how to update krita

3 min read 21-10-2024

Keeping Your Artistic Canvas Fresh: How to Update Krita

Krita, the free and open-source digital painting software, is a powerhouse for artists of all levels. But like any software, it's important to keep it updated for the latest features, performance improvements, and security patches.

This guide will help you update Krita on Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring you're always equipped with the latest tools to bring your artistic visions to life.

Why Should I Update Krita?

Updating Krita regularly is crucial for:

New Features: Krita is constantly evolving. Updates bring exciting new tools, brushes, and functionalities that enhance your creative process.
Performance Enhancements: Updates often address performance issues, making Krita run smoother and faster, even on complex projects.
Security Fixes: Security updates patch vulnerabilities that could potentially expose your system to threats.

Updating Krita on Windows

1. Automatic Updates: Krita generally automatically checks for updates when you launch the program. If an update is available, a notification will pop up. Click "Download and Install" to begin the process.

2. Manual Updates:

From the Krita Website:
- Visit the Krita Download page
- Select the "Windows" option and click the "Download Now" button for the latest stable release.
- Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Important: If you have a previous version of Krita installed, you'll likely need to uninstall it before installing the new version. This ensures a clean install.
From the Krita Website:
- Navigate to the Krita Releases page
- Find the latest stable release (generally marked as "Stable").
- Download the installer file (.exe) and run it.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the new version.

3. Using the Microsoft Store (if applicable):

If you installed Krita from the Microsoft Store, it will automatically update through the Store app. You'll receive notifications when updates are available.

Updating Krita on macOS

1. Automatic Updates: Similar to Windows, Krita on macOS generally checks for updates automatically on launch. A notification will appear if an update is ready. Click "Update" to install the latest version.

2. Manual Updates:

From the Krita Website:
- Visit the Krita Download page
- Select the "macOS" option and click the "Download Now" button for the latest stable release.
- Open the downloaded file (usually a .dmg file).
- Drag the Krita application icon into the "Applications" folder.
- Important: If you have a previous version of Krita installed, you'll likely need to uninstall it before installing the new version. This ensures a clean install.
Using the App Store (if applicable):
- If you installed Krita from the App Store, it will automatically update through the App Store. You'll receive notifications when updates are available.

Updating Krita on Linux

1. Package Managers:

Ubuntu/Debian:
- Open a terminal and use the following command:
```
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade 
```
- This will update all packages on your system, including Krita if an update is available.
Fedora/CentOS/RHEL:
- Open a terminal and use the following command:
```
sudo dnf update
```
- This will update all packages on your system, including Krita if an update is available.
Arch Linux:
- Open a terminal and use the following command:
```
sudo pacman -Syu
```
- This will update all packages on your system, including Krita if an update is available.

2. From the Krita Website (optional): * If you prefer to install Krita directly from the website, you can download the appropriate package for your Linux distribution. This might be necessary if the latest Krita version isn't yet available in your package manager.

Additional Tips

Backup your Data: Before updating, it's always a good idea to back up your Krita data (brushes, presets, etc.) in case something unexpected happens during the update process.
Check for Updates Regularly: Even if Krita doesn't automatically notify you, it's good practice to check for updates on the official Krita website https://krita.org periodically.
Join the Krita Community: The Krita community is vibrant and helpful. You can find support on the Krita forum or Krita Discord if you encounter any issues during the update process.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your Krita is always up-to-date, ready to unleash your creativity and take your digital art to the next level.