How To Install PeaZip on Fedora 42
Managing compressed files efficiently is crucial for system administrators, developers, and everyday Linux users. PeaZip stands out as one of the most versatile archive managers available for Fedora 42, offering extensive format support, robust security features, and multiple installation methods. This comprehensive guide walks you through every installation option, configuration step, and troubleshooting solution to get PeaZip running smoothly on your Fedora 42 system. Whether you prefer traditional RPM packages, modern Flatpak containers, or portable versions, you’ll find detailed instructions tailored to your needs.
What is PeaZip?
PeaZip is a free, open-source file archiver and compression utility that brings professional-grade archive management to Linux systems. The application supports over 200 archive formats including popular options like 7Z, RAR, TAR, ZIP, GZ, BZ2, XZ, and numerous specialized formats. Unlike basic compression tools, PeaZip provides AES-256 encryption capabilities, two-factor authentication through password and keyfile combinations, and secure file deletion features.
The software offers both graphical and command-line interfaces, making it accessible for desktop users while providing automation capabilities for system administrators. Built with cross-platform compatibility in mind, PeaZip runs natively on Linux systems with GTK2 and Qt versions optimized for different desktop environments. The application maintains a relatively small footprint of approximately 100-150 MB while delivering enterprise-level functionality.
PeaZip excels in batch operations, allowing users to compress or extract multiple archives simultaneously. The built-in file manager provides archive browsing without extraction, checksum verification tools, and the ability to export command-line scripts for automation purposes. For Fedora users, PeaZip integrates seamlessly with popular file managers like Nautilus, Dolphin, and Nemo, adding context menu options for quick archive operations.
Why Choose PeaZip for Fedora 42?
Fedora 42 users benefit from PeaZip’s native Linux optimization and superior format support compared to default archive utilities. While File Roller serves basic compression needs, PeaZip handles specialized formats like PEA, ARC, ACE, and legacy compression standards that many professionals encounter. The application integrates smoothly with GNOME, KDE Plasma, Cinnamon, and other desktop environments available on Fedora.
Security-conscious users appreciate PeaZip’s advanced encryption features and two-factor authentication system. The software allows secure file deletion using military-grade methods, ensuring sensitive data cannot be recovered after compression or deletion. These capabilities make PeaZip ideal for handling confidential documents, backups, and encrypted archives.
The active development community ensures regular updates and compatibility with the latest Fedora releases. Version 10.6 and newer bring enhanced performance for large archive browsing, improved Nemo actions support, and better integration with modern desktop environments. Fedora’s package management ecosystem supports multiple installation methods, giving users flexibility in how they deploy PeaZip.
System Requirements and Prerequisites
Minimum System Requirements
Fedora 42 requires specific hardware to run PeaZip effectively. A 64-bit system with x86_64 architecture delivers optimal performance, though 32-bit i386 systems remain supported. Allocate at least 1 GB of RAM for basic operations, though 2 GB or more ensures smooth handling of large archives. Reserve 100-150 MB of disk space for the application and its dependencies.
Any display resolution supporting GUI applications works with PeaZip. The software adapts to different screen sizes and DPI settings automatically. Modern processors from the last decade handle PeaZip’s compression algorithms efficiently, with multi-core CPUs providing faster compression through parallel processing.
Required Dependencies
PeaZip relies on several system libraries for full functionality. The p7zip package provides 7-Zip backend support for 7Z format compression. The gmp library handles mathematical operations in encryption algorithms. Desktop environment libraries vary based on your chosen version: GTK2 for GNOME-based desktops or Qt5/Qt6 for KDE Plasma.
Before installation, update your Fedora system to ensure all base packages are current. Open a terminal and run:
sudo dnf update -yThis command refreshes repository metadata and upgrades installed packages. Verify your system architecture with:
uname -mThe output should show x86_64 for 64-bit systems. Creating a system backup before installing new software represents a best practice that prevents data loss if issues arise.
Method 1: Installing PeaZip Using Official RPM Package
Downloading the RPM Package
The official PeaZip GitHub releases page hosts pre-built RPM packages for Fedora systems. Navigate to the releases section and identify the appropriate package version for your desktop environment. Choose the Qt5-based package for KDE Plasma or LXQt desktops, as Qt integration provides native look and feel. Select the GTK2 version for GNOME, MATE, XFCE, or Cinnamon environments.
Download the package using wget directly from the terminal:
wget https://github.com/peazip/PeaZip/releases/download/10.7.0/peazip-10.7.0.LINUX.Qt6-1.x86_64.rpmReplace the version number with the latest release available. Alternatively, use your web browser to download the RPM file to your Downloads directory. The package size typically ranges from 15-25 MB depending on the version.
Installing via DNF Package Manager
DNF (Dandified YUM) serves as Fedora’s primary package manager, handling dependencies automatically. Navigate to your download directory:
cd ~/DownloadsInstall the RPM package using DNF:
sudo dnf install ./peazip*.rpmThe system prompts for your password. DNF analyzes the package dependencies and displays a list of additional packages requiring installation. Review the list and type ‘y’ to confirm. The installation process downloads necessary dependencies and configures PeaZip on your system.
Expected output includes dependency resolution messages, download progress bars, and installation confirmation. Successful installation displays a “Complete!” message at the end.
Alternative Installation with RPM Command
The direct RPM command provides an alternative when DNF encounters issues. This method installs packages without automatic dependency resolution:
sudo rpm -i peazip*.rpmIf missing dependencies prevent installation, RPM reports specific library requirements. Install dependencies manually using:
sudo dnf install gmp p7zipThen retry the RPM installation. This method suits advanced users who prefer granular control over package installation.
Verification Steps
Confirm successful installation by checking the installed version:
peazip --versionThe command displays PeaZip version information and build details. Locate PeaZip in your application menu under the Utilities or Accessories category. Verify the binary location:
which peazipThe output should show /usr/bin/peazip. Launch the application from terminal to test basic functionality:
peazip &The ampersand runs PeaZip in the background, keeping your terminal available.
Method 2: Installing PeaZip via Copr Repository
Understanding Copr Repositories
Copr (Cool Other Package Repo) provides community-maintained packages for Fedora systems. These repositories offer software not available in official Fedora repositories, with automatic updates through the standard package management system. The sergiomb/peazip repository maintains PeaZip packages for Fedora 42 with active development and testing.
Copr repositories undergo less rigorous testing than official Fedora packages. Review repository details before enabling to understand the maintainer and package quality. The sergiomb/peazip repository has served the Fedora community reliably with consistent updates.
Enabling the Copr Repository
Enable the PeaZip Copr repository with a single command:
sudo dnf copr enable sergiomb/peazipThe system displays repository information and asks for confirmation. Type ‘y’ and press Enter to proceed. DNF downloads repository metadata and configures the new package source. This process adds repository configuration files to /etc/yum.repos.d/ directory.
Security-conscious users should note that Copr repositories are community-maintained third-party sources. The Fedora Project does not officially support these packages, though many Copr maintainers are trusted community members.
Installing PeaZip from Copr
With the repository enabled, install PeaZip using standard DNF commands:
sudo dnf install peazipDNF automatically resolves dependencies from both official Fedora repositories and the enabled Copr repository. The installation process mirrors standard package installation, downloading PeaZip and required libraries. Progress indicators show download speed and remaining time.
The package manager installs the latest version available in the Copr repository. Version numbers may differ from manual RPM installations, as Copr maintainers update packages independently.
Benefits of Copr Method
Copr installation provides significant advantages over manual RPM management. System updates automatically include PeaZip upgrades when new versions release. Running the standard update command incorporates PeaZip updates:
sudo dnf updateNo manual package downloads or installations are necessary for future updates. The Copr repository integrates seamlessly with Fedora’s package management ecosystem, treating PeaZip like any other installed package. Removal follows standard procedures without leaving configuration remnants.
Verification and Testing
Verify the Copr installation by launching PeaZip from the application menu. Check the installed version through the About dialog in the Help menu. Test basic archive operations by creating a test ZIP file:
echo "test content" > testfile.txt
peazip -a testarchive.zip testfile.txtThis command compresses testfile.txt into testarchive.zip, confirming PeaZip’s command-line functionality works correctly.
Method 3: Installing PeaZip as Flatpak
Understanding Flatpak Installation
Flatpak revolutionizes application deployment through containerization and sandboxing. Applications run in isolated environments with controlled filesystem access, enhancing security and preventing conflicts with system libraries. Flatpak packages include all dependencies within the container, ensuring consistent behavior across different Linux distributions.
The sandboxed approach increases installation size compared to traditional packages. Runtime environments add 100-500 MB of additional storage requirements. Performance impacts remain minimal for most use cases, though direct filesystem access is slightly slower than native packages.
Flatpak suits users prioritizing security, preferring the latest application versions, or experiencing dependency conflicts with RPM packages. Desktop theme inheritance may differ in Flatpak applications, as the sandbox environment limits access to system theme resources.
Prerequisites for Flatpak
Fedora 42 includes Flatpak support by default. Verify installation:
flatpak --versionIf Flatpak is missing, install it:
sudo dnf install flatpakEnable the Flathub repository, which hosts thousands of Flatpak applications including PeaZip:
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoRestart your system to complete Flatpak configuration and enable desktop integration. This ensures application menu entries and MIME type associations work correctly.
Installing PeaZip Flatpak
Install PeaZip from Flathub using the flatpak command:
flatpak install flathub io.github.peazip.PeaZipThe system displays package information including size and required permissions. Confirm installation by typing ‘y’ and pressing Enter. Flatpak downloads the PeaZip application bundle and necessary runtime dependencies. The process may take several minutes depending on network speed and whether runtime components are already installed.
Progress indicators show download status for the application and each runtime component. Total download size typically ranges from 200-400 MB for first-time Flatpak users.
Running Flatpak Version
Launch PeaZip through your application menu, where it appears under Utilities or Accessories. Alternatively, start PeaZip from terminal:
flatpak run io.github.peazip.PeaZipDesktop integration creates menu entries automatically, supporting drag-and-drop operations and file associations. Right-clicking archive files shows PeaZip in the “Open With” submenu.
Command-line operations through Flatpak require the full flatpak run command prefix. Shell aliases simplify repeated usage:
echo "alias peazip='flatpak run io.github.peazip.PeaZip'" >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrcFlatpak Limitations
Sandbox restrictions limit PeaZip’s filesystem access by default. The application may request permission to access specific directories when opening files outside the home directory. Grant broader filesystem access if needed:
flatpak override io.github.peazip.PeaZip --filesystem=homeBinary verification features behave differently in Flatpak packages. Flathub builds applications dynamically on their servers, producing binaries that differ from manually distributed packages. The internal hash verification tool may report mismatches, though this doesn’t indicate problems with the Flatpak installation.
Desktop theme application varies between Flatpak and native packages. Some visual inconsistencies may appear with custom themes or icon sets.
Method 4: Using PeaZip Portable Version
When to Choose Portable Version
Portable applications run without system installation, making them ideal for testing software before committing to full installation. USB drive deployment allows carrying PeaZip between systems without installation requirements. Multiple version management becomes simpler when different projects require specific PeaZip versions.
Users lacking administrative privileges benefit from portable versions, as extraction requires no root access. Network storage deployment serves multi-user environments where centralized application hosting simplifies management.
Downloading Portable Package
Visit the official PeaZip GitHub releases page and locate the portable Linux build. Select the x86_64 architecture package in TAR.GZ format:
cd ~/Downloads
wget https://github.com/peazip/PeaZip/releases/download/10.7.0/peazip_portable-10.7.0.LINUX.GTK2.x86_64.tar.gzAdjust the URL to match the latest version number available. Portable packages are self-contained archives requiring only extraction.
Extracting and Setting Up
Choose an installation directory. Many users prefer ~/Applications or ~/.local/share for user-specific applications. Create the directory if it doesn’t exist:
mkdir -p ~/ApplicationsExtract the downloaded archive:
tar -xzvf peazip_portable-*.tar.gz -C ~/Applications/The -x flag extracts, -z decompresses gzip, -v provides verbose output, and -f specifies the filename. The extracted directory contains all necessary files including binaries, libraries, and resources.
Navigate to the extracted directory:
cd ~/Applications/peazip_portableList contents to familiarize yourself with the directory structure. The peazip binary serves as the main executable.
Running Portable PeaZip
Execute PeaZip directly from the extraction directory:
./peazipIf error messages appear, run from terminal to view diagnostic output. Missing dependencies typically involve system libraries like GTK or Qt. Install required libraries through DNF:
sudo dnf install gtk2 gmpCreate a symbolic link for easier access:
ln -s ~/Applications/peazip_portable/peazip ~/.local/bin/peazipEnsure ~/.local/bin exists in your PATH variable. Add it if necessary:
echo 'export PATH="$HOME/.local/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrcCreating Desktop Entry
Manual desktop integration requires creating a .desktop file. Open your text editor:
nano ~/.local/share/applications/peazip-portable.desktopAdd the following content, replacing USERNAME with your actual username:
[Desktop Entry]
Name=PeaZip Portable
Comment=Free file archiver utility
Exec=/home/USERNAME/Applications/peazip_portable/peazip %F
Icon=/home/USERNAME/Applications/peazip_portable/res/share/icons/peazip.png
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Utility;Archiving;Compression;
MimeType=application/x-7z-compressed;application/x-compressed-tar;application/zip;Save and close the file. Update the desktop database:
update-desktop-database ~/.local/share/applicationsPeaZip now appears in your application menu.
Post-Installation Configuration
Initial Setup Wizard
First launch presents configuration options customizing PeaZip for your workflow. Language selection appears first, offering dozens of interface languages. Choose your preferred option and click Continue.
Interface preferences control the application’s appearance and behavior. Select between compact and standard layouts based on screen size and personal preference. Enable or disable the tree view in the file browser panel.
File association settings determine which archive formats PeaZip handles by default. Review the extensive format list and select those you regularly encounter. Association conflicts with existing archive managers may require manual resolution through system settings.
Desktop integration options add context menu entries to your file manager. Enable these features for convenient right-click archive operations directly from Nautilus, Dolphin, or your preferred file browser.
File Manager Integration
Nautilus integration for GNOME desktop occurs automatically during installation on most systems. Context menu options appear when right-clicking supported archive files or folders. Test integration by right-clicking any folder and verifying PeaZip options in the menu.
Manual integration for Nautilus requires installing scripts to the appropriate directory:
mkdir -p ~/.local/share/nautilus/scriptsDolphin integration for KDE Plasma uses servicemenus. PeaZip installation packages typically include these automatically. Verify by right-clicking an archive in Dolphin and checking the Actions submenu.
Nemo users on Cinnamon desktop benefit from native actions support in PeaZip 10.6 and newer. Action files reside in ~/.local/share/nemo/actions/. Manual configuration involves creating desktop action files with specific syntax.
Configuring Default Formats
Navigate to PeaZip’s Options menu and select Settings. The Formats tab controls default compression settings for various archive types. Set preferred compression levels balancing speed against file size reduction.
Encryption settings deserve careful attention for security-conscious users. Configure default encryption method (AES-256 recommended), key derivation iterations, and whether to prompt for passwords. Enable two-factor authentication combining passwords with keyfile requirements for maximum security.
Archive naming conventions standardize output filenames. Configure automatic date stamping, custom prefixes, or template-based naming schemes. These settings streamline backup workflows and batch operations.
Optimizing Settings
Interface customization adapts PeaZip to your aesthetic preferences. Select from available themes and icon sets. Font size adjustment improves readability on high-DPI displays or for users with visual impairments.
Performance tuning addresses large file handling and system resource usage. Adjust memory buffer sizes for archive operations on systems with ample RAM. Configure thread count for compression operations—more threads accelerate compression on multi-core CPUs but increase resource consumption.
Temporary directory configuration impacts performance significantly. Place temporary files on SSD drives rather than mechanical hard drives for faster compression and extraction. Specify a temporary directory with ample free space:
mkdir -p ~/tmp/peazipConfigure this path in PeaZip’s advanced settings.
Verifying PeaZip Installation
Comprehensive verification ensures PeaZip operates correctly before production use. Launch the application from your application menu, confirming the GUI opens without errors. Check version information through Help > About to verify you’ve installed the expected release.
Test basic compression by creating a simple archive. Select several files in PeaZip’s file browser, right-click, and choose “Add to archive.” Select ZIP format and click OK. Monitor the progress dialog for errors or warnings.
Extract the newly created archive to verify extraction functionality. Right-click the archive file and select “Extract here.” Compare extracted files with originals to confirm data integrity.
Context menu integration testing requires opening your file manager, right-clicking a file or folder, and verifying PeaZip appears in context menus. Available actions should include compress, extract, and open with PeaZip.
Command-line functionality verification tests automation capabilities:
peazip -helpThe command displays available options and syntax examples. Test actual compression:
peazip -add=testarchive.7z testfile1.txt testfile2.txtEncryption testing validates security features. Create an encrypted archive with password protection, close PeaZip, and reopen the archive. Successful decryption requires entering the correct password.
Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues
Issue 1: Dependency Errors
Missing library errors prevent PeaZip from launching properly. Terminal execution reveals specific missing dependencies:
peazipError messages identify missing libraries like libgmp.so or libgtk-x11-2.0.so. Install missing packages:
sudo dnf install gmp gtk2 p7zipQt version issues require Qt5 libraries:
sudo dnf install qt5-qtbase qt5-qtsvgVerify library installation success by attempting to launch PeaZip again.
Issue 2: Application Won’t Launch
Silent launch failures require terminal investigation. Run PeaZip from command line to capture error output. Common issues include permission problems, corrupted installations, or incompatible binary versions.
Desktop environment compatibility affects launch success. GTK2 versions work best with GNOME, MATE, and XFCE. Qt versions suit KDE Plasma environments. Installing the wrong variant causes interface rendering problems.
Log file examination provides additional diagnostic information. PeaZip logs reside in ~/.config/peazip/. Review recent log entries for error messages or crash reports.
Reinstalling PeaZip often resolves corrupted installation issues:
sudo dnf remove peazip
sudo dnf install peazipIssue 3: Context Menu Not Appearing
File manager integration failures prevent context menu entries. Restart your file manager after PeaZip installation:
nautilus -q # For GNOME
killall dolphin # For KDE
nemo -q # For CinnamonManual integration script installation provides fallback options. PeaZip includes integration scripts in /usr/share/peazip/ or the portable installation directory. Copy scripts to your file manager’s script directory.
Permissions verification ensures scripts are executable:
chmod +x ~/.local/share/nautilus/scripts/*Desktop database updates refresh MIME type associations and application menus:
update-desktop-database ~/.local/share/applications
update-mime-database ~/.local/share/mimeIssue 4: RPM Installation Conflicts
Package conflict errors indicate version mismatches or incomplete previous installations. Remove conflicting packages before installing PeaZip:
sudo dnf remove peazip
sudo dnf clean allCache clearing eliminates corrupted repository metadata. Retry installation after cache cleanup.
Dependency conflicts between different PeaZip versions (GTK2 vs Qt) require choosing one version. Both cannot coexist simultaneously on most systems. Decide which desktop integration you prefer and install only that version.
Issue 5: Flatpak Sandbox Restrictions
Filesystem access limitations prevent opening files outside permitted directories. Grant home directory access:
flatpak override io.github.peazip.PeaZip --filesystem=homeExternal drive access requires additional permissions:
flatpak override io.github.peazip.PeaZip --filesystem=/run/mediaFlatseal provides graphical permission management for Flatpak applications. Install Flatseal for easier configuration:
flatpak install flathub com.github.tchx84.FlatsealLaunch Flatseal, select PeaZip, and adjust filesystem permissions through the intuitive interface.
Updating PeaZip on Fedora 42
RPM Package Updates
Manual RPM installations require downloading new package versions and reinstalling. Visit the GitHub releases page periodically to check for updates. Download the latest RPM and install using DNF:
sudo dnf install ./peazip-latest.rpmDNF handles package upgrades automatically, preserving your configuration files and settings.
Copr Repository Updates
Copr installations receive updates through standard system update procedures. The repository maintainer uploads new versions, making them available through DNF:
sudo dnf updateThis command upgrades all installed packages including PeaZip. Check specifically for PeaZip updates:
sudo dnf check-update peazipAutomatic update notifications appear through GNOME Software or KDE Discover when new versions release.
Flatpak Updates
Update Flatpak applications independently from system packages:
flatpak update io.github.peazip.PeaZipUpdate all Flatpak applications simultaneously:
flatpak updateFlathub typically publishes new PeaZip versions shortly after official releases. Enable automatic updates for convenience through GNOME Software settings.
Portable Version Updates
Portable installations require manual updates. Download the latest portable package, extract to a new directory, and update your symbolic links or desktop entries to reference the new version. This approach allows maintaining multiple versions simultaneously for compatibility testing.
Uninstalling PeaZip from Fedora 42
Removing RPM Installation
DNF removal commands cleanly uninstall RPM packages:
sudo dnf remove peazipThe system displays packages marked for removal and asks for confirmation. Configuration files in your home directory persist after uninstallation, preserving settings if you reinstall later.
Complete removal including configuration files:
sudo dnf remove peazip
rm -rf ~/.config/peazipRemoving Copr Installation
Uninstall Copr-installed PeaZip identically to RPM packages:
sudo dnf remove peazipOptionally disable the Copr repository to prevent accidental reinstallation:
sudo dnf copr disable sergiomb/peazipRepository configuration files remain in /etc/yum.repos.d/ but are disabled.
Removing Flatpak
Flatpak uninstallation removes the application container:
flatpak uninstall io.github.peazip.PeaZipRemove unused runtime dependencies to reclaim disk space:
flatpak uninstall --unusedThis command identifies and removes runtime components no longer required by any installed Flatpak applications.
Removing Portable Version
Portable version removal involves simple directory deletion:
rm -rf ~/Applications/peazip_portableDelete manually created desktop entries:
rm ~/.local/share/applications/peazip-portable.desktopRemove symbolic links from your local bin directory:
rm ~/.local/bin/peazipUpdate desktop database after cleanup:
update-desktop-database ~/.local/share/applicationsSecurity Considerations
PeaZip’s AES-256 encryption provides military-grade protection for archived data. Configure encryption through the Options menu when creating archives. Strong passwords combining uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols maximize security.
Two-factor authentication combines password protection with keyfile requirements. Generate keyfiles through PeaZip’s Tools menu, creating random binary files serving as second authentication factors. Store keyfiles separately from encrypted archives, preferably on different physical media.
Secure file deletion prevents data recovery after file removal. PeaZip implements multiple deletion passes overwriting data with random patterns. Access this feature through Tools > Secure Delete, selecting files or folders for permanent removal.
Archive verification detects tampering or corruption. PeaZip supports checksum calculation for multiple algorithms including SHA-256, SHA-512, and BLAKE2. Verify downloaded archives before extraction to confirm authenticity.
Download verification ensures software authenticity. Always download PeaZip from official sources—GitHub releases or official website. Third-party download sites may distribute modified versions containing malware. GPG signature verification adds another security layer, though official PeaZip releases don’t currently include signed packages.
Performance Optimization Tips
Compression level selection balances speed against file size reduction. Maximum compression creates smaller archives but requires significantly more processing time. Store mode creates archives without compression, useful for already-compressed formats like JPEG or MP4. Fast compression suits temporary archives or when processing time matters more than storage space.
Multi-threading accelerates compression on multi-core processors. Configure thread count matching your CPU core count for optimal performance. Excessive threads on limited-core systems degrades performance through context switching overhead.
Memory usage optimization matters for systems with limited RAM. Adjust buffer sizes in PeaZip’s advanced settings. Larger buffers speed operations on RAM-abundant systems while smaller buffers prevent memory exhaustion on constrained hardware.
Temporary directory placement on SSD drives dramatically improves compression and extraction performance. Mechanical hard drives bottleneck operations through slower read/write speeds. Configure temporary directory path in Settings, selecting a location on your fastest storage device.
Backend selection affects performance characteristics. The 7z backend provides excellent compression ratios and speed for 7Z format archives. Alternative backends suit specific format requirements. PeaZip automatically selects appropriate backends based on archive format.
Batch operation efficiency improves when processing similar files together. Group files by type and compression requirements, processing each group with optimized settings. Command-line automation through exported scripts streamlines repeated operations.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed PeaZip. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the PeaZip file archiver utility on Fedora 42 Linux system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official PeaZip website.
