specific version:

sudo apt install [packagename]=[version]

General Fixes for Flatpak Packages

If the Pop!_Shop is showing an update available, but there are no updates listed on the update page, there may be a Flatpak runtime (a backend program that another Flatpak depends on) with an update available. Run these commands to update all Flatpaks and remove any Flatpak runtimes that are no longer required by any installed programs:

flatpak update
flatpak uninstall --unused
flatpak repair --user

• flatpak update - Search for and apply updates updates for installed Flatpak applications.
• flatpak uninstall --unused - Remove unused runtimes.
• flatpak repair --user - Repair Flatpak packages for the current user's installation.