For the simplest Ubuntu installation, open Terminal and run:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install kateLaunch Kate from the application grid or with kate. Ubuntu’s APT package is the best default for most users because it uses the normal system update and removal workflow. Choose Snap or Flatpak instead if you need a newer Kate build, prefer those packaging systems, or want consistent packaging across distributions.
What Kate is and what you need
Kate is KDE’s advanced, multi-document text editor for programming and general text work. It includes syntax highlighting, code folding, multiple cursors, projects, Git integration, an integrated terminal, plugins and Language Server Protocol (LSP) support. LSP, formatting, compilation and debugging still require the relevant language servers, compilers, formatters or debuggers to be installed separately.
- A supported Ubuntu Desktop installation (or a derivative with compatible repositories).
- Internet access.
- A user account with
sudoprivileges. - A graphical desktop session if you want to use Kate’s windowed interface.
Minimal installations may not include App Center, Snap support or graphical software tools. Ubuntu derivatives can also change repository configuration, package names or availability.
#1 Best Overall
Choose an installation method
| Method | Best for | Main advantage | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| APT | Most Ubuntu users | Native integration and straightforward maintenance | The package can lag behind upstream Kate |
| Snap | Users wanting an easy current channel | KDE-published package with automatic updates and rollback support advertised by Snapcraft | The official command uses classic confinement; startup, integration or policy preferences may matter |
| Flatpak | Users who prefer Flathub or sandboxed desktop applications | Current KDE application with consistent packaging | Requires Flatpak and Flathub setup; sandbox permissions can affect file and tool access |
| AppImage | Testing or portable use | No package-manager installation | Kate’s official page identifies its Linux AppImage as nightly software |
Install one primary format rather than all of them. APT, Snap and Flatpak can install separate copies with different versions, settings, permissions and launcher entries.
Install Kate with APT (recommended)
Kate is available in Ubuntu’s Universe repository. Run:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install kateStart it from the application launcher, or run:
kateCheck the installed package
command -v kate
apt policy kate
kate --versionapt policy shows the installed version and the repository candidate. APT follows the Kate package maintained for your Ubuntu release, so it may be older than the current KDE release.
Update or remove the APT package
Update Kate with the rest of the system:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgradeRemove the application with:
sudo apt remove kateReview APT’s proposed transaction before confirming, especially on Kubuntu or a KDE-heavy installation, because removing packages can affect dependencies.
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If APT cannot find Kate
If you see E: Unable to locate package kate, enable Universe and refresh package metadata:
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sudo add-apt-repository universe
sudo apt update
sudo apt install kateThen inspect the release and architecture:
. /etc/os-release
printf '%sn' "$PRETTY_NAME"
dpkg --print-architectureOn a derivative, check that its configured sources are compatible with Ubuntu before changing repositories. Do not add a random PPA as a first response; Ubuntu warns that third-party repositories are not checked for security or reliability (Ubuntu repository guidance).
Install Kate from Ubuntu App Center
- Open App Center from the Dock or search for it in Activities.
- Search for Kate.
- Select the Kate entry and click Install.
- Authenticate with your account password when prompted.
- Launch Kate from the application menu.
Ubuntu documents this general flow in its App Center instructions. The displayed package source depends on your Ubuntu release and repository metadata. When both Snap and Debian packages are available, Ubuntu may list the Snap first. Inspect the source or package-format information if you specifically want the APT package.
Install Kate with Snap
Snapcraft identifies KDE as the publisher of the kate Snap. Ubuntu 16.04 and later generally include Snap support, but minimal installations may not.
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sudo apt update
sudo apt install snapdIf you had to install snapd, log out and back in or restart before retrying. On a normal Ubuntu installation, first check whether the command already works:
snap versionInstall, launch and verify
sudo snap install kate --classic
snap list kate
kate--classic selects classic Snap confinement, which grants broader system access than strict confinement. It is not a fully sandboxed installation. Users or organizations that require stricter isolation may prefer APT or Flatpak, subject to each format’s own permissions.
Update or remove the Snap
sudo snap refresh kate
sudo snap remove kateSnap updates are managed through the Snap Store’s channel and update model rather than Ubuntu’s APT transactions.
Install Kate with Flatpak and Flathub
Ubuntu does not necessarily have Flatpak configured, and Ubuntu’s App Center does not install Flatpak applications. Flathub lists Kate under the application ID org.kde.kate, with x86_64 and aarch64 builds.
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Set up Flatpak
sudo apt update
sudo apt install flatpak gnome-software-plugin-flatpak
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub
https://dl.flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoThe GNOME Software plugin is optional for command-line use, but provides software-center integration. Depending on the Ubuntu release, installing it can add a separate GNOME Software application. Restart after setup, as recommended by Flathub’s Ubuntu instructions.
Install and launch Kate
flatpak install flathub org.kde.kate
flatpak run org.kde.kateFlatpak permissions can differ from APT, particularly for removable drives, network mounts, protected system directories and external development tools.
Update or remove the Flatpak
flatpak update org.kde.kate
flatpak uninstall org.kde.kateUse Kate’s Flathub listing to check the application ID, architectures and current Flathub metadata.
Kate versions vary by package format
Package versions are channel-specific and change over time. The following values were listed on August 18, 2026; they are not interchangeable or guarantees of what a later installation will receive.
| Source | Version or versions listed | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu APT | 22.04 Jammy: 21.12.3 24.04 Noble: 23.08.5 25.10 Questing: 25.08.1 26.04 LTS Resolute: 25.12.3 |
Distribution-maintained packages listed by Ubuntu Package Search |
| Snap | 25.08.0 stable | Version shown in Snap Store metadata at Snapcraft |
| Flatpak | 26.04.2 | Version displayed by Flathub |
| Upstream KDE | 26.04.3 listed, released July 2, 2026 | Upstream application release; it is not automatically the Ubuntu APT version |
The Ubuntu search index also showed a separate “stonking” development series containing Kate 26.04.3. That is not the normal Ubuntu 26.04 LTS package and should not be treated as its version.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Verify which Kate copy is running
Use these commands when the launcher and terminal appear to show different versions:
kate --version
command -v kate
apt policy kate
snap list kate
flatpak list --app | grep -i kate
flatpak info org.kde.kateIf APT, Snap and Flatpak all report an installation, you have multiple copies. They can create duplicate launcher entries, separate configuration and plugin locations, differing file permissions, confusing version output and duplicate disk usage.
Remove an unwanted copy
sudo apt remove kate
sudo snap remove kate
flatpak uninstall org.kde.kateRun only the command for the package you intend to remove and review the proposed changes before confirming.
First launch and file-access checks
- Search the application launcher for Kate, or run
katefor APT/Snap orflatpak run org.kde.katefor Flatpak. - Open a harmless test file with File → Open to confirm the editor can read your normal workspace.
- Open Kate’s integrated terminal if you want a terminal inside the editor.
- If a file is on a removable drive, network mount or protected directory, test that location specifically. Snap and Flatpak access rules can differ from APT.
Installing Kate does not automatically install language servers, compilers, interpreters, formatters or debuggers needed for every programming feature.
Troubleshooting
snap: command not found
Install Snap support, restart or log in again, then retry:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install snapd
sudo snap install kate --classicThese steps follow Snapcraft’s Ubuntu instructions.
Flatpak reports that Flathub is missing
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub
https://dl.flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
flatpak install flathub org.kde.kateKate opens but cannot access a file
Identify the installed format first with command -v kate, apt policy kate, snap list kate and flatpak list --app | grep -i kate. Then check whether the file is on removable media, a network share, an external mount or a protected system path. Do not disable confinement globally without understanding the security consequences.
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Try launching it from a terminal. If that works, log out and back in or restart the desktop session so the application database refreshes.
You installed the wrong version
Compare the package-manager outputs, remove the unwanted copy with its own manager, and retain one primary installation method.
Quick Recap
Which method should you use?
- Choose APT when native Ubuntu integration, conservative updates and simple administration matter most.
- Choose Snap when you want a straightforward KDE-published channel and accept classic confinement.
- Choose Flatpak when you already use Flathub or want its application packaging and sandbox model, after completing the extra setup.
- Use the AppImage only for testing or portability. Kate’s official Get Kate page labels the Linux AppImage as nightly software, so it is not the stable default for most Ubuntu users.
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