cpak - The OCI application package format for Linux

EN English checkItaliano Español brightness_auto brightness_auto System checklight_mode Light dark_mode Dark menu Docs Learn Announcements Support Get started Deploy as freelyas you develop cpak is the OCI application package format for Linux desktops, servers and devices. Get started Browse store The Store Familiar apps, ready for cpak Every package has a clear manifest, a real origin and a command you can inspect before installing it. Browse every package arrow_forward Bottles arrow_outward Run Windows applications on Linux with Wine and Proton. Firefox arrow_outward A private, fast web browser. Visual Studio Code arrow_outward A code editor ready for your next project. GIMP arrow_outward Create and edit images. OBS Studio arrow_outward Record, stream and share video. UMU arrow_outward Run Windows games with Proton outside Steam. cpak Learn Learn cpak by making it decide Follow a complete course, change real manifests and see what cpak accepts, refuses or changes. Professional paths lead to an exam and a public, verifiable credential. Open cpak Learn arrow_forward Ultra-light footprint Two static binaries provide the runtime and one shared content store for every application. Learn more arrow_forwardDocker-style compatibility Familiar Dockerfile syntax, layer caching and incremental builds without a container daemon in production. Learn more arrow_forwardHost GPU integration Bind host graphics drivers at launch instead of packaging a second driver stack in every image. Learn more arrow_forwardSecure system resource access Declare access to DBus, sockets and devices. Grant only the resources an application needs. Learn more arrow_forwardGit-native versioning Install any tag, branch or exact commit SHA, then pin the source that should receive updates. Learn more arrow_forwardOne package model Use the same manifest and command across systems, with an OCI image built for each architecture. Learn more arrow_forward cpak runs everywhere Works out of the box on every Linux distribution. How to install Projects and technologies around cpak Decentralized software distribution for any context. Product Store Get started Updates Developers Documentation Build a package Manifest v3 Contributing Learn cpak Check a credential Project GitHub Announcements Branding Support cpak Legal Terms of Service Privacy Policy A project by Mirko Brombin, made with the cpak community. © 2026.

The cpak format is introduced as the Open Container Initiative application package format specifically designed for Linux desktops, servers, and various devices. At its core, cpak aims to establish a standardized and verifiable method for distributing software, providing enhanced transparency and control over the installation process. Every cpak package is characterized by a clear manifest, a traceable origin, and an inspectable command that allows users to review the package contents and execution parameters prior to installation. This foundational structure supports a decentralized software distribution ecosystem, which is further developed through a product store and community involvement.

The framework promotes a holistic approach to application packaging by supporting a range of advanced technical paradigms. One key feature is the drive toward an ultra-light footprint, achieved by utilizing two static binaries to provide the runtime environment along with a single shared content store for every application. This approach addresses efficiency concerns related to system resource utilization.

cpak is designed to offer Docker-style compatibility, enabling concepts like layer caching and incremental builds without requiring a container daemon in a production environment. Furthermore, it integrates advanced hardware interaction capabilities, allowing for host GPU integration by binding host graphics drivers at launch rather than requiring the packaging of separate driver stacks within each image. Security is addressed through secure system resource access, where applications can explicitly declare access to system components such as DBus, sockets, and devices, ensuring that only the necessary resources are granted.

The package system incorporates Git-native versioning, allowing users to precisely pin the source by installing any specific tag, branch, or exact commit SHA, thereby ensuring deterministic updates. A significant architectural goal is the adoption of a one package model, where the same manifest and command can be utilized across different systems, with an OCI image built tailored for each specific architecture. This design philosophy ensures that cpak packages function universally, operating out of the box on every Linux distribution.

The potential applications of cpak extend to various software categories, accommodating applications such as running Windows applications via Wine and Proton, providing a private, fast web browser, offering code editing tools like Visual Studio Code, image manipulation software like GIMP, video recording and streaming tools like OBS Studio, and enabling the execution of Windows games outside of Steam using Proton.

The initiative supports deep learning by allowing users to customize the package behavior, as demonstrated by the ability to follow courses to change real manifests and observe the consequences of system acceptance, refusal, or modification by the cpak system. This commitment to verifiable outcomes supports professional development paths, leading toward standardized examinations and public, verifiable credentials. The project reflects a community-driven effort, with the work being developed by Mirko Brombin and supported by the broader cpak community.