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github-actions[bot] edited this page Feb 12, 2026 · 8 revisions

Linux Setup Guide

This guide will help you install and run Dwellpy on Linux.

System Requirements

  • Linux distribution with X11 (Wayland support coming soon)
  • Python 3.9 or newer (if using the install script or pip)
  • Internet connection for downloads

Method 1: Debian Package (.deb) Installation (Recommended for Debian/Ubuntu/Mint)

If you are using a Debian-based distribution (like Debian, Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Pop!_OS, etc.), the recommended way to install Dwellpy is using the .deb package.

  1. Go to the latest releases page.
  2. Download the .deb file for your system's architecture.
    • For x64 (amd64) systems (most common), download dwellpy-*-linux-debian-x64.deb.
    • For ARM64 systems, download dwellpy-*-linux-debian-arm64.deb.
  3. Open a terminal and navigate to the directory where you downloaded the file (e.g., cd ~/Downloads).
  4. Install the package using dpkg. Replace dwellpy-version-architecture.deb with the actual filename: 
    sudo dpkg -i dwellpy-version-architecture.deb
    For example: 
    sudo dpkg -i dwellpy-0.9.1-linux-debian-x64.deb
  5. If you encounter any dependency errors, run the following command to fix them. This command will also install Dwellpy if dpkg failed due to missing dependencies. 
    sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install -f
  6. Once installed, you can run Dwellpy by typing dwellpy in your terminal or finding it in your application menu.

Note on Architectures: The .deb package for x64 is built with the architecture amd64 in its control file to ensure compatibility with dpkg. Similarly, arm64 is used for ARM64 systems.

Updating Dwellpy (Installed via .deb)

To update Dwellpy if you installed it using the .deb package:

  1. Go to the latest releases page and download the new .deb file for your architecture.
  2. Open a terminal and navigate to the directory where you downloaded the new version.
  3. Install the new package. This will typically upgrade the existing installation. 
    sudo dpkg -i dwellpy-new-version-architecture.deb
    Replace dwellpy-new-version-architecture.deb with the actual filename of the new version.
  4. If you encounter dependency issues, or to ensure all dependencies are correct, run: 
    sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install -f

Alternatively, if Dwellpy was installed and its dependencies were resolved with apt (e.g., after sudo apt-get install -f), you might be able to upgrade using apt directly if you've added a PPA or if the package is in a configured repository (though this guide currently focuses on direct .deb installation): bash # sudo apt-get update # sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade dwellpy For direct .deb file downloads, the dpkg -i method is the most straightforward for upgrading.

Uninstalling Dwellpy (Installed via .deb)

To uninstall Dwellpy if you installed it using the .deb package:

  1. Open a terminal.
  2. Use the following command to remove the package: 
    sudo apt-get remove dwellpy
  3. If you also want to remove any system-wide configuration files that were installed with the package (though Dwellpy primarily stores user-specific settings in the user's home directory), you can use: 
    sudo apt-get purge dwellpy
    For most users, sudo apt-get remove dwellpy is sufficient.

Method 2: Automated Install Script (Recommended for Other Distributions or Script-Based Setup)

For other Linux distributions, or if you prefer a script-based setup that handles dependencies and creates a desktop entry, you can use our automated install script. This script installs Dwellpy using pip and sets up the environment.

curl -sSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/code0nwheels/dwellpy/main/utils/linux-install.sh | bash

This script will:

  • Detect your Linux distribution.
  • Install Python 3 and pip if needed.
  • Install Dwellpy and its dependencies using pip.
  • Create a launcher script (usually in ~/.local/bin/dwellpy).
  • Attempt to add the launcher to your PATH.
  • Create a desktop menu entry (Dwellpy should appear in your Applications menu).
  • Optionally set up autostart (it will ask for your preference).
  • Check for X11/Wayland compatibility.

Supported Distributions by Script (X11 ONLY)

The script aims to support a wide range of distributions, including:

  • Ubuntu/Debian/Pop!_OS/Linux Mint (though the .deb package is preferred here)
  • Fedora
  • CentOS/RHEL/Rocky Linux/AlmaLinux
  • Arch Linux/Manjaro
  • openSUSE

If your distribution is not listed, the script might still work, especially if it's based on one of the above.

Installation Features via Script

  • Desktop Integration: Dwellpy appears in your Applications menu.
  • Optional Auto-start: Choose whether Dwellpy starts automatically when you log in.
  • Environment Setup: Handles Python, pip, and PATH adjustments.

After installation completes, you can typically:

  • Start from command line: dwellpy
  • Start from Applications menu: Look for "Dwellpy".

Method 3: Manual Installation (Advanced Users)

Comparison of Installation Methods

Method Pros Cons
Debian Package (.deb) System-wide installation, dependency handling via apt, integrates with package manager, desktop entry. Primarily for Debian-based systems (Ubuntu, Mint, etc.).
Automated Install Script Handles dependencies, full desktop integration, auto-start option, works on many distributions. Requires Python & pip, relies on script compatibility with your system.
Manual pip install Lightweight, latest features directly from PyPI, fine-grained control. No automatic desktop integration or auto-start setup, requires Python & pip knowledge, PATH management might be needed.

Recommendation:

  • For Debian-based systems (Ubuntu, Mint, etc.): Use the Debian Package (.deb) for the best integration.
  • For other Linux distributions: Use the Automated Install Script.
  • For advanced users who prefer manual control or are on an unsupported distribution: Use Manual pip install.

Manual Installation (Alternative)

If you prefer to install manually or the automated script doesn't work for your system:

Step 1: Install pip

Most Linux distributions come with Python but not pip. Install it using your package manager:

Ubuntu/Debian

sudo apt update
sudo apt install python3-pip

Fedora

sudo dnf install python3-pip

Arch Linux

sudo pacman -S python-pip

Other Distributions

Check your distribution's documentation for installing python3-pip.

Step 2: Install Dwellpy

pip3 install dwellpy

Step 3: Run Dwellpy

dwellpy

The Dwellpy toolbar should appear on your screen!

Common Issues

"Command not found: dwellpy"

The installation likely put dwellpy in ~/.local/bin which isn't in your PATH:

  1. Add it to your PATH temporarily:

    export PATH="$HOME/.local/bin:$PATH"

  2. Make it permanent by adding to your shell config:

    echo 'export PATH="$HOME/.local/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc

Permission Errors

If you get permission errors during installation, try:

pip3 install --user dwellpy

Wayland Issues

Dwellpy currently requires X11. If you're using Wayland:

  1. Log out of your session
  2. At the login screen, look for a gear/settings icon
  3. Select "Ubuntu on Xorg" or similar X11 option
  4. Log back in and try running Dwellpy

The automated install script will detect Wayland and warn you about this requirement.

Managing Auto-Start

Method 1: Via Dwellpy Settings (Recommended)

The easiest way to enable auto-start is through Dwellpy's built-in settings:

  1. Open Dwellpy
  2. Click the Settings button (gear icon)
  3. Go to the General tab
  4. Check "Auto-start on system login"
  5. Click OK

Dwellpy will now automatically start when you log in to your desktop environment. This method creates an XDG autostart entry that integrates properly with your system.

Method 2: Manual File Management

If you prefer to manage auto-start manually:

Check if auto-start is enabled:

ls -la ~/.config/autostart/dwellpy.desktop

Disable auto-start:

rm ~/.config/autostart/dwellpy.desktop

Enable auto-start (if not set up during installation):

# Copy the desktop entry to autostart
cp ~/.local/share/applications/dwellpy.desktop ~/.config/autostart/dwellpy.desktop

Method 3: Desktop Environment Settings

You can also manage auto-start through your desktop environment:

  • GNOME: Settings → Applications → Startup Applications
  • KDE: System Settings → Startup and Shutdown → Autostart
  • XFCE: Settings → Session and Startup → Application Autostart
  • Ubuntu: Search for "Startup Applications" in Activities

Disabling Auto-Start

To disable auto-start:

  • Via Settings: Uncheck "Auto-start on system login" in Dwellpy Settings → General
  • Manually: Remove the file ~/.config/autostart/dwellpy.desktop
  • Desktop Environment: Use your desktop's startup application settings

Manual Auto-Start Setup (For Manual Installation)

If you installed manually and want auto-start, create an XDG autostart entry:

# Create autostart directory
mkdir -p ~/.config/autostart

# Create desktop entry
cat > ~/.config/autostart/dwellpy.desktop << EOF
[Desktop Entry]
Type=Application
Name=Dwellpy
Comment=Click by hovering - accessibility tool
Exec=dwellpy
Icon=applications-accessibility
Categories=Accessibility;Utility;
StartupNotify=false
NoDisplay=false
Hidden=false
X-GNOME-Autostart-enabled=true
EOF

Updating Dwellpy

If installed with automated script:

Re-run the install script to get the latest version:

curl -sSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/code0nwheels/dwellpy/main/utils/linux-install.sh | bash

If installed with pip:

pip3 install --upgrade dwellpy

Uninstalling

If installed with automated script:

Use the automated uninstall script:

curl -sSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/code0nwheels/dwellpy/main/utils/linux-uninstall.sh | bash

This will safely remove:

  • All Dwellpy source code and files
  • Desktop menu entry
  • Auto-start configuration
  • Launcher script
  • Running Dwellpy processes
  • Empty directories (if no other apps use them)

Optional removal: The uninstaller will ask if you want to remove the PATH modification from ~/.bashrc (it backs up the file first).

Manual uninstall (if needed):

# Stop running processes
pkill -f "python3 -m dwellpy.main"

# Remove auto-start
rm -f ~/.config/autostart/dwellpy.desktop

# Remove desktop menu entry  
rm -f ~/.local/share/applications/dwellpy.desktop

# Remove launcher script
rm -f ~/.local/bin/dwellpy

# Remove source code
rm -rf ~/.local/dwellpy

# Update desktop database
update-desktop-database ~/.local/share/applications 2>/dev/null || true

If installed with pip:

pip3 uninstall dwellpy

Getting Help

If you're still having trouble:

  1. Check the Troubleshooting Guide
  2. Open an issue on GitHub
  3. Include your Linux distribution, desktop environment, and any error messages

Next Steps

Once Dwellpy is running, check out the Configuration Guide to adjust the settings for your needs.

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