How To Install XnConvert on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

XnConvert stands as a powerful batch image processor that allows Ubuntu users to effortlessly convert and manipulate large collections of images with just a few clicks. This versatile tool supports over 500 file formats and offers 80+ image operations, making it an essential application for photographers, web developers, and anyone who works with digital images regularly.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore multiple methods to install XnConvert on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, along with essential tips for getting started with this powerful image conversion utility. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced Ubuntu user, you’ll find everything you need to harness the full potential of XnConvert for your image processing needs.

What is XnConvert?

XnConvert is a free, powerful, and multi-platform batch image processing application that enables users to easily convert images from one format to another. Developed by the same team behind the popular XnView image viewer, XnConvert offers a comprehensive set of features that make it stand out from other image converters available for Linux systems.

Key Features and Capabilities:

• Support for over 500 image formats, including JPEG, PNG, TIFF, GIF, WebP, and RAW camera files
• Batch processing capabilities to convert multiple files simultaneously
• 80+ image actions and filters for comprehensive image manipulation
• Cross-platform availability (Linux, Windows, and macOS)
• Free for personal and educational use
• User-friendly interface with preview options
• Ability to add watermarks, resize, crop, and adjust colors
• Support for creating custom presets for repeated tasks

Compared to other image conversion tools for Ubuntu, XnConvert offers a more comprehensive feature set while maintaining a user-friendly interface. Its batch processing capabilities make it particularly valuable for users who need to process large numbers of images regularly.

Prerequisites for Installation

Before diving into the installation process, ensure your Ubuntu system meets the necessary requirements and is properly prepared. Taking these preparatory steps will help ensure a smooth installation experience.

System Requirements:

• Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Focal Fossa) or compatible derivatives
• At least 100MB of free disk space
• Internet connection for downloading packages
• Administrative privileges (sudo access)

Checking Ubuntu Version:

To verify you’re running Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, open a terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and run:

lsb_release -a

This command displays detailed information about your Ubuntu version.

Updating Your System:

It’s crucial to update your system before installing new software. Run the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

These commands refresh your package lists and upgrade installed packages to their latest versions.

Required Dependencies:

XnConvert may require certain dependencies that are typically handled automatically during installation. However, if you encounter dependency issues, you can resolve them using:

sudo apt install -f

This command installs any missing dependencies that might be required by XnConvert.

Backup Recommendations:

While installing XnConvert is generally safe, it’s always good practice to back up important data before installing new software. You can use Ubuntu’s built-in Backup tool or simply copy important files to an external storage device.

Method 1: Installing XnConvert via DEB Package

The most straightforward method for installing XnConvert on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is using the official .deb package. This method provides a native installation experience and integrates well with the Ubuntu software ecosystem.

Step 1: Download the Appropriate DEB Package

First, you need to download the correct .deb package for your system architecture. Open your terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and run one of the following commands based on your system architecture:

For 64-bit systems:

wget http://download.xnview.com/XnConvert-linux-x64.deb

For 32-bit systems:

wget http://download.xnview.com/XnConvert-linux.deb

This downloads the appropriate installation package directly to your current directory.

Step 2: Install the Package Using dpkg

Once the download is complete, install XnConvert using the dpkg command:

sudo dpkg -i XnConvert-linux-x64.deb

Or for 32-bit systems:

sudo dpkg -i XnConvert-linux.deb

Step 3: Resolve Dependencies (If Needed)

If dpkg reports missing dependencies, you can resolve them by running:

sudo apt install -f

This command automatically installs any missing dependencies required by XnConvert.

Step 4: Verify the Installation

To verify that XnConvert has been installed correctly, you can either:

• Look for XnConvert in the Applications menu under Graphics
• Run XnConvert from the terminal using the command xnconvert

Pros and Cons of Using DEB Packages:

Pros:

• Direct installation from the official source
• Full integration with the Ubuntu system
• Easy to update through the package manager
• Consistent with Ubuntu’s software management approach

Cons:

• May not always be the very latest version
• Potential dependency issues on some systems
• Manual download required for updates

Method 2: Installing XnConvert via Flatpak

Flatpak provides a modern way to install applications on Linux distributions, offering sandboxed environments and simplified dependency management. XnConvert is available as a Flatpak package, making it another excellent installation option.

What is Flatpak and Its Advantages:

Flatpak is a universal package management system for Linux that allows applications to be installed across different Linux distributions. Benefits include:

• Sandboxed applications for improved security
• Independent from host system libraries
• Applications receive updates regardless of distribution
• Access to the latest software versions

Step 1: Set Up Flatpak on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

If you don’t already have Flatpak installed, set it up with these commands:

sudo apt install flatpak
sudo apt install gnome-software-plugin-flatpak
flatpak remote-add --user --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

You may need to restart your system after installing Flatpak for it to fully integrate with your desktop environment.

Step 2: Install XnConvert via Flatpak

Once Flatpak is set up, install XnConvert using the following command:

flatpak install --user https://flathub.org/repo/appstream/com.xnview.XnConvert.flatpakref

This command downloads and installs XnConvert from Flathub, the main repository for Flatpak applications.

Step 3: Launch XnConvert

After installation, you can launch XnConvert either from your applications menu or by running:

flatpak run com.xnview.XnConvert

Step 4: Updating XnConvert via Flatpak

To update XnConvert when new versions become available:

flatpak --user update com.xnview.XnConvert

Alternatively, you can update all Flatpak applications at once:

flatpak update

Troubleshooting Flatpak-Specific Issues:

If you encounter issues with Flatpak installations:

1. Ensure your Flatpak installation is up to date:

   flatpak --user update

2. Check for any broken references:

   flatpak repair

3. If XnConvert doesn’t show up in your applications menu, try refreshing the desktop database:

   update-desktop-database ~/.local/share/applications

Method 3: Manual Installation (Download and Install)

For users who prefer more control over the installation process or need to install XnConvert in environments without package managers, manual installation is an option. This method involves downloading, extracting, and setting up XnConvert manually.

When to Choose Manual Installation:

• When you need to install on systems without package managers
• When you want to use a specific version not available through other methods
• When you want more control over where and how the application is installed
• When troubleshooting issues with packaged versions

Step 1: Download the Official Package

Visit the XnConvert official website or use wget to download the appropriate tarball:

wget http://download.xnview.com/XnConvert-linux64.tgz

For 32-bit systems:

wget http://download.xnview.com/XnConvert-linux.tgz

Step 2: Extract the Package

Extract the downloaded tarball using:

tar -xvzf XnConvert-linux64.tgz

This will create a directory containing all the necessary files for XnConvert.

Step 3: Set Up Proper Permissions

Navigate to the extracted directory and ensure the executable has the proper permissions:

cd XnConvert
chmod +x xnconvert

Step 4: Create a Desktop Entry (Optional)

To make XnConvert accessible from your applications menu, create a desktop entry:

nano ~/.local/share/applications/xnconvert.desktop

Add the following content (adjust the paths as necessary):

[Desktop Entry]
Name=XnConvert
Comment=Batch Image Processor
Exec=/path/to/XnConvert/xnconvert
Icon=/path/to/XnConvert/xnconvert.png
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Graphics;

Replace /path/to/XnConvert/ with the actual path where you extracted XnConvert.

Step 5: Verify the Installation

Run XnConvert directly from the extracted directory:

./xnconvert

Troubleshooting Missing Libraries:

If you encounter errors related to missing libraries when running XnConvert manually, you may need to install additional dependencies. Some common missing libraries include:

sudo apt install libwebp6 libopenjp2-7

When dealing with errors about missing library files like libwebpdecoder.so or openjp2.so, you’ll need to find these libraries in your system and ensure they’re in the correct location, or install them if missing.

Getting Started with XnConvert

Now that you’ve successfully installed XnConvert, let’s explore how to use this powerful tool for your image conversion needs.

Launching XnConvert for the First Time:

After installation, launch XnConvert from your applications menu or terminal. The first time you run it, you’ll be presented with the main interface divided into three main tabs:

• Input (for selecting files)
• Actions (for choosing operations)
• Output (for setting destination and format)

Overview of the User Interface:

The XnConvert interface is intuitive and straightforward:

• Left panel: Shows file browser and selected files
• Center panel: Displays image previews and file information
• Right panel: Shows available operations and settings
• Bottom panel: Provides status information and progress tracking

Adding Image Files for Conversion:

1. Click on the “Add files” button in the Input tab
2. Select the images you want to convert
3. Alternatively, drag and drop images directly into the application
4. You can also add entire folders by clicking “Add folders”

Basic Image Conversion Walkthrough:

Let’s convert a batch of JPG images to PNG format:

1. Add your JPG images to the Input tab
2. Go to the Output tab
3. Select “PNG” from the Format dropdown menu
4. Choose your destination folder
5. Click “Convert” to start the process

Saving Your First Converted Images:

XnConvert offers several options for saving:

• Save to a specific folder
• Save in the original folder
• Create a new subfolder for converted images
• Use custom naming patterns for the output files

Understanding the Output Options:

In the Output tab, you can configure:

• Output format (choose from hundreds of supported formats)
• Quality settings for lossy formats like JPEG
• Filename patterns using variables like %filename%, %counter%, %date%
• Destination folder settings
• Overwrite options for existing files

Basic Image Operations in XnConvert

XnConvert offers a wide range of operations for manipulating your images. Here are some of the most common and useful operations:

Resizing Images in Batch:

1. Select your images in the Input tab
2. Go to the Actions tab and click “Add an action”
3. Choose “Image > Resize”
4. Select your desired size option:
   • Pixels (absolute size)
   • Percentage (relative to original)
   • Maximum size (preserving aspect ratio)
5. Set width and height values
6. Choose a resampling method (Lanczos offers best quality)

Rotating and Cropping:

For rotation:

1. Add the “Image > Rotate” action
2. Choose the rotation angle (90°, 180°, 270°) or a custom angle
3. Select whether to auto-rotate based on EXIF data

For cropping:

1. Add the “Image > Crop” action
2. Set crop dimensions and position
3. Use percentages or pixels for precision

Format Conversion (JPEG, PNG, WebP, etc.):

1. Go to the Output tab
2. Select your desired format from the dropdown
3. Configure format-specific options:
   • For JPEG: Quality, progressive, EXIF preservation
   • For PNG: Compression level, interlacing
   • For WebP: Quality, lossless option

Adjusting Quality and Compression:

Quality settings vary by format:

• JPEG: Scale of 1-100 (higher is better quality but larger file size)
• PNG: Compression level 0-9 (higher is smaller file size but slower processing)
• WebP: Quality setting similar to JPEG, with additional lossless option

Renaming Files During Conversion:

In the Output tab, you can set naming patterns using variables:

• %filename%: Original filename
• %counter%: Sequential number
• %date%: Current date
• %time%: Current time
• Custom text combined with variables

For example, “%filename%_converted_%counter%” would produce “image_converted_001.png”.

Advanced Features and Techniques

XnConvert offers numerous advanced features for power users who need more sophisticated image processing capabilities.

Working with Filters and Effects:

XnConvert includes dozens of filters and effects, such as:

1. Add the “Filter > Artistic” action for effects like oil painting or pencil sketch
2. Use “Filter > Blur” actions for Gaussian, motion, or smart blur
3. Apply “Filter > Sharpen” to enhance image details
4. Experiment with “Filter > Stylize” for emboss, engrave, or edge detection

Adding Watermarks to Images:

To add a text watermark:

1. Add the “Annotation > Text” action
2. Set your watermark text, font, size, and color
3. Adjust opacity and position
4. Enable “as watermark” for diagonal placement

To add an image watermark:

1. Add the “Annotation > Image” action
2. Select your watermark image
3. Set position, size, and opacity

Creating and Saving Presets for Repeated Tasks:

Once you’ve created a workflow you like:

1. Go to the top menu and select “Presets > Save Preset”
2. Name your preset descriptively
3. To use it later, select “Presets > Load Preset”

This feature is invaluable for repetitive tasks like preparing images for your website or social media.

Automation Possibilities:

For advanced users, XnConvert offers automation options:

1. Command-line usage for scripts and batch files
2. Watching folders for automatic processing
3. Integration with system tools and other applications

Command-line Usage for Power Users:

XnConvert includes a command-line version called NConvert that provides even more power:

nconvert -out png -resize 800 0 *.jpg

This command converts all JPG files to PNG and resizes them to 800 pixels wide while maintaining aspect ratio.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best software, issues can occasionally arise. Here are solutions to some common problems you might encounter with XnConvert on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.

Dependency Problems and Solutions:

If you see dependency errors during installation:

1. Run sudo apt install -f to fix broken dependencies automatically
2. For specific library errors, install them manually:

   sudo apt install libwebp6 libopenjp2-7

3. For more complex dependency issues, check the package requirements and install them individually

Installation Errors and Fixes:

If the installation fails:

1. Check if you have sufficient permissions (using sudo when necessary)
2. Verify you’re using the correct package for your system architecture (32-bit vs 64-bit)
3. Ensure your system meets the minimum requirements
4. Try an alternative installation method if one method fails

Performance Issues:

If XnConvert runs slowly:

1. Process fewer images at once for batch operations
2. Close other resource-intensive applications
3. Use less complex operations when possible
4. Consider upgrading your system if you frequently work with large batches

File Format Compatibility Issues:

If you have problems with specific file formats:

1. Check if additional libraries are needed for exotic formats
2. Ensure your XnConvert version supports the format you’re trying to use
3. Try converting to a more common intermediate format first

Common Error Messages Explained:

• “Failed to load library”: Missing dependency – install the required library
• “Cannot write to output folder”: Permission issue – check folder permissions
• “Format not supported”: Missing codec – install additional format support
• “Memory allocation error”: Not enough RAM – reduce batch size or close other applications

Updating and Maintaining XnConvert

Keeping XnConvert updated ensures you have access to the latest features, bug fixes, and format support.

How to Check for Updates:

XnConvert doesn’t include an automatic update checker, so you’ll need to:

1. Visit the official XnConvert website periodically
2. Check the version number against your installed version
3. For Flatpak installations, run flatpak info com.xnview.XnConvert to check the current version

Update Procedures for Each Installation Method:

For DEB package installations:

1. Download the latest .deb package
2. Install it using sudo dpkg -i XnConvert-linux-x64.deb
3. Run sudo apt install -f if needed

For Flatpak installations:

1. Run flatpak --user update com.xnview.XnConvert
2. Or update all Flatpak applications with flatpak update

For manual installations:

1. Download the latest version
2. Extract it to replace your existing installation
3. Ensure permissions are set correctly

Reinstallation Process if Needed:

If you need to reinstall XnConvert:

1. Remove the existing installation first
2. For DEB packages: sudo apt remove xnconvert
3. For Flatpak: flatpak uninstall com.xnview.XnConvert
4. For manual installations: Delete the XnConvert directory
5. Follow the installation steps again

Removing/Uninstalling XnConvert:

To completely remove XnConvert:

• For DEB packages: sudo apt remove --purge xnconvert
• For Flatpak: flatpak uninstall --delete-data com.xnview.XnConvert
• For manual installations: Delete the XnConvert directory and any desktop files created

Congratulations! You have successfully installed XnConvert. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the XnConvert on the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official XnConvert website.