---
title: Download and install KanQual on Linux
description: "KanQual provides **x64 / AMD64** Linux packages: a DEB for compatible Debian-based systems and an AppImage for other compatible distributions. There is no RPM or Linux ARM package in release v0.9.9. These instructions use filenames from [release v0.9.9](https://github.com/KanQual/kanqual/releases/tag/v0.9.9), checked on…"
url: "https://kanqual.com/documentation/install-kanqual-linux/"
updated: "2026-10-15"
category: Getting started
---

# Download and install KanQual on Linux

KanQual provides **x64 / AMD64** Linux packages: a DEB for compatible Debian-based systems and an AppImage for other compatible distributions. There is no RPM or Linux ARM package in release v0.9.9.

These instructions use filenames from [release v0.9.9](https://github.com/KanQual/kanqual/releases/tag/v0.9.9), checked on October 15, 2026. When installing a newer release, substitute its version number and read its release notes.

## 1. Choose a package

Download from the official **github.com/KanQual/kanqual** repository. These builds are unsigned, so your operating system may ask you to approve the app. Approve only the KanQual file you intentionally downloaded; an unknown-publisher notice is different from a malware detection.

From [KanQual’s latest GitHub release](https://github.com/KanQual/kanqual/releases/latest), download `KanQual_0.9.9_amd64.deb` for Ubuntu, Debian, or a compatible derivative, or `KanQual_0.9.9_amd64.AppImage` for an AppImage-compatible distribution such as Fedora, openSUSE, or Arch. AppImage availability does not guarantee compatibility with every distribution or older system library.

## 2A. Ubuntu, Debian, and compatible derivatives: install the DEB

Open a terminal in the folder containing the downloaded file. For an English-language Downloads folder:

```
cd ~/Downloads
sudo apt install ./KanQual_0.9.9_amd64.deb
```

Keep the `./` prefix so APT installs the local file. Review the proposed changes and confirm installation; APT can fetch dependencies from your configured repositories. If it reports unavailable dependencies, do not force the installation—use a compatible distribution/version or try the AppImage.

## 2B. Fedora, openSUSE, Arch, and other compatible distros: run the AppImage

Save the AppImage in a permanent folder you own. Give this file permission to execute, then launch it as your normal user:

```
cd ~/Downloads
chmod u+x ./KanQual_0.9.9_amd64.AppImage
./KanQual_0.9.9_amd64.AppImage
```

Alternatively, use your file manager’s Properties → Permissions option to allow this file to run as a program, if available. An AppImage runs without a system-wide installation and may not create an application-menu shortcut.

## 3. If the AppImage reports a FUSE error

FUSE errors concern the AppImage runtime, not code signing. A FUSE 2 compatibility library may be needed; the package name varies by distribution. For example, Ubuntu 24.04 uses `libfuse2t64`, while older Ubuntu releases commonly use `libfuse2`. Follow the [AppImage distribution-specific FUSE instructions](https://docs.appimage.org/user-guide/troubleshooting/fuse.html) rather than removing FUSE 3.

If FUSE is unavailable, try the runtime’s extraction mode as your normal user. It uses temporary disk space and can be slower:

```
APPIMAGE_EXTRACT_AND_RUN=1 ./KanQual_0.9.9_amd64.AppImage
```

## 4. First launch

For a DEB installation, open KanQual from your application menu. For AppImage, run the file as above. Allow database initialization to finish and follow the setup prompts. If a library or graphics error occurs, keep the terminal output and include your distribution and version when asking for help.

## Get help

If you get stuck, email [mcansoy@fairfield.edu](mailto:mcansoy@fairfield.edu) with your operating system, KanQual version, filename, and exact error message. Remove research data and personal information from any screenshots.

## Other installation guides

[Download and install KanQual on Windows](https://kanqual.com/documentation/install-kanqual-windows/)

[Download and install KanQual on macOS](https://kanqual.com/documentation/install-kanqual-macos/)

[Use the Windows portable edition of KanQual](https://kanqual.com/documentation/use-kanqual-windows-portable/)