DEB Files on Arch? Run Any App on Any Linux Distro With This Tool

Ever found the perfect Linux app—only to discover it’s packaged as a DEB file? If you’re on Arch, Fedora, openSUSE, or anything that isn’t Ubuntu/Debian, you know the pain. But there’s good news: you don’t have to switch distros, wrangle source code, or wait for a package maintainer to save the day.

Meet debtap—a powerful tool that lets you install DEB files on Arch and other Linux distributions. Let’s break down how it works, why it matters, and how to get started.

Why Bother With DEB Files?

Most third-party Linux apps (especially closed-source ones) ship only DEB or RPM packages. That means if you’re not on Debian, Ubuntu, or Fedora, you’re out of luck—or so it seems. Sometimes, there’s no Flatpak, Snap, or AppImage. That’s where tools like debtap come in.

What Is Debtap?

Debtap converts DEB packages into native Arch Linux packages (.pkg.tar.zst), so you can install them using Pacman just like any other package. No more hunting for alternatives or repackaging everything by hand.

How To Use Debtap

1. Install Debtap

It’s available in the AUR. Use your favorite AUR helper:

yay -S debtap

Or clone and build it yourself:

git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/debtap.git
cd debtap
makepkg -si

2. Initialize Debtap

Before the first use, run:

sudo debtap -u

This updates debtap’s database.

3. Convert Your DEB File

Download your DEB file, then run:

debtap your-app.deb

Follow the prompts (most defaults are fine).

4. Install the Package

You’ll get a .pkg.tar.zst file. Install it with Pacman:

sudo pacman -U your-app.pkg.tar.zst

That’s it—you’ve just installed a DEB package on Arch.

Does It Work on Other Distros?

Debtap is designed for Arch and derivatives (Manjaro, EndeavourOS, etc.). For other distros, try tools like alien (for converting between RPM and DEB) or docker/flatpak as sandboxed workarounds.

A Few Warnings

• Not every DEB will work—especially if it needs deep Ubuntu/Debian dependencies.
• Always review what you’re installing.
• Some apps might not run perfectly. This is a workaround, not magic.

Final Thoughts

Linux is all about flexibility. Don’t let packaging stop you from using the software you need. Tools like debtap give you the freedom to run what you want, where you want. Next time you see a must-have app in DEB format, you know what to do.

Got questions or a favorite tool for cross-distro installs? Drop a comment below!

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!