11 Best Linux Apps for ChromeBook : Must Have Apps

Do you have a Chromebook? We know the struggle if you recently migrated from Windows or macOS systems.

Working on Chrome OS can be a little challenging since the apps and software you can download are limited and not easy to find. But approximately two years ago, Chromebook was given a chance and now supports Linux apps.

So, we finally decided to make a list of the best Linux Apps for Chromebook. Multiple users have used all the apps mentioned below worldwide on their systems.

In fact, for years, Linux has improved a lot, and the apps are of top-notch quality. All the apps listed will be highly beneficial to you for all tasks. Many Android or web apps may not be good enough to work on Chromebook.

Also, before downloading any apps below, you must ensure they match your system requirements. Even though all of them can run on Chromebooks, not all can run if your system requirements are very high compared to the apps we have made a list of.

You can always check out their official site with download links and more information.

Without much ado, let us look at the list of best Linux apps for Chromebook and how they can be useful to you in the long run in your personal as well as professional life.

Best Linux Apps for Chromebook – Our Pick 👌

1. GIMP – Best Linux apps for Chromebook To Do Photo Editing

GIMP is an excellent tool or application for everyone looking for an alternative to Photoshop or anything simpler.

If you are a designer or have just started, you can download this easy-to-learn and execute graphics editor on your Chromebook.

It is a free and open-source platform where you can contribute to the design and coding. This tool is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux Operating systems.

The features you will be specifically working on include the use of all the elements that you will need to create icons, logos, artwork, etc.

As an artist, you can easily create your design into a more unique version using the tools. This Linux App supports multiple languages such as C++, C, Java, Python, Scheme, etc.

Another significant aspect of this app is that you can easily edit, restore, and retouch your images as per your need.

Features:-

• Original artwork creation
• Graphics Designing Elements
• High-Quality Photo Manipulation
• Programming Algorithms
• Highly Extensible and Flexible

Pros:-

• Free of cost
• Open-source Platform
• Super easy to learn and use
• Platform-independent

Cons:-

• The interface could have been better
• Does not have advanced tools

Installation Guide

To install the app, copy and paste the command below into your terminal.

sudo apt-get install gimp

Press Enter as soon as you enter the command, and the app will be available in your system. You can start using the app on your Chromebook after proper installation.

2. Libre Office – Best Linux apps for Chromebook for Office Work

LibreOffice works as a perfectly free and powerful Best Linux Apps for ChromeBook to anyone looking to download Microsoft office.

Since it is not available on your Chromebook, you can download LibreOffice, which is easy to use and even more comfortable.

A lot of Windows, as well as macOS users have been using this software too on their systems.

As you have read, this is an open-source platform, meaning you can also contribute to its code.

You can use four main tools, i.e., Word, Spreadsheet, PPT, and graphics editor. This is all you need to start and make your professional work count.

Moreover, all the docs here are well structured, such as presentations, documents, pdfs, technical drawings, diagrams, etc. Furthermore, it supports a wide range of formats such as (.doc, .docx), Excel (.xls, .xlsx), PowerPoint (.ppt, .pptx), and Publisher.

Features:-

• Compatible with a wide range of document formats
• Exceptional-looking and well-structured documents
• Multiple templates and Extensions are available
• Includes Word processor, Spreadsheet, PPT, and Graphics Editor
• Open-source Office Suite

Pros:-

• Free and open-source
• Less Bulky and easy to navigate
• Supports major formats
• Command-line automation options are also great
• Access to loads of templates available

Cons:-

• Sometimes the software may freeze and crash
• It can be a little slow

Installation Guide

Use the below command to download the software and start using it with all the features on your Chromebook. Open the terminal and write the code down.

sudo apt install LibreOffice

Once done, press Enter to confirm the command. You may be asked to press Y, to continue with the process and wait for the installation to complete.

3. FileZilla

FileZilla is the home for everyone looking for a free FTP solution. It also provides a platform for FTP over SSL/TLS (FTPS) and SFTP. This, too, is an open-source platform and free of cost.

You can easily connect to a remote server and upload your files to handle them when needed. It is impossible for everyone who is a beginner to handle servers and manage the database.

Furthermore, you can search for any file in the remote file search. To load your files, all you need to do is drag and drop the files from your Chromebook to the server.

Also, you can download it for Linux and on any system. It is fast and highly reliable, especially if you are starting. After you download the software, there are two panels; you can drag and drop the files.

Features:-

• Supports IPv6
• Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and more
• Supports FTP, FTP over SSL/TLS (FTPS), and SSH File Transfer Protocol (SFTP)
• Can transfer large files greater than 4GB
• Excellent site Manager

Pros:-

• Easy remote file editing
• Cross-platform
• Easy to use and learn
• Available in multiple languages

Cons:-

• A little outdated
• Updating large files takes time

Installation Guide

Look at the code below, which you will be using to install the software on your Chromebook. Open the terminal app and paste it here.

sudo apt install Filezilla

Using the command above will help you to complete the installation. After which, you can open the Chromebook app drawer.

4. Master PDF Editor 5 – Best Linux apps for Chromebook For PDF editing

Master PDF Editor is a powerful tool that allows you to perform multiple functions on a PDF file. You may have used many tools online, but downloading Master PDF Editor is an exceptional choice.

It is easy to use and makes navigating very comfortable, especially if you are a beginner. Whether you have office work or personal use, this app makes it easy to merge or split pdfs.

You can take up any pdf file and edit the text within seconds. Also, insert images, move objects, use images from clipboards, etc.

While you are done with everything, creating your digital signature and adding it directly to your doc is now much easier.

There is only one aspect this app is not free, and you can only use the demo version. After which, you may have to buy the subscription.

Features:-

• Annotate PDF Documents
• Supports Optical Character Recognition
• Modify objects or texts on PDF docs directly
• Create and add digital Signatures
• Merge and Split PDFs

Below is the summary of the main Pros and Cons of the Master PDF Editor 5 that makes it add to the Best Linux Apps for Chromebook list.

Pros:-

•  Lightweight and easy to use
• UI is great to work on
• Perfect for editing PDF files
• Easy to add digital signatures
• Add bookmark easily

Cons:-

• Not free entirely  (only demo)
• The free version has a watermark

Installation Guide

Similar to the apps above, this too needs a particular command to put on the terminal app and press Enter. Here is the code is given below.

sudo apt-get install libsane

Before running the above command, you must install the file from their official site. This will install the tool and also run the tool from the file manager.

5. Inkscape

If you are a graphics designer or love to play with colors, Inkscape is one of the best Linux apps for Chromebook. It is an open-source application primarily focusing on editing and drawing vector graphics.

The most used format here is the SVG format, i.e., SScalable Vector Graphics. You can learn a lot from this if you are new to all this and do not know how to use a vector graphics app.

Being a designer, you might know that vector designing is the basics of any logo design, illustration, digital art, etc.

Many colleges, institutions, designers, companies, and other individuals use this tool to start and learn web graphics, editing, CAD, and more.

It is also a cross-platform app so that you can download it on your Windows, macOS, Linux, and other operating systems.

Features:-

• Supports multiple fonts for texts
• Edit notes, including boolean operations, etc
• Use tools to fill and stroke
• Make use of the drawing and shape tool
• Supports multiple file formats such as SVG, PNG, etc

Below is the summary of the main Pros and Cons of Inkscape that makes it add to the Best Linux Apps for Chromebook list.

Pros:-

• Super easy to use
• Powerful open-source software
• Great layout and interface
• A perfect tool to edit SVG format
• User-friendly and supports cross-platform

Cons:-

• A lot of features on the main panel can be confusing
• It does not support WebP image import and export

install Linux apps on Chromebook:-

Copy and paste the command below into the terminal app and start using the app as much as you like.

sudo apt-get install Inkscape

You can learn more about its functions from its official site before downloading to use it best.

6. Kdenlive

Kdenlive, or KDE Non-Linear Video Editor, is an open-source video editor. It has been primarily designed for the Linux platform, but you can also download it for BSD and macOS systems.

This app has aided all video editors on multiple levels, especially beginners and professionals. Kdenlive can let you arrange and manage multiple videos and audio simultaneously while you create a masterpiece.

You need not worry about the format of your audio or videos. Simply upload them and start editing, merging, etc. Also, the interfaces are super easy to use and navigate.

You can customize it as needed and add or delete the shortcuts so that working on this video editor is even easier.

There are tons of effects available that you can choose from. It has a lot more to offer than these simple basic edits.

Features:-

• Supports almost every audio and video editor
• Configure the interface and manage shortcuts
• Create 2D Titles easily
• Create low-resolution copies of source clips
• Automatic Backup

Below is the summary of the main Pros and Cons of the Kdenlive that makes it add to the Best Linux Apps for Chromebook list.

Pros:-

• Fast rendering
• User-friendly app
• Easy to configure and modify
• Provides automatic backup
• Multi-track video editing is possible

Cons:-

• Not good for Windows
• Issues with Timeline cursor

Installation Guide

Open the terminal and paste the command as shown below. Press enter for installation.

sudo apt-get install kdenlive

7. FocusWriter

You may not have heard of another popular software named FocusWriter. Well, it is very simple and has a basic interface. The most significant aspect of the app is that it provides a distraction-free environment for every user.

Also, moving your cursor to the edge of your Chromebook will allow the program to look similar, and you can get involved in your work. Moreover, you can write down your daily goals and set the alarm.

It supports formats such as TXT, basic RTF, and basic ODT files to make your work much easier.

Furthermore, you can select from multiple available themes to make your interface look even more attractive and fun.

Using the calendar, you can easily track your daily work progress in the best manner.

Features:-

• Multiple customizable themes
• Set timers and alarms
• Supports multiple-document mode
• Spell-check available
• 20+ languages translated

Pros:-

• Cross-platform app
• Open-source and free of cost
• Flexible to use and customizable
• Easily set timers and alarms
• Provides live statistics

Cons:-

• Very basic look

Installation Guide

As mentioned, this also needs a certain command to execute on your Chromebook. Here it is.

sudo apt-get install focuswriter

8. Audacity

Audacity is one of the best Linux apps for Chromebook and is free of cost. Since it is open-source, you can easily contribute to its code and make it worthwhile for all the other users.

It is a digital audio editor and recording software for Linux-based systems and Windows, macOS, and other operating systems. Not only is it easier to use but also very comfortable to use.

This audio editor helps you record live audio, which you can later edit, cut, copy, paste, and even delete elements from. Moreover, you can import audio files to this app and edit them as needed.

You can add multiple files together and export them in multiple file formats by editing. It has a flexible plug-in manager handles plug-in installation and the addition/removal of effects and generators from the menus.

Features:-

• Easy Recording live audio
• Import, edit, and combine sound files
• Supports 16-bit, 24-bit, and 32-bit
• Support for LADSPA, LV2, Nyquist, VST, and Audio Unit effect plug-ins
• Easy editing the audio files

Below is the summary of Audacity’s main Pros and Cons that make it add to the Best Linux Apps for Chromebook list.

Pros:-

• Quick and easy to start with
• User-friendly platform
• Record and clip sound with ease
• Add multiple layers to edit in one window
• The software interface is very easy to navigate

Cons:-

• Visually not that appealing
• May crash sometimes

Installation Guide

There is nothing special that you need to do to install the app. Simply have to use the command in the terminal app as given below.

sudo apt-get install audacity

9. Thunderbird – Best Linux apps for Chromebook To Manage Email

While you may have used Gmail, Outlook, Zoho mail, etc., on your systems to manage all your emails. But here we have another excellent app named Thunderbird.

It is free of cost and an open-source app that is easy to optimize and set up very conveniently.

All your emails are private and secure on their server. This app makes it easy for you to set up the SMTP and IMAP email server to deliver all your messages quickly.

Like Firefox and other browsers, you can open multiple tabs of your mail and switch between them conveniently while you work. To keep an account of the tabs you have visited, you can visit the special tab toolbar.

We also have a special search toolbar that helps you find emails much easier and quicker, allowing you to filter out the content.

Furthermore, to speed up transferring large files, you can store them on the cloud and share the link.

Features:-

• Quick Filter Toolbar
• Share large files with Thunderbird File link
• One-click Address Book
• Smart Folder available
• Provides update automatically

Pros:-

• Versatile and reliable
• Easy to install
• User-interface is friendly
• Multiple themes are available
• It makes communication more simple easy

Cons:-

• Add-ons slow down everything
• The design is a little outdated

Installation Guide

For Thunderbird, the installation process is very easy and the same as you have already done for all the other apps above. Here is the command you can use.

sudo apt-get install thunderbird

10. qBittorent

qBittorent is an alternate version of µTorrent. This is an open-source and free app that you can use on your Chromebooks since you cannot possibly download the other version of torrent apps.

We all know torrent apps are illegal, but if you wish to use them, that is up-tp-you. All we can do is provide you with enough information.

You can download many files through this app, i.e., movies, games, music, videos, etc. Unlike other torrent apps, the best part is that no ads exist on this.

Some popular torrent extensions it supports are Magnet-Links, DHT, PEX, LSD, Private torrents, etc. Moreover, you will find the bandwidth scheduler aligned with the capability for IP filtering to keep your connection secure.

Do not worry; it is available in over 70 languages, making it easier for you to use. Furthermore, it is platform-independent and can be used on Windows, macOS, Linux, etc.

Features:-

• Well-integrated and extensible Search Engine
• Supports multiple BitTorrent extensions
• IPv6 compliant
• Cross-Platform app
• RSS feed support

Pros:-

• A free and open-source platform
• Ad-free entirely
• Sequential downloading
• Enables streaming media while it’s downloading
• Allows in-Program torrent search via various search-engines

Cons:-

• It consumes a lot of RAM
• Search engine requires installing Python

Installation Guide

You need to follow the instructions to install the file mentioned on all the apps above. After downloading the file, please move to the Terminal app and enter the code below to execute it.

sudo apt-get install qbittorrent

📗FAQ

Final Thoughts

We have no doubts about the list we have mentioned above for the best Linux apps for Chromebook. All of them are free of cost and easy to install.

Furthermore, almost each of them is open-source, making them highly available to general users and developers so that you can contribute and improve the app.

The apps above are highly productive in every field, such as writing, editing audio and videos, graphics editing, etc.

No matter what, we cannot deny that Linux OS has a huge impact on ChromeOS since you can now use many more apps on this laptop than you could.

All these are very secure to use and make it want to gain your trust with the best service. In the coming days, ChromeOS will surely leave a mark in the IT industry, emerging as a huge rival to other OS.