Though not popular, Raspberry Pi OS does provide a GUI method for installing and uninstalling applications.It eliminates the need for complex terminal commands and simplifies the entire process of managing applications.
![Add/remove Software option in Raspberry Pi](https://vmme.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/pi-apps-the-unofficial-but-definitely-better-app-store-for-raspberry-pi.png)
Uninstalling Apps: If you want to remove an app, simply find it in Pi-Apps, and click Uninstall.
![Installing software using GUI on Raspberry Pi](https://vmme.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/pi-apps-the-unofficial-but-definitely-better-app-store-for-raspberry-pi-1.png)
It’s the Add/Remove Software tool, introduced in 2016 as a GUI-based method for installing applications.
Table of Contents
Enter Pi-Apps
Pi-Apps also offers a Multi-Install feature, allowing you to select several apps to install at once, perfect for setting up a fresh Raspberry Pi quickly.Pi-Apps is a nice-to-have tool for anyone using a Raspberry Pi on the desktop, regardless of their experience level. Unlike the traditional Add/Remove Software tool, Pi-Apps is faster, more reliable as less chance of getting confuse between packages with similar names, and packed with useful features.
![Pi-Apps web page](https://vmme.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/pi-apps-the-unofficial-but-definitely-better-app-store-for-raspberry-pi-2.png)
Here, you can tweak the appearance, update settings, and more. Some useful tweaks include:
- One-Click Installation: No need to deal with multiple command lines or manual configurations.
- Extensive App Library: Pi-Apps offers everything from games and development tools to multimedia and internet browsers.
- Multi-OS Compatibility: While designed for Raspberry Pi OS, Pi-Apps works seamlessly with other operating systems like Ubuntu for Raspberry Pi.
How to Install Pi-Apps
To give you an idea, here’s how installing apps works with the default method. Here I’m installing Okular, a fantastic PDF reader and annotator app.It acts like an “app store” offering a curated collection of over 200 applications. Launch Pi-Apps: Open it from the menu or terminal.
![](https://vmme.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/pi-apps-the-unofficial-but-definitely-better-app-store-for-raspberry-pi-3.png)
Using Pi-Apps
So, if you’re tired of the clunky Add/Remove Software tool or don’t want to fuss with the command line, give Pi-Apps a try. Your Raspberry Pi experience will never be the same.See? That’s basic, but it’s not the best one around. Let me share a better app store for your Raspberry Pi.
![](https://vmme.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/pi-apps-the-unofficial-but-definitely-better-app-store-for-raspberry-pi-4.png)
wget -qO- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Botspot/pi-apps/master/install | bash
Open Terminal on your Raspberry Pi and run the following command:
![](https://vmme.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/pi-apps-the-unofficial-but-definitely-better-app-store-for-raspberry-pi-5.png)
Once installed, using Pi-Apps is incredibly simple:
![](https://vmme.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/pi-apps-the-unofficial-but-definitely-better-app-store-for-raspberry-pi-6.png)
Whether you’re installing games, productivity tools, or development software, Pi-Apps makes the Raspberry Pi more accessible and user-friendly.
Tweaking Pi-Apps Settings
Install an App: Select an app, read its description, and click the Install button. The terminal window will open, and the installation process will begin. Watch for interaction prompts during installation.
![](https://vmme.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/pi-apps-the-unofficial-but-definitely-better-app-store-for-raspberry-pi-7.png)
Pi-Apps is a user-friendly application manager for Raspberry Pi that simplifies the process of installing, managing, and uninstalling software.
- App List Style: Choose from various themes like dark mode, light mode, or even a 3D theme.
- Check for Updates: Control how often Pi-Apps checks for updates—daily, weekly, or never.
- Text Editor Preference: Switch between different text editors like Geany, Nano, or Mousepad.
- Multi-Install & Multi-Uninstall
![](https://vmme.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/pi-apps-the-unofficial-but-definitely-better-app-store-for-raspberry-pi-8.png)
Conclusion
Browse Categories: Pi-Apps organizes software into various categories like Games, Internet, Multimedia, and more. Alternatively, you can use the Search function to find a specific app.Although Pi-Apps simplifies software installation, you’ll need to use the terminal one last time to install it. Fortunately, it’s straightforward.Pi-Apps also provides a range of customization options through its Settings menu. Some of its key advantages include: