.appimage files
.appimage file
AppImage Portable Application
A whole Linux application in one file that runs without being installed.
What opens a .appimage file
- Windows
- Not supported — Linux only
- macOS
- Not supported — Linux only
- Linux
- chmod +x then run directly, Gear Lever, AppImageLauncher
What a .appimage file is
An AppImage bundles the program and its libraries into a single file that runs from anywhere, including a USB stick, without touching the system. The step people miss is making it executable — chmod +x the file, or tick "Allow executing file as program" in the file manager's properties — after which double-clicking works. Some distributions also need the FUSE library installed. It is Linux-only; nothing runs one on Windows or macOS.
Converting it
A .appimage file is commonly converted to .deb, .rpm or .flatpak. It is a binary format, so a text editor will show unreadable characters rather than its contents.
Details
- Extension
- .appimage
- Full name
- AppImage Portable Application
- Category
- Programs and installers
- MIME type
- application/vnd.appimage
- Created by
- AppImage project
- Format
- Binary
Common questions
- How do I open a .appimage file?
- On Windows use Not supported — Linux only; on macOS use Not supported — Linux only; on Linux use chmod +x then run directly. A whole Linux application in one file that runs without being installed.
- What is a .appimage file?
- AppImage Portable Application. An AppImage bundles the program and its libraries into a single file that runs from anywhere, including a USB stick, without touching the system. The step people miss is making it executable — chmod +x the file, or tick "Allow executing file as program" in the file manager's properties — after which double-clicking works.
- Can I convert a .appimage file?
- Yes. It is usually converted to .deb, .rpm or .flatpak, either by exporting from one of the programs listed above or with a format converter.
Related pages
- .exe — Windows Executable A Windows program. It runs code, which is why it is also the classic way to get
- .apk — Android Application Package An Android app installer — a zip of code and resources.
- .msi — Windows Installer Package A structured Windows installer that the OS installs and can cleanly uninstall.
- .dll — Dynamic Link Library Shared Windows code that programs load — not something you open or run.
- .sh — Shell Script A text file of Unix shell commands, run by bash, zsh or sh.
- .deb — Debian Software Package The installer format for Debian, Ubuntu and their derivatives.
- .jar — Java Archive A zip of compiled Java classes — a library, or a runnable program.
- .bat — Windows Batch File A plain-text list of Command Prompt commands that runs when you double-click it.
- .pkg — macOS Installer Package A macOS installer that runs a guided setup, rather than a drag-and-drop app.
- .ps1 — PowerShell Script A script for Windows PowerShell — Microsoft's modern automation shell.
- .ipa — iOS Application Archive An iPhone or iPad app package — installable only through Apple-sanctioned channe
- .rpm — RPM Package The installer format for Fedora, Red Hat, openSUSE and their relatives.
Sources
- Media Types Registry — IANA
- Official vendor product documentation — At One Place