Top Linux Apps You Should Try This Weekend
Every Friday evening, I make a little ritual out of finding something new to play with on my Linux system. It’s my way of keeping things fresh after a long week of coding, writing, and troubleshooting. Some people unwind with Netflix. I unwind by discovering apps that make my workflow faster or just make my desktop a little more fun to use.
If you use Linux, you know there’s a special satisfaction in trying new software. It’s like walking into a market full of open-source creativity, each stall offering something unique. So this weekend, I decided to share a few Linux apps to try that might surprise you with how polished and practical they’ve become.
Grab your coffee, fire up your package manager, and let’s take a short tour.
Best Productivity Tools
1. Flameshot – Screenshot and Annotate Instantly
If you’re someone who loves explaining things visually, you’ll love Flameshot. It’s one of those tools that looks simple until you start using it every day. Take a quick screenshot, mark areas, blur sensitive details, draw arrows, and save all in one go.
I started using it when I had to document software bugs for a project. Instead of juggling multiple apps, Flameshot became my go-to for capturing and sharing clean visuals quickly. The best part is how fast it feels. You press a shortcut, edit, and it’s done. No clutter, no lag.
Why it’s worth a try:
- Fast and intuitive
- Offers in-app annotations
- Works perfectly across popular desktop environments
2. Syncthing – Secure File Sync Without the Cloud
If you value privacy, this one might change how you move files forever. Syncthing lets you sync folders directly between your devices without uploading anything to third-party servers.
I use it to keep my documents and notes in sync between my laptop and home PC. Everything happens locally, encrypted, and in real time. It feels liberating to watch files appear instantly on another device, no account or login needed.
Best part: it’s cross-platform, so even your phone can be part of the sync setup.
3. KCalc – The Calculator You Didn’t Know You Needed
This one sounds boring at first, but give it five minutes and you’ll see why it deserves a spot on your system. KCalc handles everything from simple math to complex scientific calculations, unit conversions, and constants.
If you’re the kind of person who opens Google every time you need to calculate something, try this instead. It’s faster, distraction-free, and saves you a few browser tabs in the long run.
Creative Linux Apps Worth Exploring
Weekends aren’t just for productivity. Sometimes you just want to make something draw, edit, paint, experiment. Here are a few creative apps that feel surprisingly professional yet stay true to Linux’s open-source spirit.
4. GIMP – Edit Images Like a Pro
GIMP has been around for years, but it still deserves mention because it’s constantly improving. Whether you want to remove blemishes from a photo, create a logo, or design blog graphics, GIMP delivers all the essential features.
I once redesigned a banner for a client entirely in GIMP on a Sunday night. It took a bit of learning, but the result looked clean and sharp. If you give it time, this tool can easily replace many expensive editors out there.
Tip: Enable “single window mode” from the settings. It makes the workspace much smoother.
5. Krita – Digital Art Made Simple
If you have ever wanted to try digital painting or concept sketching, Krita is pure joy. It feels intuitive from the start, especially if you use a drawing tablet.
A friend of mine, who works as an illustrator, swears by it. She says Krita feels like painting on a real canvas — the brushes react naturally, and the color blending is gorgeous. Whether you’re doodling for fun or creating serious artwork, Krita makes the process immersive.
6. MPV – Minimalist Media Player That Just Works
MPV doesn’t shout for attention, but once you use it, you realize how smooth media playback can feel. It’s lightweight, launches instantly, and handles almost every file format without extra codecs.
I replaced my default player with MPV last year, and I haven’t looked back. It’s scriptable, customizable, and works beautifully even on older hardware. Sometimes, simplicity really is power.
How to Install These Linux Apps
Trying these apps is easier than ever. You don’t need to be a command-line expert anymore.
- Use your package manager.
- On Ubuntu or Debian, open Terminal and type:
- sudo apt install flameshot syncthing gimp krita mpv
- On Fedora: sudo dnf install followed by the app names.
- Explore Flatpak or Snap. If your distro supports it, you’ll often find newer versions there.
- Always check documentation. It helps you discover hidden features and shortcuts you might otherwise miss.
- Experiment. Don’t install everything at once. Pick one app, explore it for a few hours, and see if it fits your routine.
That’s how you build a clean, efficient Linux setup without clutter.
A Weekend Story
Last month, I promised myself a “tech detox” weekend but ended up exploring new Linux apps instead. I started with Flameshot, then fell down the rabbit hole of Syncthing configurations. By Sunday afternoon, I had drawn a comic in Krita and edited screenshots in GIMP for my next blog post.
Ironically, it didn’t feel like work. It felt like rediscovering why I fell in love with Linux in the first place freedom, creativity, and control. That’s the charm of open-source tools. They’re not just apps; they’re little sparks that remind you your computer can still surprise you.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for something new to try this weekend, these Linux apps are the perfect place to start. Each one solves a real problem without bloat or noise. They make your computer feel like yours again.
You don’t need to install them all. Just pick one that resonates maybe a screenshot tool, a drawing app, or a file sync solution and see how it changes your workflow.
By the time Monday rolls around, you might not just have new software. You might have a new way of working altogether.
Call to Action:
Go ahead and try one of these today. If you find something that makes your life easier, share it with another Linux user. That’s how open-source keeps growing one weekend, one discovery at a time.