Install KolourPaint on Ubuntu with apt when you want a straightforward desktop paint program from your distribution repositories. Run the update and install commands below, then launch it from your app menu or terminal.
Install KolourPaint with apt
This route uses Ubuntu’s APT package manager. It is the right starting point when your system already uses the standard Ubuntu repositories.
sudo apt update
sudo apt install kolourpaint
Enter your password when Ubuntu asks for it. The package name is kolourpaint, and the command installs the application with the libraries it needs.
Start KolourPaint
Launch the program after installation to confirm that the desktop entry and executable are available.
kolourpaint
If the window opens, installation is complete. You can also find KolourPaint in the application menu and pin it there if you use it often.
Choose a different installation route only when it fits your system
APT is not the only distribution method. The better route depends on how you manage desktop applications and which package format your Ubuntu setup supports.
| Route | Use it when | Command |
|---|---|---|
| APT | You use Ubuntu repositories and want the distro package. | sudo apt install kolourpaint |
| Snap | You use snapd and want the Snap Store package. | sudo snap install kolourpaint |
| Flatpak | You manage desktop apps through Flathub. | flatpak install flathub org.kde.kolourpaint |
If you are choosing between package formats, first check how APT manages Linux packages, then compare that with the Snap route in this Ubuntu package-format walkthrough. Do not install the same application from multiple formats unless you have a reason to keep separate copies.
Install from the Ubuntu app store
A graphical app store is useful when you would rather browse the package details before installing. Open the app store that ships with your Ubuntu desktop, search for KolourPaint, and select the package source you intend to use.
- Open your desktop’s software application.
- Search for KolourPaint.
- Check whether the listing identifies an APT, Snap, or Flatpak source.
- Select Install, then launch the application from the resulting screen.
Your desktop may label this surface differently, so use the route that matches its package source. This overview of Linux software managers helps when your menu does not show the same name, while this Ubuntu desktop comparison helps you identify the desktop environment you are using.
What KolourPaint is good for
KolourPaint is a simple KDE image editor for drawing, annotations, crops, selections, and basic bitmap edits. It suits quick edits where a full illustration or photo workflow would add unnecessary setup.
It uses the KDE application stack, so it fits naturally on KDE Plasma while remaining usable on other Linux desktops. If you are setting up a KDE-based desktop, this KDE and Plasma guide gives you the surrounding desktop context.
Remove KolourPaint
Remove the package through the same system that installed it. For an APT installation, use apt remove and keep your system package database consistent.
sudo apt remove kolourpaint
Use apt purge kolourpaint only when you also want to remove package-managed configuration files. Snap and Flatpak installations should be removed with their matching package manager.
Verify the installation
Use this short check before you move on to an edit. It catches the common case where a package install completed but the desktop launcher is not where you expected.
- Run kolourpaint from a terminal.
- Confirm that the application window opens.
- Create or open a small image, then save it to a folder you can find again.
Once that works, you are ready to use KolourPaint for the small image task that prompted the install. Keep the package manager you chose in mind for future updates and removal.