How to Fix Lightworks Installation Failure on Linux (Dependency Issue)

Meta description: Learn how to fix Lightworks installation errors on Linux caused by "unsatisfied dependencies". Step-by-step guide to edit .deb control file and successfully install Lightworks.

Fix Lightworks Dependency Problems on Linux (Complete Guide)

Are you trying to install Lightworks on Linux but keep getting the dreaded Unsatisfied dependencies error? You’re not alone. Many Linux video editors face this issue when installing Lightworks from a .deb package. This guide will explain why dependency errors happen and provide an easy step-by-step solution so you can successfully run Lightworks on your system.

Why "Unsatisfied Dependencies" Happens

When installing Lightworks on Linux, the error occurs because some required packages are either missing, outdated, or in conflict with existing libraries. For example, dependencies like libglib2.0-0t64 or libgdk-pixbuf-2.0-0 may not match your distribution’s package versions. As a result, your package manager (like APT or Plasma Discover) refuses to continue the installation.

Solution: Edit the .deb Control File

The most reliable fix is to manually edit the control file inside the .deb package. This allows you to remove or adjust problematic dependencies without breaking the installation process.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Download the latest Lightworks .deb package from the official Lightworks website.
2. Extract the package using Ark, Xarchiver, or the command line:

   dpkg-deb -R lightworks.deb lightworks-edit

3. Navigate to the DEBIAN folder inside the extracted package.
4. Open the control file with your text editor.
5. Find the line starting with Depends: and remove the conflicting dependency (e.g. libglib2.0-0t64).
6. Save the file and repackage the .deb:

   dpkg-deb -b lightworks-edit lightworks-fixed.deb

7. Install the modified package:

   sudo dpkg -i lightworks-fixed.deb

Extra Tips for Installing Lightworks on Linux

• Make sure your system is updated:

  sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

• If additional dependencies are required, install them manually with APT.
• Check Lightworks official forum for compatibility notes with your distribution.
• Use Ubuntu, Debian, or Linux Mint for the smoothest installation experience.

FAQ: Lightworks Linux Installation

Q: Will editing the control file break my system?
A: No, as long as you only remove conflicting packages and your system already has compatible libraries installed.

Q: Can I use the same method for other software?
A: Yes, this technique works for most .deb packages with dependency issues.

Q: Which Linux distro works best for Lightworks?
A: Ubuntu LTS or Debian Stable usually provide the best results.

With this fix, you can now install and run Lightworks on Linux without any dependency errors!