flatpak Command
Beginner Package Management man(1)Install and manage Flatpak applications
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📅 Updated: Mar 15, 2026
SYNTAX
flatpak [OPTION]... COMMAND [APP]
What Does flatpak Do?
flatpak is a universal Linux package manager for desktop applications. Like snap, it provides sandboxed, cross-distribution packages, but with a focus on desktop apps and a decentralized repository model.
flatpak applications run in sandboxed environments with configurable permissions. The primary repository is Flathub (flathub.org), which hosts thousands of applications.
flatpak is the preferred packaging format for GNOME applications and is widely supported across Linux distributions including Fedora, Linux Mint, and Arch Linux.
flatpak applications run in sandboxed environments with configurable permissions. The primary repository is Flathub (flathub.org), which hosts thousands of applications.
flatpak is the preferred packaging format for GNOME applications and is widely supported across Linux distributions including Fedora, Linux Mint, and Arch Linux.
Options & Flags
| Option | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| install | Install an application | flatpak install flathub org.gimp.GIMP |
| uninstall | Remove an application | flatpak uninstall org.gimp.GIMP |
| list | List installed apps | flatpak list |
| update | Update all apps | flatpak update |
| search | Search for apps | flatpak search gimp |
| run | Run an application | flatpak run org.gimp.GIMP |
| remote-add | Add a repository | flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo |
Practical Examples
#1 Add Flathub
Adds the main Flathub repository.
$ flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo#2 Install app
Installs GIMP from Flathub.
$ flatpak install flathub org.gimp.GIMP#3 List installed
Shows all installed flatpak applications.
$ flatpak list --app#4 Update all
Updates all installed flatpak applications.
$ flatpak update -y#5 Search apps
Searches Flathub for Firefox.
$ flatpak search firefox#6 Remove unused
Removes unused runtimes and extensions.
$ flatpak uninstall --unusedTips & Best Practices
Flathub is the main repo: Add Flathub first — it has the largest collection of flatpak applications.
flatpak vs snap: flatpak focuses on desktop apps with decentralized repos. snap supports server apps and has centralized store (Canonical).
Sandbox limitations: Flatpak sandbox may limit file access. Use flatseal to manage application permissions graphically.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I install flatpak apps?
First add Flathub, then flatpak install flathub APP_ID. Find app IDs on flathub.org.
What is the difference between flatpak and snap?
Both provide sandboxed cross-distro packages. flatpak focuses on desktop apps (Flathub). snap covers desktop and server (Snap Store).
How do I manage flatpak permissions?
Install Flatseal (flatpak install flathub com.github.tchx84.Flatseal) to graphically manage app permissions.
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