Ubuntu Studio is a free and open source operating system, and an official flavor of Ubuntu. Ubuntu Studio is the most widely used operating system specifically created for content creation in the world. It comes preinstalled with a selection of the most common free multimedia applications available, and is configured for best performance for various purposes: Audio, Graphics, Video, Photography and Publishing.
Ubuntu Studio is a community effort, created by volunteers, targeted towards all skill levels, from beginner to pro, and aims to be easy to install and easy to use, as well as provide all the tools necessary for any type of media content creation.
We aim to be an operating system for content creation configured to work out-of-the-box for multimedia applications, and to be especially easy-to-use for the complex processes required by professional audio production while still being a good all-in-one studio for various creative types.
Ubuntu Studio 26.04 LTS (Resolute Raccoon)This Long-Term Support (LTS) release is supported for 3 years, through April 2029.
An Ubuntu Studio LTS arrives once every two years. This is more than a routine update: it is a long-horizon milestone for creators, educators, studios, and production systems that prioritize dependability.
This release reflects months of development, packaging, design, testing, and community feedback, all focused on making Ubuntu Studio production-ready from first boot.
Whether you record music, edit video, design graphics, or publish layouts, the goal is simple: stay out of your way and let your creativity lead. That shows up in practical improvements across this release, from desktop layout choice and modernized setup tools to updated defaults and day-to-day polish.
Why This LTS Is Special- You can trace a clear through-line across recent LTS cycles: 20.04 LTS was the last Xfce-based LTS and set up the desktop transition, 22.04 LTS stabilized the Plasma era, and 24.04 LTS introduced the new Subiquity/Flutter installer generation and PipeWire 1.0 maturity.
- Ubuntu Studio 26.04 LTS builds on that foundation with practical workflow improvements instead of a single marquee feature: three selectable desktop layouts, fully rewritten Installer and Audio Configuration tools (Python with GTK4 and Qt6 frontends), and broader translation coverage.
- It also brings forward ideas that were future-looking in earlier cycles, especially minimal-install flexibility and easier post-install workflow selection, while adding production-focused updates like FFADO support, easier PipeWire tuning, and new default additions such as Loopino and Plasma PipeWire Settings.
- As with prior Ubuntu Studio LTS releases, this cycle carries a three-year support window, through April 2029.
Major HighlightsThree desktop layouts, one familiar homeThis release includes three selectable desktop layouts:
- The classic Ubuntu Studio top-panel layout
- A macOS-like layout with global menu and dock
- A Windows-like bottom-panel layout
Creators coming from different platforms get a familiar starting point and a faster path to feeling at home.
Installer and configuration tools modernizedUbuntu Studio Installer and Ubuntu Studio Audio Configuration were completely rewritten, with modern interfaces and desktop-aware behavior.
This is more than a visual refresh. Both tools were rebuilt from the ground up in Python with dual GTK4 and Qt6 frontends, and automatically select the interface that best matches your desktop environment.
Internationalization also took a major leap forward: both tools now include translations across 21 languages, helping more creators configure their systems comfortably in their preferred language.
Audio production gets more powerfulUbuntu Studio Audio Configuration now includes built-in support for FFADO FireWire devices and simpler PipeWire tuning through menus instead of manual entry.
For musicians and engineers using professional FireWire interfaces, FFADO support improves compatibility with legacy-but-still-essential studio hardware without extra manual setup.
PipeWire sample-rate and buffer controls are now easier to access and adjust quickly, making low-latency tuning far more approachable for both new and experienced users.
Better defaults for creatorsVLC is now the default media player, offering broad format compatibility and a familiar, dependable playback experience for day-to-day media review.
vmpk now replaces jack-keyboard, giving MIDI-focused users a more modern and flexible virtual keyboard workflow.
More quality-of-life improvements across the releaseBeyond the headline features, this release includes several practical improvements that make daily use smoother:
Live sessions now inhibit lock screen/screensaver to prevent interruptions during testing or demos
SDDM and splash visuals were refined for a cleaner login and boot experience
Desktop menus include translation coverage improvements
Theme metadata updates improve Plasma 6 compatibility and consistency
Key workflow tools were substantially updated, including QPrompt, RaySession, and Patchance