Installing GitKraken on Linux is one of those tasks that looks intimidating for about twelve seconds, then turns into a pleasant little “oh, that was it?” moment. GitKraken Desktop is a visual Git client built for developers who want a cleaner way to manage branches, commits, remotes, pull requests, merge conflicts, and the occasional Git disaster that appears five minutes before lunch.
The good news: GitKraken supports Linux with native packages for major distributions. The even better news: you have several installation paths, including .deb, .rpm, .tar.gz, Snap, Flatpak, and community options for Arch-based systems. This guide walks through the best method for each Linux family, explains what to do after installation, and includes practical troubleshooting tips so your GitKraken setup does not become a mini-boss fight.
What Is GitKraken?
GitKraken Desktop is a cross-platform Git GUI for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Instead of forcing you to remember every Git command like a wizard reciting ancient spells, GitKraken gives you a visual commit graph, drag-and-drop branch actions, repository management, merge conflict tools, pull request support, and integrations with services such as GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, and Azure DevOps.
That does not mean GitKraken replaces Git knowledge. It simply makes Git easier to understand. You can still use the terminal when needed, but GitKraken helps you see what is happening before you push, pull, merge, rebase, or accidentally create a branch named final-final-real-version-2.
Before You Install GitKraken on Linux
Check Your Linux Distribution
GitKraken’s official Linux packages are best matched to these systems:
- .deb package: Ubuntu 18.04 LTS or newer, and Debian 10 or newer
- .rpm package: RHEL 8 or newer, and Fedora 39 or newer
- .tar.gz archive: useful for manual installs or unsupported distributions
- Snap: convenient on Ubuntu and other distributions with Snap support
- Flatpak: available through Flathub, but not officially verified or supported by GitKraken’s publisher
If you are on Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, or RHEL, use the official package first. If you are on Linux Mint, Pop!_OS, Zorin OS, Manjaro, EndeavourOS, openSUSE, or another desktop distribution, Snap, Flatpak, or the tarball may be easier depending on your setup.
Install Git First
GitKraken can open repositories visually, but having Git installed on your system is still recommended, especially if you use the terminal, Git LFS, hooks, or development tools alongside GitKraken.
On Ubuntu or Debian, run:
On Fedora, run:
On Arch or Manjaro, run:
Verify the installation:
If Git answers with a version number, congratulations. Your machine now speaks fluent Git, or at least enough to order coffee.
Method 1: Install GitKraken on Ubuntu or Debian Using the .deb Package
For Ubuntu and Debian users, the .deb installer is usually the cleanest option. It integrates well with the system package manager and is the method most users should choose on Debian-based systems.
Step 1: Download the GitKraken .deb Package
Step 2: Install the Package
Using apt install instead of only dpkg -i is helpful because apt can resolve dependencies. In plain English: it is less likely to install half a sandwich and then complain that the bread is missing.
Step 3: Launch GitKraken
You can also open GitKraken from your desktop application menu. Search for “GitKraken,” click the icon, and enjoy the feeling of launching software without typing anything for once.
Method 2: Install GitKraken on Fedora, RHEL, Rocky Linux, or AlmaLinux Using the .rpm Package
If you use Fedora, RHEL, Rocky Linux, or AlmaLinux, the .rpm package is the natural choice. Fedora users should typically use dnf, while older RHEL-style systems may still use yum.
Step 1: Download the GitKraken .rpm Package
Step 2: Install GitKraken with DNF
On older systems without dnf, use:
Step 3: Start GitKraken
If the command works, you are ready to connect your GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, or Azure DevOps account and start opening repositories.
Method 3: Install GitKraken with the .tar.gz Archive
The .tar.gz method is useful when you want a manual installation, are using a less common distribution, or prefer keeping the app in a custom folder such as /opt. This option is more hands-on, but it gives you control.
Step 1: Download the Archive
Step 2: Extract It
Step 3: Run GitKraken
Optional: Create a Shortcut Command
If you do not want to type the full path every time, create a symbolic link:
Now you can launch it with:
The tarball method is excellent for users who like tidy manual installs. Just remember that updates may require downloading a newer archive and replacing the old folder.
Method 4: Install GitKraken Using Snap
Snap is a convenient package format that works across many Linux distributions. It is especially common on Ubuntu, where Snap support is often already included.
Install GitKraken from Snap
The --classic flag gives the app broader system access than a strictly confined Snap. For a Git client that needs to work with local repositories, SSH keys, editors, and developer folders, that broader access makes practical sense.
Launch the Snap Version
Snap is a great choice if you want easy updates and a simple command. However, some Linux users prefer native packages because they integrate more predictably with file paths, themes, and system tools.
Method 5: Install GitKraken with Flatpak
Flatpak is another popular universal app format for Linux desktops. GitKraken is available on Flathub, but there is an important note: the Flathub wrapper is not verified by, affiliated with, or officially supported by GitKraken’s publisher. That does not automatically make it bad, but it does mean the official .deb, .rpm, tarball, or Snap should be your first choice if you want the most direct source.
Step 1: Install Flatpak
On Ubuntu or Debian:
On Fedora:
Step 2: Add Flathub
Step 3: Install GitKraken
Step 4: Launch GitKraken
Flatpak can be very useful on immutable or container-focused distributions, but if Git hooks, SSH agents, or file permissions behave strangely, remember that containerized app permissions may be involved.
Method 6: Install GitKraken on Arch Linux or Manjaro
Arch-based users usually have two practical paths: Snap or the Arch User Repository. The AUR package is community-maintained, so read the package details before installing. Arch users are usually comfortable with that because reading package build files is basically part of the Arch personality test.
Install from the AUR with an AUR Helper
If you do not use yay, use your preferred AUR helper or manually inspect and build the package. For maximum trust, review the PKGBUILD before installation.
What to Do After Installing GitKraken
Sign In or Create an Account
When GitKraken opens for the first time, you can sign in with an account or connect through supported providers. The login step helps enable integrations with remote hosting services such as GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, and Azure DevOps.
Open an Existing Repository
To open a local repository, choose the open repository option and browse to your project folder. GitKraken will read the Git history and display your branches, commits, remotes, and changes in a visual graph.
Clone a Remote Repository
You can also clone a repository directly from GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, or Azure DevOps after connecting your account. This is ideal if you are setting up a new Linux machine and want to pull down your projects without copying URLs like a raccoon collecting shiny objects.
Configure Git Identity
Set your Git username and email if you have not already done so:
This ensures your commits are properly attributed. Otherwise, your future self may look at a commit and wonder who “ubuntu” is and why they broke the build.
Where GitKraken Stores Data on Linux
GitKraken stores user data in your home directory:
This folder may contain settings, profiles, cached data, and account-related local configuration. If you ever need a clean reset, closing GitKraken and renaming this folder can help:
Restart GitKraken after that, and it should create a fresh configuration folder. Do this carefully, because it resets local app settings.
How to Update GitKraken on Linux
Update the .deb Version
Download the latest .deb package and install it again:
Update the .rpm Version
Update the Snap Version
Update the Flatpak Version
How to Uninstall GitKraken from Linux
Uninstall on Ubuntu or Debian
To remove configuration files as well, you can delete the local data folder:
Uninstall on Fedora or RHEL
Uninstall the Snap Version
Uninstall the Flatpak Version
Common GitKraken Linux Troubleshooting Tips
GitKraken Does Not Launch
Try launching it from the terminal:
Terminal output often reveals missing libraries, permission issues, or graphics-related errors. If you installed from a tarball, confirm the executable path is correct.
GitKraken Cannot Find My Repository
Make sure the folder actually contains a .git directory. If it does not, initialize it:
Then reopen the folder in GitKraken.
SSH Authentication Fails
Check whether your SSH agent is running and whether your key is loaded:
If no identity appears, add your key:
Also confirm that your public key is added to your Git hosting provider.
Flatpak Cannot Access a Folder
Because Flatpak apps run in a sandbox, file access can sometimes be limited. You may need to adjust permissions using Flatseal or Flatpak override commands. If you work with many local development folders, the official package may be simpler.
Which GitKraken Installation Method Is Best?
For most Linux users, the best install method depends on the distribution:
- Ubuntu or Debian: use the official
.debpackage. - Fedora, RHEL, Rocky Linux, or AlmaLinux: use the official
.rpmpackage. - Ubuntu users who like automatic app updates: use Snap.
- Immutable or Flatpak-first desktops: use Flathub, with the support caveat.
- Arch or Manjaro: use the AUR or Snap, depending on your preference.
- Unsupported distributions: try the tarball.
If stability and official support matter, choose the native package from GitKraken. If convenience matters more, Snap is hard to beat. If you live in Flatpak land, Flathub is available, but remember that it is not the official publisher-supported package.
Practical Experience: What It Feels Like to Install and Use GitKraken on Linux
Installing GitKraken on Linux feels different depending on which distribution you use. On Ubuntu, the .deb installation is usually smooth. You download the package, run sudo apt install ./gitkraken-amd64.deb, and the system handles the boring dependency work in the background. It is the kind of install that makes you suspicious because nothing exploded. Fedora is similarly pleasant with the .rpm package and dnf. The commands are short, the install is predictable, and GitKraken usually appears in the app menu right away.
The tarball method feels more old-school Linux. It is not difficult, but it asks you to make a few decisions: where should the folder live, should you create a symbolic link, and do you want a desktop launcher? For users who enjoy controlling every file location, that is a benefit. For users who just want the app installed before their coffee cools, the package installer is better.
Snap is the easiest “one command and done” method. It is especially convenient on Ubuntu because Snap support is commonly available out of the box. The command sudo snap install gitkraken --classic is simple, and updates are handled by Snap. The tradeoff is that some developers dislike Snap startup behavior, confinement differences, or how Snap apps integrate with desktop themes. Whether that matters depends on your workflow. If your goal is to install GitKraken quickly and start working, Snap does the job.
Flatpak is excellent on systems where Flathub is already part of the desktop experience. Fedora Silverblue, Kinoite, and other modern Linux desktops often make Flatpak feel natural. The main thing to remember is that the GitKraken Flatpak wrapper is not officially verified by GitKraken’s publisher. It may work well, but if you are setting up a professional workstation or team environment, the official package is the safer recommendation.
Once installed, GitKraken’s biggest advantage is visual confidence. Instead of staring at terminal output and hoping you are on the right branch, you can see the commit graph, branch relationships, staged changes, and remotes. This is especially helpful when onboarding new developers, reviewing old repositories, or untangling a branch history that looks like spaghetti learned parkour.
The first real “aha” moment usually happens during a merge conflict. In the terminal, conflicts can feel like being handed a puzzle box while someone whispers, “Good luck.” GitKraken’s merge tools make the conflict easier to inspect and resolve. You still need to understand the code, but the interface reduces panic, and reduced panic is an underrated developer productivity feature.
My practical recommendation is simple: install GitKraken using the official package for your distribution, connect your Git hosting provider, open one test repository, and make a small harmless branch. Try staging a file, making a commit, switching branches, and viewing the graph. Do not wait until a production emergency to learn the interface. Git tools are like fire extinguishers: the best time to learn them is before the smoke alarm starts performing jazz.
Conclusion
Learning how to install GitKraken on Linux is straightforward once you choose the right package for your distribution. Ubuntu and Debian users should start with the .deb installer, Fedora and RHEL users should choose .rpm, and users on other distributions can consider Snap, Flatpak, the tarball, or the AUR. After installation, configure Git, connect your remote hosting account, open a repository, and let GitKraken’s visual interface make your Git workflow easier to understand.
GitKraken will not magically prevent every Git mistake, but it gives you a much better map. And in Git, having a good map is the difference between “I know exactly what happened” and “I appear to have merged Tuesday into a toaster.”
Note: Installation commands and package availability can change over time. Before publishing or using this guide in a production environment, confirm the latest GitKraken Linux package details from the official download source for your distribution.
