| AppImage | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Filename extension |
.AppImage |
| Magic number | 41 49 02 (3 bytes hexadecimal from offset 8) |
| Developed by | Simon Peter |
| Initial release | 2004 (2004) |
| Latest release | continuous December 4, 2025 (2025-12-04) |
| Container for | Software installation |
| Open format? | Yes |
| Free format? | Yes |
| Website | appimage |
AppImage (formerly known as klik and PortableLinuxApps) is an open-source format for distributing portable software on Linux. It aims to allow the installation of binary software independently of specific Linux distributions. As a result, one AppImage can be installed and run across various GNU/Linux distributions without needing to use different files. It aims to be a format that is self-contained, rootless, and independent of the underlying Linux distribution.1
Released first in 2004 under the name klik, it was continuously developed, then renamed in 2011 to PortableLinuxApps and later in 2013 to AppImage. Version 2 was released in 2016.
Reception and usage
In 2015, Linus Torvalds, creator of the Linux kernel, said that "[t]his is just very cool. I finally got around to play with the 'AppImage' version of Subsurface, and it really does seem to 'just work'."2 Mark Shuttleworth stated that "AppImages are a pretty clean experience and I admire the work behind them."3
See also
See also
- Autopackage – Linux package management system
- List of Linux package management systems
- List of portable application creators
- ROX Desktop – Desktop environment for X Window System
- Snap (software) – Software deployment system for Linux by Canonical
- App (file format) – A HarmonyOS application that makes use of similar principles
References
References
- Mobily, Tony (2006-04-07). "Free Software Magazine interview with Simon Peter". Free Software Magazine. Archived from the original on 2007-03-30. Retrieved 2007-05-05.
- Torvalds, Linus (2016-02-05). "This is just very cool. I finally got around to play with the "AppImage"…". Google Plus. Archived from the original on 2016-02-05. Retrieved 2024-01-18.
- Shuttleworth, Mark (2017-04-09). "I would like to thank all of you for your spirit and intellect and energy in ..." Google Plus. Archived from the original on 2017-04-09. Retrieved 2024-01-18.