AppImage
Linux executable file format
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]
41 49 02 (3 bytes hexadecimal from offset 8)| AppImage | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Filename extension |
.AppImage |
| Magic number | 41 49 02 (3 bytes hexadecimal from offset 8) |
| Developed by | Simon Peter |
| Initial release | 2004 |
| Latest release | continuous December 4, 2025 |
| Container for | Software installation |
| Open format? | Yes |
| Free format? | Yes |
| Website | appimage |
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
- 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