Install AppImages on Arch Based Linux

How to Install and Use AppImages on Arch Linux

AppImages are a great way to run applications on Arch Linux without installing them via the package manager. Unlike traditional packages, AppImages are self-contained, making them portable and easy to manage. However, to make them accessible via launchers like Rofi (drun mode) or dmenu, we need to set them up properly.

This guide will walk you through the manual installation of an AppImage and integrating it into your system so it appears in Rofi and dmenu.

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Step 1: Create a Directory for AppImages

To keep things organized, store all AppImages in ~/.local/share/AppImage.

mkdir -p ~/.local/share/AppImage

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Step 2: Download the AppImage

For example, to install Obsidian, download its AppImage:

wget -O ~/.local/share/AppImage/Obsidian.AppImage "https://github.com/obsidianmd/obsidian-releases/releases/latest/download/Obsidian.AppImage"

If you're installing another AppImage, replace the URL and filename accordingly.

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Step 3: Make the AppImage Executable

Before running the AppImage, it needs to be marked as executable:

chmod +x ~/.local/share/AppImage/Obsidian.AppImage

If you're installing a different AppImage, replace Obsidian.AppImage with the appropriate filename.

To run the application:

~/.local/share/AppImage/Obsidian.AppImage

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Step 4: Create a .desktop File

To make the application appear in launchers, we need to create a .desktop entry.

Open a new .desktop file in your local applications directory:

nano ~/.local/share/applications/Obsidian.desktop

Paste the following content:

[Desktop Entry]
Name=Obsidian
Exec=/home/$USER/.local/share/AppImage/Obsidian.AppImage %u
Icon=/home/$USER/.local/share/icons/Obsidian.png
Type=Application
Categories=Office;Utility;
StartupNotify=true
Terminal=false
Keywords=Notes;Markdown;Editor;Knowledge;

For another AppImage, change the Name, Exec, and Icon fields accordingly.

If the application provides an official icon, download and save it:

wget -O ~/.local/share/icons/Obsidian.png "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6c/Obsidian-logo.png"

For another application, replace the URL and filename.

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Step 5: Update the Desktop Database

To register the new application, run:

update-desktop-database ~/.local/share/applications/

Now, you should be able to find the application in Rofi or dmenu.

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Step 6: Launch the AppImage from Rofi (drun mode)

Press your Rofi shortcut key (usually Mod1 + D or Alt + D) and search for the application name. It should now appear in the list!

Alternatively, you can use dmenu:

dmenu_run

Type the application name and press enter to launch it.

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Installing Other AppImages

If you want to install a different AppImage, follow the same steps:

1. Download the AppImage and place it in ~/.local/share/AppImage.
2. Make it executable using chmod +x.
3. Create a .desktop file in ~/.local/share/applications/.
4. Download an icon if available and set the correct path.
5. Update the desktop database.
6. Launch it using Rofi or dmenu.

Just replace filenames and URLs accordingly.

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Conclusion

Manually installing and setting up AppImages on Arch Linux ensures they integrate seamlessly into your application launchers like Rofi and dmenu. With these steps, you can keep your system clean and portable while still accessing the latest software. 🚀