Yakuake
What Yakuake is
Yakuake is a free Linux drop-down terminal emulator based on KDE Konsole technology. It rolls down from the top of the screen and provides tabs, split panes, and a scripting API. Users can set its dimensions and animation speed, while skins change the interface appearance. A D-Bus interface supports integration with the desktop or other software. KDE lists installation through Discover or other AppStream application stores and provides a Flathub link. The software is released under the GPL-2.0+ license. KDE’s page links to a forum, the #yakuake channel on Libera.Chat, and bug reporting. The listed Free plan costs nothing for a Linux desktop application. KDE describes its software as containing no ads, spyware, subscription services, forced updates, secret crypto-mining, or AI training. Yakuake’s listed release is version 26.08.2, released 2026-10-08.
Who it suits
Yakuake suits Linux desktop users who want quick access to a configurable terminal. Its tabs, split panes, scripting API, and D-Bus interface also fit users who need terminal integration.
What it does well
- Free Linux desktop application
- Drop-down terminal based on KDE Konsole
- Tabbed interface and split panes
- Configurable dimensions and animation speed
- Scripting API and D-Bus interface
What to know first
- Linux-only
- No free trial is listed
- Appearance customization depends on available skins
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Linux desktop application · GPL-2.0+ | Free |
As apps.kde.org lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Yakuake is a focused Linux terminal with drop-down access and several integration options. Its GPL-2.0+ license and free distribution make it suitable for users seeking a configurable KDE-oriented terminal.
Facts from Yakuake's own pages
- Customization
- Users can configure its dimensions and animation speed, and the interface is skinnable. · apps.kde.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Display
- The terminal smoothly rolls down from the top of the screen. · apps.kde.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Download
- The KDE page lists Linux installation through Discover or other AppStream application stores, and also links to Flathub. · apps.kde.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · apps.kde.org, 20 Sept 2026
- Integration
- Yakuake provides a D-Bus interface. · apps.kde.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Latest listed release
- The page lists version 26.08.2, released 2026-10-08. · apps.kde.org, 11 Oct 2026
- License
- The KDE page lists Yakuake under the GPL-2.0+ license. · apps.kde.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Maker
- KDE describes itself as an international community building and distributing free, open-source software since 1996. · kde.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Organization
- KDE says it is a voluntary community, not a for-profit company, and that KDE e.V. is the German non-profit organization that legally represents it. · kde.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Product
- Yakuake is a drop-down terminal emulator based on KDE Konsole technology. · apps.kde.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Scripting API
- Yes · apps.kde.org, 20 Sept 2026
- Security and privacy
- KDE says its software contains no ads, spyware, subscription services, forced updates, secret crypto-mining, or AI training. · kde.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Split panes
- Yes · apps.kde.org, 20 Sept 2026
- Support
- The KDE page links to a forum, the #yakuake channel on Libera.Chat, and bug reporting. · apps.kde.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Linux · apps.kde.org, 20 Sept 2026
- Tabs
- Yakuake has a tabbed interface. · apps.kde.org, 11 Oct 2026
Where Yakuake stands on Freedom251
- Terminal apps#20 of 41
- Terminal Emulators#38 of 40