The guide explains how to install the lightweight MATE‑style text editor Pluma on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, noting that the package is already in the official Jammy repositories but a clean apt update helps avoid conflicts with any custom PPAs. Installation is performed with sudo apt install pluma, which pulls only the core editor and minimal dependencies rather than an entire desktop environment. After installation you can verify it with pluma --version or launch it from the terminal, and optionally set Pluma as the system’s default editor using sudo update-alternatives --config editor. Finally, the article shows how to open files directly from the file manager by selecting Pluma as the preferred application.

How to Install Pluma Text Editor on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS

If you’re tired of the default GNOME editor feeling like a heavyweight, this guide shows you how to get Pluma up and running on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS. You’ll have a fast‑loading MATE‑style editor that plays nicely with your terminal workflow.

Add the official repository (optional)

Ubuntu’s jammy repositories already include Pluma, but if you’ve added a custom PPA in the past it can confuse apt. Running an update clears out stale indexes and makes sure you pull the right package.

sudo apt update

The command refreshes the local package list so that apt install knows about the latest versions. Skipping this step often leads to “package not found” errors, which I’ve seen more than once after a messy upgrade.

Install Pluma

Now actually pull the editor in:

sudo apt install pluma

pluma pulls in only the core editor and a handful of dependencies. It’s far lighter than installing the whole MATE desktop just to get the text editor, which is why I prefer this method over pulling an entire desktop environment.

Verify the installation

A quick check saves you from wondering why the shortcut isn’t appearing:

pluma --version

If you see something like Pluma 1.26.0, you’re good to go. You can also launch it from the terminal with pluma & to keep an eye on any error messages.

Optional: Set Pluma as the default editor for sudo

I often edit system files with sudoedit. Pointing that helper at Pluma makes the experience smoother:

sudo update-alternatives --config editor

Choose the number that corresponds to /usr/bin/pluma. This step isn’t required, but it prevents the dreaded “nano is too cryptic” moments when you need a quick edit.

Handy tip: Open files directly from the file manager

Right‑click any text file, choose Open With → Pluma. If you don’t see it, select Other Application… and type pluma. Once you’ve done this once, Ubuntu remembers your choice.

That’s all there is to getting Pluma on Jammy. It’s a lightweight alternative that won’t hog resources, and it integrates nicely with the rest of the system.