DistroBox is an automation tool for deploying distribution-like containers in a terminal [Link]. It can run anything from GUI apps to full graphical environments.
Although Docker is the most popular container platform, Podman is recommended for better security. Unlike Docker, Podman runs containers with user-level permissions instead of root.
Containers are well integrated with the host OS, sharing the user’s home directory, external storage, and even USB or audio/graphical peripherals.
- Use cases for DistroBox:
- Development: test applications across multiple distributions.
- Distro-hopping: test different Linux flavours safely and effortlessly.
- Privilege workaround: gain full control inside a container when the host restricts permissions.
INSTALLATION ON UBUNTU
Requirements
sudo apt update sudo apt install docker.io podman -y
Add the repository and install DistroBox.
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:michel-slm/distrobox sudo apt update sudo apt install distrobox -y
BASIC USAGE
List available commands and existing boxes.
distrobox help distrobox ls
Create and enter a box.
distrobox create -n UbuntuBox --image ubuntu:24.04 distrobox enter UbuntuBox
Install and export an app from inside a box.
$ sudo apt install kolourpaint -y $ kolourpaint $ distrobox-export --app kolourpaint $ exit
Run the exported app from the host.
kolourpaint
Stop and remove a box.
distrobox stop UbuntuBox distrobox rm UbuntuBox
See the full list of supported distros and versions at [Link].
ADVANCED USAGE
Create an ephemeral box that self-destructs on exit.
distrobox-ephemeral create -n KaliBox --image kali-rolling
Run a command on the host from inside a box.
distrobox-host-exec distrobox ls
Export an app with sudo, list, or remove exported apps.
$ distrobox-export --sudo appName $ distrobox-export --list-apps $ distrobox-export --delete appName
Upgrade one or all boxes.
distrobox-upgrade KaliBox distrobox-upgrade --all
Create a box owned by the root user.
distrobox create -n UbuntuBox --image ubuntu:24.04 --root distrobox enter --root UbuntuBox
Clone an existing box.
distrobox stop KaliBox distrobox create --name KaliClone --clone KaliBox
Enable Nvidia support when creating a box.
distrobox create --nvidia --name UbuntuNvidia --image ubuntu:latest