QDirStat installation is simplest when your Linux distribution provides a maintained package. That route keeps dependencies, desktop integration and future updates under the same package manager used by the rest of the system.
A source build is useful when a package is unavailable or when you specifically need newer upstream code. It also requires more care: you must install compiler and Qt development packages, read the project instructions and avoid mixing files with a repository-managed installation.
Choose the right installation method
Use a distribution package
For most users, a repository package is the best balance of stability and maintainability. It can be removed cleanly, receives updates through normal system maintenance and is built for the libraries shipped by that distribution release.
Build from source only for a reason
The provided ZIP tracks the main source branch. Choose it when you understand the build process, need code not yet packaged or want to inspect and compile the project yourself.
Install with a package manager
Ubuntu and Debian
Refresh package metadata, then install the qdirstat package. Review the proposed changes before confirming, especially on older or minimal systems.
Fedora
Use the DNF package manager and allow it to resolve the required Qt runtime packages.
Arch Linux
Search official repositories first. If you later consider an AUR package, read the PKGBUILD and comments rather than treating it as a pre-verified binary source.
Prepare a source build
Keep the source separate
Extract the ZIP into a user-owned development directory. Do not copy files into system locations manually before the build and install instructions are clear.
Read dependency guidance
Compiler, build-system and Qt development package names vary by distribution. Use the documentation included with the downloaded source as the authoritative checklist for that revision.
Verify the installation
Launch from a terminal first
Starting qdirstat from a terminal makes missing libraries, display errors and permission messages visible.
Test a small directory
Scan a small folder you own before selecting an entire filesystem. This confirms that the interface, permissions and storage access are working.
Next steps
Return to the main QDirStat page for the source archive, compatibility summary and twenty-question FAQ, or continue with a related guide below.