Using Krita on Ubuntu 19.10

It is not a surprise that I use free/open source software do to my daily work and even my hobbies.

I use linux since around 2002-2003, and during the years I built my own workflows and system.

Since that I write programs, manage systems, edit videos and paint digitally on fully open source software.

Why do I use Ubuntu?

Ubuntu has a stable release cycle.
It ships fresh releases every 6 months.
The most common hardware drivers are already available on it.
It is flexible and customizable operating system.
It is free and open source.

The Ubuntu releases are available on the releases.ubuntu.com site.

Why do I use Krita?

Krita is one of the best open source art applications in my opinion. It has all the bells and whistles that is necessary for creating elegant, beautiful and professional digital paintings. It supports all stlye of art I like to do, and I do not run into limitations and problems with it. The community is also responsive, kind and professional.

It is very easy to get started with it, a precompiled linux appimage can be downloaded from krita.org. At the Get Krita now link there is the latest Linux appimage (currently it is 4.2.8).

It is enough to give run permission for the user to the file and that's it. Or not?

Krita desktop file

I wanted to add Krita as a default application for the .kra files, so I needed some additional configuration.

In the $HOME/.local/share/applications directory I created a file called krita.desktop.

The contents of the file is the following:

[Desktop Entry]
Encoding=UTF-8
Name=Krita
Comment=Krita, An open source painting and drawing application.
Exec=/home/tmolnar/stuff/appimages/krita-4.2.9-beta-x86_64.appimage %F
Type=Application
Icon=/home/tmolnar/stuff/appimages/krita-icon.png
Categories=Graphics; 
MimeType=image/krita;

After saving the file Ubuntu is going to recognise the Krita appimage in the given path.

The Exec and the Icon variables must be configured.

With this combination Krita can be added to the .kra files as default application for Ubuntu.

Moreover Krita is going to pop up in search at the Activities page.

I am not locked to any vendor, workflow is flawless and fully open source.

If you do not believe me, try Krita yourself at krita.org!