pkgconvert

A tool to convert Linux desktop application packages between formats.

This project was created to solve a personal problem. As a relatively new Linux user, I frequently ran into applications that were only available as .deb files on Fedora, or .rpm files on Debian-based systems. After spending too much time trying to make them work, I built this tool to simplify the process.

The goal is to help other users in the same situation — especially those newer to Linux — convert packages without needing to deal with complex packaging internals.

This project was heavily developed using AI (Grok and Claude).

What It Can Convert

This tool works best with regular desktop applications.

Most reliable conversions:

• .deb ↔ .rpm
• .deb or .rpm to .tar.gz (ideal for portable archives)
• .deb or .rpm to an extracted folder

Additional capabilities:

• Can extract .AppImage and .snap files
• Can convert .tar.gz files to other formats (results may vary)

Important Warning: Only use this tool on desktop applications — programs you launch by clicking an icon.

Do not use it on system packages, drivers, services, databases, or any software your operating system depends on. Doing so can break your system. Use with caution.

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Check your installed version any time with ./pkgconvert.sh --version.

Graphical Interface (Optional)

Prefer clicking instead of typing? Run:

./pkgconvert-gui.sh

It walks you through the process visually: pick a file → choose output format → review the pre-flight analysis → click Convert. The converted package is saved in the same folder as the original.

The GUI auto-detects your desktop environment (GNOME or KDE Plasma) and uses the appropriate dialog tool (zenity or kdialog).

Complete Beginner Walkthrough

Step 1: Download the files from the green Code button (Download ZIP) and extract them. Keep pkgconvert.sh and pkgconvert-gui.sh in the same folder.

Step 2: Open a terminal in that folder and make the scripts executable:

chmod +x pkgconvert.sh pkgconvert-gui.sh

Step 3: Install the required tools (example for Fedora):

sudo dnf install binutils zstd rpm-build dpkg squashfs-tools cpio

Step 4: Run the tool:

• GUI: ./pkgconvert-gui.sh
• CLI: ./pkgconvert.sh someapp.deb --to rpm

Step 5: Install the resulting package (e.g. on Fedora):

sudo dnf install ./someapp-1.0.x86_64.rpm

If the app doesn't launch, re-run the analysis (--info) and install any missing dependencies it lists.

Quick Start

chmod +x pkgconvert.sh

# Interactive mode
./pkgconvert.sh someapp.deb

# Direct conversion
./pkgconvert.sh someapp.deb --to rpm
./pkgconvert.sh someapp.rpm --to deb
./pkgconvert.sh someapp.AppImage --to tar.gz

Pre-flight Analysis

Before converting, the tool analyzes the package and clearly explains potential issues such as:

• Dependency name translations for your distro
• Missing shared libraries
• Install scripts and systemd services that won't carry over
• Desktop launcher problems

This helps you understand what might need manual fixing after conversion.

Options

Flag	Description
--to FORMAT	Output format: tar.gz, deb, rpm, or dir
--distro NAME	Force dependency translation (debian, fedora, opensuse, arch)
--info	Show analysis only, don't convert
--yes / -y	Skip confirmation
--quiet / -q	Reduce explanatory text
--report	Auto-save failure report
--version / -V	Show version

Requirements

# Fedora / RHEL
sudo dnf install binutils zstd rpm-build dpkg squashfs-tools cpio

# Debian / Ubuntu
sudo apt install binutils zstd rpm dpkg squashfs-tools cpio

# openSUSE
sudo zypper install binutils zstd rpm-build dpkg squashfs-tools cpio

# Arch
sudo pacman -S binutils zstd rpm-tools dpkg squashfs-tools cpio

Limitations

• Dependencies are not automatically included in the converted package.
• Maintainer scripts and some advanced setup steps do not carry over.
• Complex or Electron-based apps may still need manual adjustments.
• This tool is designed for desktop apps only.

Running the Tests

./tests/run-tests.sh

Alternatives

• alien — Classic deb ↔ rpm converter
• debtap (AUR) — For Arch Linux users

License

MIT — feel free to use and modify as you like.