Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

For most Ubuntu users, install Avidemux from the Ubuntu repositories:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install avidemux

This gives you the simplest, system-integrated installation on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat) and Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish). If Ubuntu’s package is unavailable or older than the build you need, use the official Avidemux AppImage. Flatpak is another option, while a PPA should be reserved for users who specifically need an APT-managed third-party build.

Ubuntu package associations for Avidemux include both Jammy and Noble. However, the repository version may not match the newest upstream or nightly build. See Avidemux on Launchpad for package associations.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Choose an installation method

Method Best for Advantage Trade-off
Ubuntu APT Stability and simplicity Uses Ubuntu dependencies and updates May lag behind upstream
Official AppImage A newer or portable build No repository changes Updates and desktop integration are mostly manual
Flatpak Users already using Flatpak Independent application updates The listed package is community-built and has broad permissions
xtradeb PPA Users requiring an APT-managed third-party build APT-style installation and updates Requires trust in an external maintainer
Source build Developers and advanced users Maximum control Most complicated to maintain

The practical recommendation is straightforward: start with Ubuntu APT, then choose the official AppImage if you need a newer build without adding a third-party repository.

#1 Best Overall
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Linux Laptop, 15.6" FHD Touchscreen Laptop, 8-Core AMD Ryzen 7 5825U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Keypad, SD Card Reader, Stylus Pen + External Portable SSD + USB Hub, Linux Ubuntu OS
  • Powerful Linux Laptop: This IdeaPad Slim 3 Laptop comes pre-installed with Ubuntu Linux, offering fast performance, robust security, and a clean, user-friendly experience. Enjoy full customization, seamless hardware compatibility, and access to thousands of open-source apps. Whether you're working, creating, or coding, it's built to keep up with everything you do.
  • A Multitasking Master: The latest AMD Ryzen 7 5825U processor (up to 4.5 GHz) delivers powerful performance with 8 cores and 16 threads for smooth multitasking. Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics provide crisp visuals for streaming, browsing, photo editing, and casual gaming. With smart machine intelligence, it adapts to your needs for a fast, responsive experience.
  • 15.6" Full HD Display: The IdeaPad Slim 3 boasts an 88% screen-to-body ratio for a floating, edge-to-edge visual experience. TÜV Low Blue Light certification reduces eye strain, making it perfect for long work or study sessions.
  • Military-Grade Durability: The smart IdeaPad Slim 3 combines portability and durability, letting you work, study, and play on the go. With a profile 10% slimmer than the previous generation, it's lightweight yet military-grade rugged, ready for anything, anywhere.
  • Versatile Connectivity: Enjoy the security of a built-in webcam with a privacy shutter. Connect effortlessly with multiple ports: 2x USB A, 1x USB C, 1x HDMI, 1x SD Card Reader, 1x Headphone/Microphone combo. Bundle comes with Stylus Pen, 256GB Portable SSD and 5-in-1 Docking Station.

Before you begin

Confirm the Ubuntu release and CPU architecture:

lsb_release -ds
dpkg --print-architecture

Ubuntu 22.04 is Jammy Jellyfish and Ubuntu 24.04 is Noble Numbat. Use release-specific repositories only after confirming your release. You should also have a normal user account with sudo access.

The official Avidemux AppImage directory currently provides x86_64 Linux builds. Do not assume that an x86_64 AppImage will run on an ARM computer. Flathub lists Avidemux builds for x86_64 and aarch64, but its package has different trust and permission considerations.

Download Avidemux only from Ubuntu, Launchpad, the official Avidemux download page, the official AppImage directory, or Flathub. Avoid random download sites and repackaged installers.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Method 1: Install Avidemux with Ubuntu APT

APT is the best choice if you want a conventional Ubuntu installation managed with system updates.

1. Refresh package information

sudo apt update

2. Install Avidemux

sudo apt install avidemux

Accept the prompt if APT asks for confirmation. Launch Avidemux from the application menu, or run:

avidemux

Check availability before installing

If you want to see what Ubuntu can install without changing anything, use:

apt-cache policy avidemux

If a Candidate version appears, APT can install the package. If the candidate is (none), the relevant package metadata may be missing, a repository component may be disabled, or the package may not be available for your release or architecture.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Confirm the installation

dpkg -s avidemux

You can also check the installed package list:

apt list --installed 2>/dev/null | grep avidemux

Update Avidemux later

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

APT updates Avidemux along with other Ubuntu packages when a newer version is published for your release.

Method 2: Run the official Avidemux AppImage

Choose the AppImage when the Ubuntu package is too old for your needs, cannot be found, or you want to avoid adding a PPA. The official nightly directory contains automated builds, so a newer filename does not necessarily mean a stable or bug-free release.

1. Download the correct file

Open the official Avidemux AppImage directory and download the newest appropriate x86_64 .AppImage file. Filenames change, so do not rely on a fixed filename in an old guide.

Rank #2
HP 17 Business Laptop - Linux Mint Cinnamon - Intel Quad-Core i5-10210U, 32GB RAM, 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD + 1TB Storage HDD, 17.3" Inch HD+ (1600x900) Display
  • Intel Core i5-10210U (up to 4.2GHz) - 1TB PCIe NVMe + 1TB HDD - 32GB DDR4 SDRAM
  • 17.3" HD+ (1600x900) Display, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  • Built in HD 720p Webcam with Microphone - Bluetooth Version4.2
  • I/O Ports: 2x USB 3.1 (Data Only), 1x USB 2.0, 1x HDMI, 1x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack
  • Linux Mint Cinnamon 64-Bit - 6-Row Keyboard w/ Full Numberpad

2. Make the AppImage executable

If the file is in ~/Downloads, replace the example filename with the exact name you downloaded:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
cd ~/Downloads
chmod +x ./Avidemux-x86_64_YYYYMMDD.AppImage

You can do the same graphically: right-click the file, choose Properties, open Permissions, enable Allow executing file as program, and close the dialog.

3. Run Avidemux

cd ~/Downloads
./Avidemux-x86_64_YYYYMMDD.AppImage

An AppImage is portable rather than a conventional APT package. It may not automatically appear in the application menu, and it generally does not update automatically. Multiple AppImages can coexist; deleting the selected file removes that copy of the application, although user settings may remain in your home directory.

Keep it in a permanent location

mkdir -p "$HOME/Applications"
mv ~/Downloads/Avidemux-x86_64_YYYYMMDD.AppImage "$HOME/Applications/"
chmod +x "$HOME/Applications/Avidemux-x86_64_YYYYMMDD.AppImage"
"$HOME/Applications/Avidemux-x86_64_YYYYMMDD.AppImage"

To update it, download a newer official AppImage, make it executable, and replace the old file after confirming the filename.

Method 3: Install Avidemux with Flatpak

Flatpak is useful if you already use Flathub or want application updates independent of Ubuntu’s package version. It is not necessarily the most conservative choice for Avidemux: Flathub identifies org.avidemux.Avidemux as community-built and unverified.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

1. Install Flatpak

sudo apt update
sudo apt install flatpak

2. Add Flathub

sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://dl.flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

3. Install and launch Avidemux

flatpak install flathub org.avidemux.Avidemux
flatpak run org.avidemux.Avidemux

Check the current package details, including its runtime and permissions, with:

flatpak info org.avidemux.Avidemux

The Flathub listing identifies broad filesystem read/write access and legacy-windowing access for the application. Flatpak provides a packaging and permission framework, but individual packages can still request wide access. If Avidemux cannot open a video or save to a directory, inspect its permissions before changing them. Tools such as Flatseal can adjust permissions, but grant only the access you actually need.

Optional: Install the xtradeb PPA

The xtradeb repository is a community-maintained PPA, not part of the official Ubuntu archive. Ubuntu warns that third-party repositories are not checked by Ubuntu for security or reliability. Check the PPA’s current publication status for your release before adding it:

xtradeb/apps on Launchpad

If it currently publishes a compatible Avidemux package for your Ubuntu release and you accept the trust and maintenance risks, the commands are:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:xtradeb/apps
sudo apt update
sudo apt install avidemux

Do not assume that this PPA supports both Jammy and Noble, remains actively maintained, or always contains the newest Avidemux build. PPA contents and release support can change.

Rank #3
Lenovo Business Laptop - Linux Mint (Cinnamon) - Intel i5-1335U, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 15.6" FHD 1920x1080 Display, Full Keyboard, Fast Charging
  • Intel Core i5-1335U Processor (12M Cache, 12 Threads, up to 4.6 GHz) - 256GB Solid State Drive - 16GB DDR4 SDRAM
  • 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) Non-Touch Anti-Glare Display - Intel UHD 620 Integrated Graphics - Stereo Speakers
  • 720p HD Webcam with Privacy Shutter. Integrated Microphone - Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC (2x2) 8265, Bluetooth Version 4.2
  • I/O Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 1x USB 3.1 Type-C 3.1, Headphone/Mic Combo Port, 4-in-1 Card Reader, HDMI, Kensington Mini-Lock Slot
  • Linux Mint (Cinnamon) 64-Bit - Keyboard with Full NumberPad - Fast Charging

Remove the PPA

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:xtradeb/apps
sudo apt update

Removing the PPA does not automatically remove or downgrade Avidemux. If you want to return to Ubuntu’s package, first check the available candidates with apt-cache policy avidemux. A downgrade or source change may require explicitly selecting Ubuntu’s candidate or using a compatible tool such as ppa-purge.

Verify that Avidemux works

After installation, perform a small practical test:

  1. Open Avidemux without a missing-library or display error.
  2. Open a small video file.
  3. Choose an output directory you can write to and save or export a test file.
  4. Confirm that the expected audio and video options are available.
  5. Close and reopen the application.

For an APT installation, these commands may help:

which avidemux
avidemux --version

The --version option and its output are build-dependent. For the other methods, launch the installed copy explicitly:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
"$HOME/Applications/Avidemux-x86_64_YYYYMMDD.AppImage"
flatpak run org.avidemux.Avidemux

Installing Avidemux does not guarantee support for every container, codec, or unusual file. Whether a file can be copied without re-encoding depends on the source format and the available demuxer, codec, and output combination. Hardware acceleration and proprietary codec availability are separate concerns from installing the application.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Troubleshooting

APT says “Unable to locate package avidemux”

Capture the package state:

sudo apt update
apt-cache policy avidemux

On Ubuntu 24.04, repository definitions normally use /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ubuntu.sources. Older Ubuntu releases commonly use /etc/apt/sources.list. Inspect the Ubuntu source components without blindly replacing repository files:

grep -R "^Components:" /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ubuntu.sources

If your system uses a different source layout, inspect the relevant files instead. Fix or temporarily disable a malformed or failing third-party source, then run sudo apt update again. Do not copy a repository file from an unrelated Ubuntu release.

The AppImage will not launch

Run it from a terminal to expose the error:

cd ~/Applications
./Avidemux-x86_64_YYYYMMDD.AppImage

Check the file type and dependencies:

file ./Avidemux-x86_64_YYYYMMDD.AppImage
ldd ./Avidemux-x86_64_YYYYMMDD.AppImage

If it lacks execute permission, run chmod +x again. If the download appears incomplete or corrupted, download it again from the official directory. AppImage behavior can vary by build; newer formats have been developed to reduce dependence on obsolete FUSE packages, but this is not a guarantee for every nightly file.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Flatpak cannot open or save a file

Inspect the package:

flatpak info org.avidemux.Avidemux

Try a directory owned by your user, such as a folder under your home directory. Avoid running the graphical application as root.

Avidemux opens with display or rendering problems

As a build-specific diagnostic, try the X11 Qt backend:

QT_QPA_PLATFORM=xcb avidemux

This is a workaround, not a universal Wayland fix. If you are launching an AppImage or Flatpak, use that package’s executable command instead of assuming the APT command applies.

Rank #4
Panasonic Toughbook CF-31 MK5 Rugged Laptop, 13.1in i5, 8GB 256GB (Renewed)
  • [ULTRA-RUGGED DESIGN] MIL-STD-810G and IP65 certified. Built to survive 6-foot drops, heavy rain, and extreme vibrations. Features a magnesium alloy chassis with an integrated carry handle for maximum portability
  • [4G LTE - WORK ANYWHERE] Integrated 4G LTE Multi-Carrier Mobile Broadband. Stay connected to the internet in remote areas or on the road without relying on Wi-Fi or phone hotspots. True mobile freedom for field professionals
  • [1200-NIT SUNLIGHT READABLE] 13.1" XGA Touchscreen with CircuLumin technology. At 1200 nits, it is nearly 4x brighter than a standard laptop, ensuring perfect visibility under direct, intense sunlight
  • [LINUX UBUNTU PRE-INSTALLED] Fast, secure, and bloatware-free. Optimized for developers, network engineers, and diagnostic software that thrives in a stable, open-source environment
  • [LEGACY SERIAL PORT] Features a native RS-232 Serial Port, HDMI, and USB 3.0. Essential for connecting directly to industrial machinery, CNCs, and automotive diagnostic tools without unreliable adapter

Avidemux can open a file but cannot save it

Test whether your home directory is writable:

touch "$HOME/test-write"
rm "$HOME/test-write"

Save to a directory owned by your user, check that the destination has free space, and correct file ownership rather than launching Avidemux with sudo.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Uninstall Avidemux

APT installation

sudo apt remove avidemux

To remove system package configuration as well:

sudo apt purge avidemux
sudo apt autoremove

purge removes system-level package configuration. User-level settings in your home directory may remain.

AppImage installation

Confirm the exact location and filename, then delete the file:

rm "$HOME/Applications/Avidemux-x86_64_YYYYMMDD.AppImage"

If you created a desktop shortcut or menu entry yourself, remove that separately.

Flatpak installation

flatpak uninstall org.avidemux.Avidemux
flatpak uninstall --unused

The second command removes unused Flatpak runtimes and other dependencies; review the proposed removals before confirming.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

PPA installation

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:xtradeb/apps
sudo apt update

Removing the PPA does not remove the Avidemux package already installed from it.

Which method should you choose?

  • Choose APT for the simplest, most integrated installation and predictable Ubuntu updates.
  • Choose the official AppImage if Ubuntu’s version is too old or unavailable and you want a newer portable build without changing APT sources.
  • Choose Flatpak if you already use Flatpak and accept that the listed Avidemux package is community-built, unverified, and configured with broad permissions.
  • Choose the xtradeb PPA only if you specifically need an APT-managed third-party package and have verified current support for your release.

Keep stable Ubuntu packages, official AppImages, automated nightly builds, and community packages distinct. A current nightly filename alone does not establish that the build is a stable release.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Avidemux free on Ubuntu?

Yes. The Ubuntu package and official Avidemux Linux downloads are available without a purchase requirement. The installation method determines how the application is packaged and updated.

Is the Flathub Avidemux package official?

No. Flathub labels the listed Avidemux package as community-built and unverified. Its listing also documents broad filesystem and legacy-windowing permissions.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Can Avidemux run on an ARM-based Ubuntu computer?

Do not use the official x86_64 AppImage on ARM. Flathub lists x86_64 and aarch64 availability, but compatibility still depends on the specific Ubuntu system and package.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.