---
type: concept
title: AppImage
created: 2026-07-01
updated: 2026-07-01
tags: [linux, software-distribution, virtualization]
related: [jitsi-meet]
sources: ["output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_webdienste_webkonferenz_jitsi_linux.md"]
---

# AppImage

**AppImage** is a distribution format for Linux applications designed to be a universal, cross-distribution solution based on the principle of "one app = one file." It allows software to run on most Linux distributions without requiring a traditional installation process or administrative privileges for system-wide installation.

Unlike traditional package managers (such as APT or RPM) or standard packages (.deb or .rpm), an AppImage is a single-file standalone executable that contains the application and all the dependencies required to run it.

## Characteristics
- **No Installation Required**: Applications can be run directly from the downloaded file without needing root privileges or a system-wide installation.
- **Portability**: Because the application and its dependencies are bundled together, the same AppImage typically works across various Linux distributions.
- **Distribution-Agnostic**: It aims to work across different Linux distributions (e.g., Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian).

## Usage Workflow
To use an AppImage, such as the one provided for [[jitsi-meet]], the following steps are typically required:

1. **Download**: Obtain the `.AppImage` file.
2. **Grant Execution Permissions**: Make the file runnable (e.g., using `chmod +x` or the specific command `chmod a+x <filename>.AppImage`).
3. **Execute**: Run the file directly from the terminal or file manager.

## Context and Recommendations
Within the Universität Greifswald infrastructure, AppImages are recommended for tools like [[jitsi-meet]] to simplify deployment across diverse Linux environments.