What is Ubuntu Studio? Who it is for
Ubuntu Studio is built on Ubuntu. It uses KDE Plasma as its desktop and apt for software, and it follows long-term releases that stay supported for years.
Ubuntu Studio at a glance
- Foundation: built on Ubuntu
- Desktop: KDE Plasma
- Software tools: apt
- Release style: long-term releases that stay supported for years
- Installer: the Calamares installer
Who Ubuntu Studio suits
Ubuntu Studio suits people making audio, video, graphics or photos who want the tools preinstalled.
Strengths
- Suited to audio, video, graphics and photography work.
- Changes arrive slowly and are tested first, so the system rarely surprises you.
- The KDE Plasma desktop, with a great deal of customisation built in.
Things to consider
- The full creative toolset takes more disk space and memory than a basic desktop.
- Stability means some software is not the very newest version.
- It is meant for a capable computer, so plan on at least 8 GB of RAM.
Try Ubuntu Studio from a USB drive
The easiest way to find out is to start it from a USB drive without changing your computer. See the Ubuntu Studio bootable USB drive, then follow our install guide when you are ready. New to this? Read how to try Linux without installing it and how to boot from a USB drive.
Compare Ubuntu Studio
- Ubuntu vs Ubuntu Studio
- Kubuntu vs Ubuntu Studio
- Xubuntu vs Ubuntu Studio
- Lubuntu vs Ubuntu Studio
- Ubuntu Budgie vs Ubuntu Studio
Installing software on Ubuntu Studio
Ubuntu Studio uses apt. These commands search for a program and install it (replace name with the program):
apt search name sudo apt install name
Most desktop systems also have a graphical software store. See how to install software on Linux.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ubuntu Studio good for beginners?
It can be used by beginners, but Ubuntu Studio is aimed more at people making audio, video, graphics or photos who want the tools preinstalled. If you are brand new, a beginner-friendly distribution such as Linux Mint or Ubuntu is usually an easier first step.
What desktop does Ubuntu Studio use?
Ubuntu Studio uses KDE Plasma. To learn how desktops differ, read what GNOME, KDE, Xfce and Cinnamon are.
How much RAM does Ubuntu Studio need?
It is meant for a capable computer, so plan on at least 8 GB of RAM.
Is Ubuntu Studio based on another distribution?
Ubuntu Studio is built on Ubuntu.
How often is Ubuntu Studio updated?
Ubuntu Studio follows long-term releases that stay supported for years.
How can I try Ubuntu Studio without installing it?
Write it to a USB drive, restart, choose the drive from the boot menu and pick the live or try option. Nothing on your internal disk changes unless you choose to install.