What are X-Apps and Why You Should Use Them on Your Linux Desktop
What are X-Apps and why you should use them
If you are looking for some simple and useful applications that can work well on any GTK-based desktop environment, you might want to try X-Apps. In this article, we will explain what X-Apps are, what are their benefits, how to install them on Ubuntu 20.04, and how to use them.
x apps
Introduction
X-Apps are a bunch of GTK3 DE-agnostic applications that are not so tightly tied to a particular distribution or DE as their ancestors might be. The project was started in 2016 by Linux Mint, with the idea of replacing applications that no longer integrate properly outside of a particular environment (such as some GNOME applications) and providing a consistent set of core applications for different desktop environments, so that each change, each new feature, and each improvement made in one of them will benefit all of them.
What are X-Apps?
X-Apps are based on existing applications that have been forked and modified to suit the needs of various desktop environments. They include:
Pix - image management application based on gThumb
Xed - text editor based on Pluma
Xplayer - media player based on Totem
Xviewer - image viewer based on Eye of GNOME
Xreader - document reader based on Atril
What are the benefits of X-Apps?
Some of the advantages of using X-Apps are:
They are simple and easy to use, without unnecessary features or complexity
They are compatible with any GTK-based desktop environment, such as Cinnamon, MATE, XFCE, GNOME, etc.
They have a consistent look and feel across different environments, thanks to the use of GTK3 and common themes and icons
They are actively maintained and updated by the Linux Mint team and the community
They have some unique features that make them stand out from their original counterparts, such as custom plugins, settings, and preferences
How to install X-Apps on Ubuntu 20.04
If you want to try X-Apps on your Ubuntu 20.04 system, you can follow these steps:
How to install x apps in Ubuntu 20.04 via PPA
X apps development software for agile projects
Cinnamon desktop environment with x apps based on GNOME core applications
X apps for Linux Mint: Pix, Xed, Xplayer, Xreader, Xviewer
X apps vs GNOME apps: which ones are better for your desktop?
How to customize x apps with themes and plugins
X apps alternatives for Windows and Mac users
Best x apps for photo editing, document viewing, and media playing
How to uninstall x apps from your system
X apps reviews and ratings from users and experts
How to update x apps to the latest version
X apps features and benefits for different use cases
How to troubleshoot x apps issues and errors
X apps tutorials and guides for beginners and advanced users
How to contribute to x apps development and community
X apps security and privacy: how to protect your data and identity
How to integrate x apps with other software and services
X apps keyboard shortcuts and tips for productivity
How to migrate from GNOME apps to x apps or vice versa
X apps FAQs: frequently asked questions and answers
How to use x apps on mobile devices and tablets
X apps comparison: how do they stack up against other desktop applications
How to optimize x apps performance and speed
X apps roadmap: what's new and what's coming next
How to get support for x apps from developers and users
How to install x apps on other Linux distributions and platforms
X apps case studies: how x apps helped solve real-world problems
How to translate x apps into different languages
X apps pros and cons: the good, the bad, and the ugly
How to backup and restore x apps settings and data
How to run x apps on a virtual machine or a live USB
X apps best practices: how to use x apps effectively and efficiently
How to make money with x apps: monetization strategies and opportunities
How to test x apps for bugs and glitches
X apps history and evolution: how x apps came to be and how they changed over time
How to collaborate with others using x apps
X apps extensions and add-ons: how to enhance x apps functionality and usability
How to create your own x app using the x app framework
X apps challenges and limitations: what x apps can and cannot do
How to report feedback and suggestions for x apps improvement
How to join the x app beta program and get early access to new features
X app awards and recognition: how x app won accolades and praise from the industry and the media
How to learn more about x app development and technology
X app hacks and tricks: how to do more with less using x app
How to switch between different x app versions and modes
X app statistics and facts: how popular and successful is x app
How to donate to x app development and support
X app controversies and scandals: how x app faced criticism and backlash
How to share your experience and opinion about x app with others
Add the PPA repository
Open a terminal window and run the following command to add the PPA repository that contains the X-Apps packages:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:savoury1/xapps
Type your user password when prompted and press Enter to continue.
Update the package cache
Next, run the following command to update the package cache and make sure you have the latest versions of the packages available:
sudo apt update
Install the X-Apps packages
Now, you can install either or all of the X-Apps packages by running this command:
sudo apt install pix xed xplayer xviewer xreader
You can remove any package from the command if you don't want to install it. For example, if you only want to install Pix and Xed, you can run:
sudo apt install pix xed
Uninstall X-Apps if needed
If you want to remove X-Apps from your system, you can do so by running this command:
sudo apt remove --autoremove pix xed xplayer xviewer xreader
This will also remove any dependencies that are no longer needed.
How to use X-Apps on Ubuntu 20.04
Once you have installed the X-Apps packages, you can find them in your application menu and launch them as any other application. Here are some brief introductions to each of the X-Apps and their features:
Pix - image management application
Pix is a powerful and versatile image management application that can help you organize, edit, and share your photos. You can use Pix to:
Browse your photos by folders, tags, or dates
View your photos in full-screen or slideshow mode
Edit your photos with basic or advanced tools, such as crop, rotate, resize, color adjustment, filters, red-eye removal, etc.
Create and manage albums and collections
Import photos from cameras or scanners
Export photos to various formats or online services, such as Flickr, Picasa, Facebook, etc.
Batch rename, convert, or resize multiple photos at once
Add comments, ratings, or metadata to your photos
Search for photos by name, tag, date, or other criteria
Install plugins to extend the functionality of Pix
Xed - text editor
Xed is a simple and lightweight text editor that can handle plain text or code files. You can use Xed to:
Create and edit text or code files in various languages
Use syntax highlighting, auto-indentation, code folding, bracket matching, etc.
Search and replace text with regular expressions support
Use multiple tabs to work on different files
Use the sidebar to browse files or bookmarks
Use the bottom panel to access the terminal, the file browser, or the plugin manager
Customize the appearance and behavior of Xed with preferences and plugins
Xplayer - media player
Xplayer is a simple and user-friendly media player that can play audio and video files of various formats. You can use Xplayer to:
Play local or remote files or streams
Use playlists to manage your media files
Adjust the volume, brightness, contrast, saturation, etc.
Use subtitles and audio tracks for your media files
Use keyboard shortcuts or mouse gestures to control the playback
Use plugins to enhance the functionality of Xplayer
Xviewer - image viewer
Xviewer is a fast and simple image viewer that can display images of various formats. You can use Xviewer to:
Open and view images in a window or full-screen mode
Zoom in or out, rotate, flip, or crop images
Use the toolbar, the menu, or the status bar to access different options
Use the sidebar to browse images in the same folder or in a collection
Use the thumbnail bar to navigate between images
Set an image as your desktop background or print it
Slideshow your images with different effects and transitions
Install plugins to extend the functionality of Xviewer
Xreader - document reader
Xreader is a versatile and feature-rich document reader that can handle PDF, DjVu, TIFF, DVI, XPS, ODF, CBZ, and EPUB files. You can use Xreader to:
Open and view documents in a window or full-screen mode
Zoom in or out, rotate, or fit documents to the window or the width
Use the toolbar, the menu, or the status bar to access different options
Use the sidebar to