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

Encountering dependency problems when installing Lightworks on Linux? Learn why the "Unsatisfied dependencies" error occurs and find an easy solution to fix it, including by editing the .deb control file.

Are you a video editor looking to try Lightworks on your Linux system, but your installation process is blocked by confusing dependency issues? You're not alone. Errors like "Unsatisfied dependencies" or "Unable to correct problems, you have held broken packages" often appear, especially when using a graphical software manager like Plasma Discover.

This article will explain the root of the problem and provide a clear, step-by-step guide to overcome it. With this guide, you will be able to install Lightworks and get back to your editing workflow without any obstacles.

1. Why It Happens: Understanding the Dependency Problem

This problem usually occurs because the required package version (dependency) is not available in your system's repository or has conflicts with other already installed packages. Even if you try to install the package from the official Lightworks site, your system may not be able to automatically find or install all the required dependencies.

2. Solution: Manually Editing the .deb Package

The most effective solution is to edit the control file inside the Lightworks .deb package. This will allow you to remove problematic dependencies and install the package without a hitch.

Steps:

1. Download the Lightworks .deb package from their official website.
2. Use an archiving tool like Ark or X-archiver to extract the contents of the .deb package. This will create a new folder containing DEBIAN, opt, usr, and other folders.
3. Go to the DEBIAN folder and open the control file with a text editor.
4. Find the line that starts with Depends:.
5. Identify and remove the dependency that is causing the error (for example, libgdk-pixbuf-2.0-0 or libglib2.0-0t64).
6. Save the control file.
7. Re-compress the edited folder into a new .deb file. You can use the terminal or a suitable compression tool.

Package: lightworks

Version: 2025.1

Architecture: amd64

Depends: ocl-icd-libopencl1, libtwolame0, libvdpau1 (>= 1.3), libva-drm2 (>= 2.7.0), libc6 (>= 2.17), libcairo2 (>= 1.10.0), libgcc1 (>= 1:4.1.1), libgdk-pixbuf-2.0-0 (>= 2.22.0), libgl1-mesa-glx | libgl1, libglib2.0-0 (>= 2.64.0) | libglib2.0-0t64 (>= 2.80.0), libglu1-mesa | libglu1, libgtk-3-0 (>= 3.0.0) | libgtk-3-0t64 (>= 3.0.0), libpango-1.0-0 (>= 1.18.0), libstdc++6 (>= 4.6), libjack-jackd2-0, libuuid1, libasound2, libc++1

Installed-Size: 570676

Priority: optional

Section: video

Homepage: http://www.lwks.com

Maintainer: LWKS Software Ltd <support@lwks.com>

Description: Hollywood-strength editing for everyone

 Lightworks is the fastest, most accessible and focused NLE in the industry,

 because it is based on the simple idea that the editor, not the computer

 industry, knows what’s best. The latest release of Lightworks is based on

 the cumulative knowledge from thirty years of top-flight editing.

And you can install now.