Ubuntu Studio Is Ubuntu, Built for Creators
Ubuntu Studio is an official flavor of Ubuntu, purpose-built for musicians, graphic designers, video producers, photographers, and anyone who creates. It ships the same base system, the same repositories, the same security updates, and the same release cadence as every other Ubuntu edition. It then layers on a curated creative software suite and a workflow-optimized desktop so you can start making things the moment you log in.
What You Get
- Curated creative applications: Ardour, Blender, Krita, GIMP, Kdenlive, OBS Studio, Scribus, Darktable, and more, tested and ready out of the box.
- KDE Plasma desktop: a powerful, customizable environment tuned for creative workflows with workspace layouts, virtual desktops, and session management.
- Integrated audio tooling: PipeWire as the default audio server with full JACK compatibility, low-latency kernel parameters (
preempt=full,threadirqs), and session managers like RaySession. - Full Ubuntu ecosystem: access to the same vast package repositories, Snap Store, drivers, and hardware support you already trust.
- LTS stability and interim releases: Long Term Support editions backed by five years of security updates, plus regular interim releases for those who want the latest features.
What Ubuntu Studio Is Not
Misconceptions persist. Let’s clear them up:
- Not a fork. Ubuntu Studio is built from Ubuntu, not split off from it. There is no separate codebase.
- Not a separate distribution. It is a recognized Ubuntu flavor maintained in collaboration with Canonical and the Ubuntu community.
- Not only for experts. The installer is the same process used by most other Ubuntu flavors. If you can install Ubuntu, you can install Ubuntu Studio.
- Not a custom-kernel project. Ubuntu Studio uses the standard Ubuntu generic kernel with low-latency boot parameters enabled by default. No out-of-tree patches required.
Same Foundation, Creative Focus
Same base
Every Ubuntu Studio release is built on the corresponding Ubuntu base. When Ubuntu 26.04 LTS ships, Ubuntu Studio 26.04 LTS ships alongside it, same day, same packages, same infrastructure.
Same repositories
You install software from the same Main, Universe, Restricted, and Multiverse repositories as any Ubuntu user. No separate package archive to maintain or trust.
Same kernel
Since 24.04.3, Ubuntu Studio runs the generic Ubuntu kernel with low-latency features activated at boot (preempt=full threadirqs). You receive the same kernel security patches on the same schedule.
Same security updates
Security patches flow through the same Ubuntu Security Team pipeline. When a CVE fix lands for Ubuntu, it lands for Ubuntu Studio automatically.
Same release cadence
LTS releases every two years with three years of support. Interim releases every six months for users who want newer packages sooner.
Get Involved
Ubuntu Studio is a community project. Whether you contribute code, documentation, artwork, testing, or funding, every bit helps.
Support – get help when you need it.
Download – grab the latest release and start creating.
Get Involved – contribute your skills to the project.
Documentation – guides, tutorials, and reference material.
Community – forums, chat, and mailing lists.
Donate – support ongoing development and infrastructure.
