Install additional applications

An application is software that has a graphical user interface (GUI). The Ubuntu development team has chosen a default set of applications that we think makes Ubuntu very useful for most day-to-day tasks. However, you will certainly want to install more applications to make Ubuntu more useful to you. To install an application, you can use Ubuntu Software.

Applications are available in two formats: snap packages and Debian packages. An application available as a snap package is from now on referred to as a snap. Some applications are available in both formats. In such a case in Ubuntu Software the snap will be listed first.

You may also wish to install software that does not have a GUI. To install such software, you can use Synaptic. Note that Synaptic does not list snaps.

To install an application:

  1. Click the Ubuntu Software icon in the Dock, or search for Software in the Activities search bar.

  2. When Ubuntu Software launches, search for an application, or select a category and find an application from the list.

  3. Select the application that you want to install and click Install.

  4. You will be asked to authenticate by entering your password. Once you have done that the installation will begin. The installation usually finishes quickly, but could take a while if you have a slow Internet connection.