How to Install and Use AppImages on Arch Linux

AppImages are a great way to run applications on Arch Linux without installing them via the package manager. Unlike traditional packages, AppImages are self-contained, making them portable and easy to manage. However, to make them accessible via launchers likeRofi (drun mode) ordmenu, we need to set them up properly.

This guide will walk you through the manual installation of an AppImage and integrating it into your system so it appears in Rofi and dmenu.

Step 1: Create a Directory for AppImages

To keep things organized, store all AppImages in~/.local/share/AppImage.

mkdir-p ~/.local/share/AppImage

Step 2: Download the AppImage

For example, to installObsidian, download its AppImage:

wget-O ~/.local/share/AppImage/Obsidian.AppImage"https://github.com/obsidianmd/obsidian-releases/releases/latest/download/Obsidian.AppImage"

If you're installing another AppImage, replace the URL and filename accordingly.

Step 3: Make the AppImage Executable

Before running the AppImage, it needs to be marked as executable:

chmod +x ~/.local/share/AppImage/Obsidian.AppImage

If you're installing a different AppImage, replaceObsidian.AppImage with the appropriate filename.

To run the application:

~/.local/share/AppImage/Obsidian.AppImage

Step 4: Create a .desktop File

To make the application appear in launchers, we need to create a.desktop entry.

Open a new.desktop file in your local applications directory:

nano ~/.local/share/applications/Obsidian.desktop

Paste the following content:

[Desktop Entry]Name=ObsidianExec=/home/$USER/.local/share/AppImage/Obsidian.AppImage %uIcon=/home/$USER/.local/share/icons/Obsidian.pngType=ApplicationCategories=Office;Utility;StartupNotify=trueTerminal=falseKeywords=Notes;Markdown;Editor;Knowledge;

For another AppImage, change theName,Exec, andIcon fields accordingly.

If the application provides an official icon, download and save it:

wget-O ~/.local/share/icons/Obsidian.png"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6c/Obsidian-logo.png"

For another application, replace the URL and filename.

Step 5: Update the Desktop Database

To register the new application, run:

update-desktop-database ~/.local/share/applications/

Now, you should be able to find the application in Rofi or dmenu.

Step 6: Launch the AppImage from Rofi (drun mode)

Press yourRofi shortcut key (usuallyMod1 + D orAlt + D) and search for the application name. It should now appear in the list!

Alternatively, you can use dmenu:

dmenu_run

Type the application name and press enter to launch it.

Installing Other AppImages

If you want to install a different AppImage, follow the same steps:

1. Download the AppImage and place it in~/.local/share/AppImage.
2. Make it executable usingchmod +x.
3. Create a .desktop file in~/.local/share/applications/.
4. Download an icon if available and set the correct path.
5. Update the desktop database.
6. Launch it using Rofi or dmenu.

Just replace filenames and URLs accordingly.

Conclusion

Manually installing and setting up AppImages on Arch Linux ensures they integrate seamlessly into your application launchers like Rofi and dmenu. With these steps, you can keep your system clean and portable while still accessing the latest software. 🚀