Compile Aseprite from source code for GNU/Linux

compile-aseprite-gnu-linux.md

Prerequisites

• Debian 12, Ubuntu 24.04/22.04, Fedora 41/40, Arch Linux, OpenSUSE
• CMake
• GCC, G++, CLang
• Ninja Build System
• Curl
• Skia

Install dependencies

on Ubuntu/Debian:

sudo apt install g++ clang libc++-dev libc++abi-dev cmake ninja-build libx11-dev libxcursor-dev libxi-dev libgl1-mesa-dev libfontconfig1-dev curl unzip -y

On Fedora:

sudo dnf install gcc-c++ clang libcxx-devel cmake ninja-build libX11-devel libXcursor-devel libXi-devel mesa-libGL-devel fontconfig-devel curl unzip -y

On Arch Linux:

sudo pacman -S gcc clang libc++ cmake ninja libx11 libxcursor mesa-libgl fontconfig curl unzip --noconfirm

On OpenSUSE:

sudo zypper -n install gcc-c++ clang libc++-devel libc++abi-devel cmake ninja libX11-devel libXcursor-devel libXi-devel Mesa-libGL-devel fontconfig-devel unzip curl

Create folders

mkdir -p ~/src/aseprite/build ~/src/deps/skia

Download & extract Aseprite source

cd ~/src/aseprite
curl --proto '=https' --tlsv1.3 -LsSf https://github.com/aseprite/aseprite/releases/download/v1.3.9.1/Aseprite-v1.3.9.1-Source.zip
unzip Aseprite-v1.3.9.1-Source.zip

Download & extract Skia

cd ~/src/deps/skia
curl --proto '=https' --tlsv1.3 -LsSf https://github.com/aseprite/skia/releases/download/m102-861e4743af/Skia-Linux-Release-x64-libc++.zip
unzip Skia-Linux-Release-x64-libc++.zip

Build Aseprite

cd ~/src/aseprite/build
export CC=clang
export CXX=clang++
cmake \
  -DCMAKE_BUILD_TYPE=RelWithDebInfo \
  -DCMAKE_CXX_FLAGS:STRING=--stdlib=libc++ \
  -DCMAKE_EXE_LINKER_FLAGS:STRING=--stdlib=libc++ \
  -DLAF_BACKEND=skia \
  -DSKIA_DIR=$HOME/src/deps/skia \
  -DSKIA_LIBRARY_DIR=$HOME/src/deps/skia/out/Release-x64 \
  -DSKIA_LIBRARY=$HOME/src/deps/skia/out/Release-x64/libskia.a \
  -G Ninja ..
ninja aseprite

Install program

mkdir ~/opt
mv -T bin ~/opt/aseprite

To run Aseprite, execute the following command:

~/opt/aseprite/aseprite

Tested With Aseprite v1.3.9.1

Please remember to support the creators of Aseprite. Only use this method to try the program or if you don't have access to funds or a credit card :)

just navigate to the folther and make a desktop entry with the file explorer :/

...

If you think you are pro, use the shortcut tutorial

just navigate to the folther and make a desktop entry with the file explorer :/

im not that good with linux :(

thanks, but how do i pin it to taskbar and make a desktop entry for aseprite

thanks, but how do i pin it to taskbar and make a desktop entry for aseprite

well im not quite sure myself lol, check @back2Lobby's reply it might help you

Sorry, I didn't said but I am using fedora with KDE plasma

Shortcut for Fedora

1. Make a txt file named aseprite.desktop on the dektop

2. Open the .desktop file with a text editor

3.Paste the code

#!/usr/bin/env xdg-open
[Desktop Entry]
Name=Aseprite
Exec=~/opt/aseprite/aseprite %U
Terminal=false
Type=Application
GenericName=Sprite Editor
Icon=~/opt/aseprite/data/icons/ase.ico
StartupWMClass=Aseprite
Comment=Animated sprite editor & pixel art tool
Categories=Graphics;2DGraphics;RasterGraphics
StartupNotify=false

and save. You should now have a desktop icon

4. Go to ~/.local/share/applications and copy paste the .desktop file

5. Now you should have an Aseprite shortcut on the desktop and the application menu, like this

Sorry, I didn't said but I am using fedora with KDE plasma

Sorry, I didn't said but I am using fedora with KDE plasma

i didnt see that sorry 😭 i dont know im not that good with linux vro 😭

lmao

lmao

well thank you for sharing it tho :)

np

Hello, I am using ZOrinOS 17.2 (as a newbie on linux) and I think I don't have the latest ubuntu version, I think I am using Ubuntu 22.04. Is it a big problem to continue with that?

it shouldnt be

Thank you

it shouldnt be

Hello, I am using ZOrinOS 17.2 (as a newbie on linux) and I think I don't have the latest ubuntu version, I think I am using Ubuntu 22.04. Is it a big problem to continue with that?

no im only listing the latest versions to avoid problems (22.04 should work)

when will the guide be updated for the latest version

when will the guide be updated for the latest version

will do some time later, u dont for it to be updated just change the urls to the latest version

tried, didnt work. Got stuck at the last part ninja aseprite

tried, didnt work. Got stuck at the last part ninja aseprite

same maybe its because im using arch ill try it on ubnutu, older releases seems to be working just fine

tried, didnt work. Got stuck at the last part ninja aseprite

okay i tried Skia-m124 i was able to compile it but it fails at the end so its pointless, i followed the official guide and it seems like im not the only one having this issue hopefully it gets fixed soon