How to Install OpenUtau on a Chromebook (2026 Guide)

OpenUtau is a free and open-source singing synthesizer that allows users to create songs using virtual voicebanks. It is considered a modern successor to the classic UTAU software, offering a cleaner interface, better performance, and support for multiple voicebank formats.

The good news for Chromebook users is that OpenUtau provides a native Linux version, which means you can run it on ChromeOS through the Linux Development Environment without relying on Wine.

In this guide, you'll learn how to install OpenUtau on a Chromebook step by step.

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What is OpenUtau?

OpenUtau is a vocal synthesis editor that enables users to create music with virtual singers. Similar to Vocaloid and UTAU, OpenUtau lets you enter lyrics and melodies, then generates singing vocals using compatible voicebanks.

Features of OpenUtau

• Free and open-source

• Modern and user-friendly interface

• Native Linux support

• Compatible with many UTAU voicebanks

• Built-in pitch editing tools

• Active development and community support

• Runs well on Chromebooks with Linux enabled

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Requirements

Before installing OpenUtau, make sure your Chromebook has:

• Linux Development Environment enabled

• At least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended)

• Around 1 GB of free storage space

• Stable internet connection

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Step 1: Enable Linux on Chromebook

Before installing, Linux must be enabled.

1. Open Settings on your Chromebook.
2. Scroll down to About Chrome OS.
3. Under the Developer section, select Enable.
4. Allocate at least 10GB of storage for Linux.
5. Wait until the setup is complete and the Linux terminal appears.

For best compatibility, use the latest version of Chrome OS.

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Step 2: Update Linux Packages

Run:

sudo apt update

This ensures your Linux container is up to date.

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Step 3: Download OpenUtau

Download the latest Linux version directly from GitHub:

wget https://github.com/stakira/OpenUtau/releases/latest/download/OpenUtau-linux-x64.zip

If your Chromebook uses an ARM processor, download the ARM64 version instead.

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Step 4: Extract OpenUtau

Extract the downloaded archive:

unzip OpenUtau-linux-x64.zip -d openutau

Move into the OpenUtau folder:

cd openutau

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Step 5: Make OpenUtau Executable

Grant executable permissions:

chmod +x OpenUtau

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Step 6: Launch OpenUtau

Run:

~/openutau/OpenUtau

After a few moments, the OpenUtau window should appear.

Congratulations! OpenUtau is now running on your Chromebook.

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Optional: Create an App Shortcut

To launch OpenUtau directly from the ChromeOS app launcher without opening Terminal every time, create a desktop entry:

nano ~/.local/share/applications/openutau.desktop

Paste the following:

[Desktop Entry]
Version=1.0
Type=Application
Name=OpenUtau
Exec=/home/USERNAME/openutau/OpenUtau
Terminal=false
Categories=AudioVideo;Music;

Replace USERNAME with your Linux username.

Save the file and make it executable:

chmod +x ~/.local/share/applications/openutau.desktop

OpenUtau should now appear under Linux Apps in the Chromebook launcher.

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Fix: OpenUtau Does Not Start

If OpenUtau refuses to launch, install additional libraries:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install libicu-dev libfontconfig1 -y

Then try launching again:

cd ~/openutau
./OpenUtau

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Performance on Chromebook

OpenUtau generally runs well on Intel and AMD Chromebooks with Linux support. Performance depends on your hardware, but basic editing, voicebank management, and song creation are usually smooth even on mid-range devices.

For larger projects with multiple tracks and complex tuning, Chromebooks with 8 GB RAM or more are recommended.

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Conclusion

OpenUtau is one of the best free singing synthesis applications available today, and thanks to its Linux version, it can run directly on ChromeOS. Installation is straightforward: enable Linux, download the application, extract it, and launch it from Terminal.

Once installed, you can start exploring virtual singing, voicebanks, and music production directly from your Chromebook without needing Windows.

Whether you're a beginner curious about vocal synthesis or an experienced creator looking for a free alternative, OpenUtau is definitely worth trying on your Chromebook.