You can install Blender on Ubuntu using the standard APT package manager, the secure Flatpak version, or the Snap version from the Snap Store.
Blender is a free 3D creation software that supports everything in the 3D process: modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, and even video editing.
This guide provides simple, step-by-step terminal instructions for installing Blender on Ubuntu 26.04, 24.04, and 22.04. We cover the standard installation, Snap and Flatpak options, and how to set up your graphics card (NVIDIA CUDA/OptiX) for much faster rendering.
If any of these steps fail on your computer, please drop a comment below or contact us and we will help you fix it.
APT, Flatpak, & Snap Setup Walkthroughs
Set up the Blender 3D software on your system. Learn how to choose the right installation type and unlock your graphics card for faster rendering.
Choosing how to install Blender changes how it works with your computer files and how quickly you get new updates. Use the table below to pick the best option for you.
Blender Installation Methods Compared
Review the choices below to understand the differences in updates, system access, and graphics card support.
| Method | Source | Updates | System Isolation | File & Graphics Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APT (Standard) | Ubuntu Default Store | Stable (stays on the same version). | None | Easiest setup for NVIDIA graphics cards. Full access to all your files. |
| Flatpak (Flathub) | Flathub App Store | Frequent (always the newest version). | Strict (runs separately) | Needs extra steps to use NVIDIA graphics for rendering. |
| Snap (Snap Store) | Snapcraft Store | Frequent (always the newest version). | Strict (runs separately) | Updates automatically in the background. Larger download size. |
Method 1: Install Blender the Standard Way (APT)
Installing Blender through the standard Ubuntu software tools is the easiest way to get it working perfectly with your graphics card and system files. Because it uses the default Ubuntu store, everything connects smoothly.
Keep in mind that this version will stay the same for a long time to keep your computer stable. If you want the absolute newest Blender features, try the Flatpak or Snap methods below instead.
Most Ubuntu computers have the “Universe” store turned on by default, but it is best to make sure:
sudo add-apt-repository universe -y
Update your computer’s list of available software:
sudo apt update
Now, tell Ubuntu to download and install the Blender software:
sudo apt install blender -y
Make sure Blender was installed correctly by checking the version number:
blender --version
Method 2: Install Blender via Flatpak
If you want the very latest version of Blender, Flatpak is a great choice. It runs the software slightly separated from the rest of your system, which keeps things clean and avoids errors.
If your computer does not have Flatpak yet, install it by running this command:
sudo apt update && sudo apt install flatpak -y
Connect your computer to the official Flathub app store:
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://dl.flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
Finally, download and install Blender from Flathub:
flatpak install flathub org.blender.Blender -y
Method 3: Install Blender via the Snap Store
Snap is a simple way to install apps that update automatically in the background. Snap is built directly into Ubuntu, so the installation is incredibly fast and easy.
Open your terminal by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T and run this command. The “classic” word is included so Blender has permission to load all your 3D files:
sudo snap install blender --classic
How to Launch Blender
Once installed, you can launch the application normally from your desktop or by typing a command into the terminal.
Open your desktop menu, type Blender in the search bar, and click the orange icon to start the program.
Run the launch command that matches how you installed it:
For APT installations:
blender
For Flatpak installations:
flatpak run org.blender.Blender
For Snap packages:
snap run blender
Blender Interface Screenshots
Below are a few examples of the Blender interface running natively on the Ubuntu desktop:
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- 3d editing movie from How to Install Blender on Ubuntu 26.04 – Complete Guide
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- Blender monkey model screenshot linux from How to Install Blender on Ubuntu 26.04 – Complete Guide
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- Blender video editing sequencer from How to Install Blender on Ubuntu 26.04 – Complete Guide
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- Bug alien looking blender model from How to Install Blender on Ubuntu 26.04 – Complete Guide
Advanced Setup: Faster Rendering (CUDA & OptiX)
To massively decrease the time it takes to process your 3D scenes, you should turn on graphics card (GPU) rendering. By default, Blender relies entirely on your computer’s main processor (CPU), which is slow. If you have a compatible NVIDIA graphics card, follow these steps to make Blender much faster.
Open the Additional Drivers tool on your Ubuntu desktop and select the official NVIDIA driver (for example, NVIDIA driver 535 or newer). Click “Apply Changes” and restart your computer.
If you installed Blender using Method 1 (APT), you may also need to install the extra NVIDIA software so Blender can talk to your graphics card:
sudo apt install nvidia-cuda-toolkit -y
Open Blender, go to Edit > Preferences, and click the System tab. At the very top, click either CUDA or OptiX. Check the box next to your graphics card’s name. Now, when working on a 3D scene, you can select “GPU Compute” in your render settings.
How to Uninstall Blender
If you want to remove Blender, follow the instructions below that match how you installed it. This will delete the software and remove the extra settings.
Run the command that matches your setup:
For APT installations:
sudo apt remove blender -y sudo apt autoremove --purge -y
For Flatpak installations:
flatpak uninstall org.blender.Blender -y flatpak uninstall --unused -y
For Snap installations:
sudo snap remove blender
Use the links below to access community forums and official guidebooks for Blender:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blender available in the default Ubuntu software store?
Yes, Blender is available in Ubuntu’s default app store. You can install it using the terminal by running: sudo apt update && sudo apt install blender -y.
How do I get the absolute newest version of Blender on an older Ubuntu system?
You can install the newest version of Blender using Flatpak or Snap. Flatpak uses the Flathub app store, while Snap downloads the software directly from the creators.
Can I use my NVIDIA graphics card for faster rendering in Blender on Ubuntu?
Yes. To enable faster rendering, you must first install the NVIDIA drivers and the CUDA software. Once installed, open Blender and go to Edit > Preferences > System to select your graphics card under the CUDA or OptiX tabs.
How do I install extra plugins or addons in Blender?
Download the addon as a .zip file. Open Blender, go to Edit > Preferences > Add-ons, click “Install…”, and select your downloaded .zip file. Make sure to check the box next to the addon’s name to turn it on.
Related multimedia guides: Best Video Editors on Ubuntu · Best Photo Editors on Ubuntu · Best Audio Editors on Ubuntu · Install Gimp on Ubuntu · Install Krita on Ubuntu · Install Shotcut on Ubuntu
