Ubuntu users usually install software through .deb packages or the APT package manager. However, some developers distribute applications only in RPM format. In such cases, you need a reliable method to install RPM Ubuntu packages without breaking your system.
RPM files are mainly designed for Red Hat-based Linux distributions like Fedora, RHEL, and CentOS. Since Ubuntu uses the Debian package format, it cannot install RPM files directly. Fortunately, tools like Alien make the process much easier.
Sometimes a software vendor provides only an RPM package for Linux users. As a result, Ubuntu users may struggle to install the application through standard repositories.
Although converting RPM files is possible, you should use this method carefully. Dependency conflicts can appear if the RPM package was built for a very different environment. Therefore, always prefer official Ubuntu repositories whenever available.
Still, if no Debian package exists, converting RPM files becomes a practical solution.
The easiest way to install RPM Ubuntu software is by using the Alien utility. Alien converts RPM packages into Debian-compatible .deb files.
First, enable the Universe repository if it is not already active:
sudo add-apt-repository universe
Next, update your package list and install Alien:
sudo apt updatesudo apt install alien
Along with Alien, Ubuntu also installs several required build tools automatically.
After installing Alien, move to the directory containing the RPM file. Then run the following command:
sudo alien package_name.rpm
The conversion process may take a few moments depending on the package size. Once completed, Alien creates a .deb package inside the same directory.
Now install the converted package using APT:
sudo apt install ./package_name.deb
Alternatively, you can use dpkg:
sudo dpkg -i package_name.deb
In many cases, the software installs successfully if all dependencies are available on your Ubuntu system.
Alien also supports direct installation without manually converting the file first. This approach saves time for quick testing.
Use this command:
sudo alien -i package_name.rpm
Alien automatically converts and installs the package in a single step. Additionally, it removes temporary files after installation finishes.
Before you install RPM Ubuntu packages, remember a few important precautions.
Never replace critical Ubuntu system components such as systemd, libc, or core libraries with converted RPM packages. Doing so can damage system stability and create boot problems.
Moreover, always download RPM files from trusted vendors. Unverified packages may contain outdated dependencies or security risks.
If possible, test unfamiliar RPM packages inside a virtual machine before deploying them on a production system.
Using Alien makes it simple to install RPM Ubuntu packages even though Ubuntu does not natively support RPM files. You can either convert RPM packages into Debian packages or install them directly through Alien.
For better stability, always prefer official Ubuntu repositories whenever possible. However, when software is available only in RPM format, Alien provides a fast and practical workaround for Ubuntu users.
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