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Artix Linux (or simply Artix /ɑːrtɪks/) is a rolling-release Linux distribution based on Arch Linux that avoids using systemd, instead allowing users to choose between OpenRC, runit, s6, and dinit.[5][6]

Artix Linux has its own repositories, and it is not recommended by developers to use Arch packages due to differences such as naming conventions and contrasting init systems.

Arch AURs, a user created respository of Arch programs, are commonly used by Artix users and developers, although not officially supported. This greatly expands the available software for Artix.

Arch OpenRC[7] and Manjaro OpenRC were started in 2012. In 2017,[8][9] these projects were merged and Artix Linux was created.

Screenshot of Artix community-gtk edition 2020-02 showcasing the default dark theme
Screenshot of Artix community-gtk edition 2020-02 featuring a mix of GTK and Qt applications Kdenlive, the GIMP, LibreOffice Writer, Claws mail, Smb4K and a Neofetch dump

Release history

Artix initially offered two installation environments, a base command-line ISO image and the graphical Calamares installer based on LXQt desktop,[10] with an i3 version following later.[11] Those early versions featured the OpenRC[12] init system. The latest installation media are also available in a variety of desktop environments like LXDE, LXQt, XFCE, MATE, Cinnamon and KDE Plasma.[13] Additionally, two unofficial community editions featuring GTK (XFCE and MATE) and Qt (KDE Plasma) desktops and a larger software base are offered, aiming at too-busy-to-customise or less experienced, novice users.[14] All current installation media come in OpenRC, runit, s6, and dinit versions, with the exception of the community ISOs that offer OpenRC only. In July of 2025 the distro released a community live distro based on XLibre, a fork of X Server X.org. On April 3rd, 2026, Artix Linux 2026.04 was published as the first official ISO release for 2026, which comes with Linux kernel 6.19.10, XLibre as the default display server, replacing X.org Server, and PipeWire as the default audio server, replacing PulseAudio.[15]

Artix and GNOME

Artix dropped support for the popular GNOME Desktop Management environment because of its dependency on SystemD in a fashion that can not be easily worked around.[16]

Reception

An early review published on DistroWatch on 27 November 2017 found a few bugs, but overall “Artix is working with a good idea […] It’s minimal, it is rolling and it offers a little-used init system. All of these I think make the project worthwhile.”[17] More critical, another review at the time from linux-community.de concluded “the results so far are not exactly motivating.”[18] Much more favourable reviews were later featured in both sites.[19][20] A review from Softpedia gave Artix a 5 out of 5 stars rating, noting its “beautiful and pleasant graphical environments.”[21] Distrowatch readers’ reviews on Distrowatch are mostly very favourable, with an average rating of 9.3 out of 10.[22]

Notes

  1. ^ Artix Linux releases stable and weekly ISOs; stable images are tested to ensure Artix will boot and install the intended way and are released bi-annually. However, it is recommended to try the weekly ISOs first and only fallback to the stable ones in case of issues.

References

  1. ^ “These people started Artix”. ArtixLinux.
  2. ^ “These people make Artix run”. ArtixLinux.
  3. ^ “These people take care of the community”. ArtixLinux.
  4. ^ “ARMtix”.
  5. ^ Red, Ramces (April 18, 2022). “What Is Artix Linux and How to Install It”. Make Tech Easier. Archived from the original on July 23, 2025. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
  6. ^ “Artix Linux : Introduction and Installation”. GeeksforGeeks. February 1, 2024. Archived from the original on March 29, 2025. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
  7. ^ “Archlinux, systemd-free”. systemd-free.artixlinux.org. Retrieved September 4, 2019.
  8. ^ “Return of the Jedi”. systemd-free.artixlinux.org/news.php. Retrieved April 14, 2020.
  9. ^ “Manjaro-openrc will be discontinued”. Manjaro Linux Forum. July 28, 2017. Archived from the original on April 29, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2019.
  10. ^ “Early Artix Linux ISOs”. Retrieved April 8, 2020.
  11. ^ “Early Artix Linux ISOs / i3”. Retrieved April 8, 2020.
  12. ^ “OpenRC”.
  13. ^ “Artix Linux minimal ISOs”. Retrieved April 8, 2020.
  14. ^ “Artix Linux community ISOs”. Retrieved April 8, 2020.
  15. ^ “Systemd-Free Artix Linux Sees First Release in 2026 with XLibre and PipeWire”. Retrieved April 3, 2026.
  16. ^ “Artix Linux Bids Farewell to GNOME: A Deep Dive into Systemd’s Influence”. Retrieved January 21, 2026.
  17. ^ “First Artix Linux review at Distrowatch”. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
  18. ^ “New Arch Linux variant without systemd”. Retrieved September 26, 2020.
  19. ^ “Artix Linux 20200125”. Retrieved September 26, 2020.
  20. ^ “Small and compact: Artix – Arch Linux without Systemd”. Retrieved September 26, 2020.
  21. ^ “A simple, fast, systemd-free operating system based on Arch Linux and OpenRC or Runit”. July 2, 2019. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  22. ^ “Reader supplied reviews for Artix Linux”. Retrieved January 31, 2024.