How to install Reaper on a Chromebook

In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of installing Reaper, a powerful digital audio workstation (DAW), on your Chromebook. This tutorial is designed to complement our video guide, providing detailed written instructions for each step of the installation process.

What is Reaper?

Reaper (Rapid Environment for Audio Production, Engineering, and Recording) is a versatile and efficient digital audio workstation. It's known for its lightweight nature, customizability, and robust feature set, making it a popular choice among audio professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, ensure that your Chromebook supports Linux apps (Crostini). If you're unsure, you can check our list of Chromebooks with Linux Apps support.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

1. Enable Linux Apps on Your Chromebook

If you haven't already enabled Linux apps on your Chromebook, follow these steps:

  1. Open your Chromebook's Settings
  2. Navigate to the Advanced section
  3. Click on the Developers section
  4. Turn on the Linux apps option

2. Install Reaper Using Flatpak

We'll be using Flatpak to install Reaper. Flatpak is a universal package management system that allows for easy installation and updates of applications across different Linux distributions.

Open your Linux terminal and run the following commands one by one:

1) sudo apt update
2) sudo apt install flatpak
3) sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
4) sudo flatpak install flathub fm.reaper.Reaper
5) sudo chown root:root /usr/bin/bwrap && sudo chmod u+s /usr/bin/bwrap

Here's what each command does:

  1. Updates the package lists for upgrades and new package installations.
  2. Installs Flatpak on your system.
  3. Adds the Flathub repository to Flatpak, which is where we'll download Reaper from.
  4. Installs Reaper using Flatpak.
  5. Sets the correct permissions for the bwrap (bubblewrap) command, which is used by Flatpak for sandboxing applications.

Additional Resources

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Google Doc used in the tutorial.

About Flatpak and Reaper

To learn more about the Flatpak version of Reaper, visit the Flathub Reaper page.

For official documentation and support, check out the Reaper website.

Video Tutorial

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any issues during the installation process, try the following:

  • Ensure your Chromebook's software is up to date
  • Restart your Chromebook and try the installation process again
  • Check that you have sufficient storage space for the installation
  • If a command fails, try running it again or rebooting before retrying

Remember, Reaper is a powerful tool with a learning curve. Once installed, take some time to explore its features and capabilities. There are many online resources and tutorials available to help you get started with audio production using Reaper.

Conclusion

Installing Reaper on your Chromebook opens up a world of audio production possibilities. Whether you're a musician, podcaster, or audio enthusiast, Reaper provides professional-grade tools right on your Chromebook. Enjoy exploring and creating with your new digital audio workstation!

If you have any questions about the installation process, feel free to leave a comment on our YouTube video, and we'll be happy to assist you.

For more Chromebook tips and tutorials, check out our Chromebook comparison and Buyers Guide.

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