Linux

In this article, we'll install the OptiSigns player on a Linux computer and get it ready to pair with your account.

• Download the AppImage
• Make the AppImage Executable
• Ubuntu 24.04 and Later: Install libfuse2
• Open the Player and Pair It
• Use the Player Menu
• Configure AutoStart on Ubuntu 24.04 and Later
• Play Video with mpv
• Hide the Ubuntu Dock and Top Bar
• Next Steps

The OptiSigns player runs on any Linux computer and turns it into a digital signage player. It comes as an AppImage, a single file that runs on all major distributions, including Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Red Hat and Arch Linux, without installing anything.

Download the AppImage

Download the AppImage that matches your computer's processor:

• 64-bit PC (Intel or AMD): Download for x86_64
• ARM 64-bit (for example a Raspberry Pi running a 64-bit OS): Download for ARM64
• ARM 32-bit (for example a Raspberry Pi running a 32-bit OS): Download for ARMv7

Note: There is no version for 32-bit Intel or AMD PCs.

Make the AppImage Executable

1. Open the folder you downloaded the AppImage to.

2. Right-click the AppImage and select Properties.

3. Make sure Permissions is set to Read and Write, and switch Executable as Program on.

Tip: You can do the same thing in a terminal with chmod +x optisigns-*.AppImage.

Ubuntu 24.04 and Later: Install libfuse2

AppImages need the libfuse2 library, which Ubuntu 24.04 and later don't include. If you're on one of these versions, open a terminal and run:

sudo apt install libfuse2

On other distributions, install your distribution's FUSE 2 package if the AppImage doesn't open.

Open the Player and Pair It

1. Double-click the AppImage.
2. Your desktop may ask whether to integrate the AppImage with your system. Select Yes to add OptiSigns to your applications menu. This is optional; you can always open the player by double-clicking the AppImage.

3. The player opens full screen and shows a pairing code. Go to app.optisigns.com and add a screen with this code. For the details, see Set up & add a screen.

Use the Player Menu

Move the mouse to show three buttons at the top right of the player: Exit Fullscreen, Menu and Close. Select Menu to open the side menu.

The side menu includes:

• Orientation: rotate the content to match how the screen is mounted.
• Restart: restart the player at a set time each day.
• AutoStart: open the player when the computer starts. On by default.
• Fullscreen on Startup: open the player full screen. On by default.
• Advanced Options: more settings, including Video Player.

Configure AutoStart on Ubuntu 24.04 and Later

AutoStart is on by default, so the player normally starts with the computer. On Ubuntu 24.04 and later, the player also needs the --no-sandbox option to start, which the AutoStart entry doesn't include. Add your own startup entry instead:

1. Open Startup Applications. You'll see the player's own entry, OptiSigns Digital Signage.

2. Select Add.
3. Enter any Name and Comment. In Command, enter the full path to the AppImage followed by --no-sandbox, for example:

/home/<your-user>/Downloads/optisigns-5.6.33-x86_64.AppImage --no-sandbox

4. Select Add.
5. In the player's side menu, switch AutoStart off. This removes the player's own entry, so only yours starts the player.

Note: Don't just delete the player's own entry in Startup Applications. While AutoStart is on, the player adds it back every time it opens.

Play Video with MPV

If videos stutter, or you play several high-resolution videos at once, install the MPV video player. OptiSigns finds it automatically and uses it to play video.

1. If your computer has an Intel processor, install Intel's video driver:

sudo apt install intel-media-va-driver-non-free

2. Install MPV:

sudo apt install mpv

3. Restart the player. To check which video player it uses, open the side menu and go to Advanced Options > Video Player. Select MPV Video Player.

Hide the Ubuntu Dock and Top Bar

So the desktop doesn't show around your content:

1. Open Settings > Ubuntu Desktop and switch Auto-hide the Dock on.

2. Install the Extension Manager:

sudo apt install gnome-shell-extension-manager

3. Open Extension Manager, select Browse and search for Hide Top Bar. Select Install.

Next Steps

Now that your player is paired, add content to it:

• How to Upload & Manage Your Files/ Assets
• How to Create & Use Playlists
• Creating and Using Schedules with OptiSigns

If you have questions or feedback, contact our support team at support@optisigns.com.

That’s all!

OptiSigns is the leader in digital signage software. If you have any additional questions, concerns or any feedback about OptiSigns, feel free to reach out to our support team at support@optisigns.com.