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KDE Gear
KDE Gear
KDE Gear
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KDE Gear
Original authorKDE
DeveloperKDE
Initial releaseDecember 17, 2014; 10 years ago (2014-12-17)[1]
Stable release
25.08.0 Edit this on Wikidata / 14 August 2025
Repository
Written inC++, QML
Operating systemLinux, FreeBSD, et al.
Type
LicenseGNU Lesser General Public License
Websiteapps.kde.org
Konsole, KDE's terminal application, and Dolphin, KDE's file manager, two of KDE's core applications

The KDE Gear is a set of applications and supporting libraries that are developed by the KDE community,[2] primarily used on Linux-based operating systems but mostly multiplatform, and released on a common release schedule.

The bundle is composed of over 200 applications. Examples of prominent applications in the bundle include the file manager Dolphin, document viewer Okular, text editor Kate, archiving tool Ark and terminal emulator Konsole.[3]

Previously the KDE Applications Bundle was part of the KDE Software Compilation.

Extragear

[edit]

Software that is not part of the official KDE Applications bundle can be found in the "Extragear" section. They release on their own schedule and feature their own versioning numbers. There are many standalone applications like Krita or Amarok that are mostly designed to be portable between operating systems and deployable independent of a particular workspace or desktop environment. Some brands consist of multiple applications, such as Calligra Office Suite. There are several options for obtaining and installing KDE applications under Linux. Moreover, most of the KDE platform and applications have been ported to OpenBSD and NetBSD.

List of applications part of the bundle

[edit]

Development

[edit]

Software development

[edit]

KDE SDK[4][5] is a collection of two dozen distinct integrated (both within the SDK but also with other KDE applications, e.g. many work with Dolphin, the default file manager) applications and components that work with/are part of KDevelop,[6] and is suitable for general purpose software development in a range of languages. It provides the tooling used to engineer KDE, and is particularly rich in tools to support Qt and C++ development, as well as the more fashionable Rust, Python, etc.

  • Most of the KDE SDK is available for Windows and macOS in addition to Linux and BSD.[7]
  • While created for the KDE desktop, prebuilt binary software Archived 2023-10-03 at the Wayback Machine, including nightly releases, is available for Mac OS, Linux (via AppImage,[8] AppStream[9] or Flathub,[10] as well as Snap[11]), as well as via most major Linux distributions package managers,[12] in addition to the source code via KDE Gitlab.[4][13]
  • Windows installers for production/released version of Kate,[14] KDevelop[7] and Umbrello[15] are available as well as via the store.
    • Several KDE applications are available for Android using the Kirigami framework.[16] built using KDevelop including KDE Connect,[17] KDE Itinerary, a digital travel assistant that integrates train, bus, and air bookings with maps, the KDE Kalendar application, and boarding passes,[18] and KAlgebra, a graphing scientific calculator.

Various other packages are being built for testing on Android, although plans for some of the core parts of the SDK (e.g. Kate) have not been announced.

  • Unless noted, KDE applications can use KIO slaves for ftp, http, ftp over ssh (fish), Google drive, WebDAV to browse/access files just as they can local files, samba (Windows shared files), archives, man, and info pages. E.g. to browse a WebDAV location, in place of the file path, webdav://www.hostname.com/path/.
  • The various components can be used on their own (e.g. Kate as a general purpose text editor), or in combination (e.g. Kate uses KDiff3 internally to compare cached autorecovery file with the last saved version).
  • Kate – an advanced text editor for programmers, and general text editor.[19][5]
    • As of KDE 4, KEdit was replaced by Kate and Kwrite.[20]
  • KDevelop – an integrated development environment for multiple languages,[21] with a plug-in/extension framework (e.g. plug-ins for PHP,[22] Ruby,[23] Python,[24] Markdown documentation authoring/preview,[25] a SVG viewer,[26] etc.), and control flow viewer.
    • Supported languages include: C/C++ and ObjC (backed by the Clang/LLVM libraries)
      • Including some extra features for the Qt Framework
      • Including language support for CUDA and OpenCL
      • Qt QML and JavaScript, Python, PHP
    • In addition to the "supported" languages, there is syntax highlighting for a wide range of mark-up, configuration, programming, scripting, and data languages.
    • GUI integration with multiple different version control systems including Git,[27][28] Bazaar, Subversion, CVS, Mercurial (hg),[29] and Perforce.
    • Support for CMake and QMake, as well as generic and custom build files.
  • Cervisia – CVS frontend[30]

[31]

  • KDESvn – graphical Subversion client
  • KAppTemplate – Template-based code project generator[32][33][34]
  • KDiff3 – Diff/Patch frontend (see Comparison of file comparison tools)
  • Kommander – Dynamic dialog editor
  • Kompare – Diff/Patch frontend[35]
  • Lokalize – a computer–aided translation system[36]
  • Okteta – a hex editor
  • Poxml
  • Swappo
  • Clazy Qt-oriented static code analyzer based on the Clang framework[37]
  • Massif Visualizer – Visualizer for Valgrind Massif data files[38]
  • Umbrello – UML diagram application[39]
  • ELF Dissector ELF binary inspector[40]
  • Fielding REST API tester[41]
  • Doxyqml Doxygen filter to allow generation of API Documentation for QML
  • Heaptrack traces all memory allocations and annotates these events with stack traces.

KDebugSettings[42]

  • KUIViewer[43] views UI files (e.g. from Qt Designer).

Dferry D-Bus library and tools[44] CuteHMI Open-source HMI (Human Machine Interface) software written in C++ and QML.

Web development

[edit]
  • KImageMapEditor – an HTML image map editor[45]
  • KXSLDbg – an XSLT debugger

Education

[edit]
See also: KDE Education Project

Science

[edit]
  • Cirkuit – An application to generate publication-ready figures[46]
  • KBibTeX – an application to manage bibliography databases in the BibTeX format
  • Semantik – a mindmapping-like tool for document generation[47][48]
  • RKWard – an easy to use, transparent frontend to R
  • KTechLab – an IDE for electronic and PIC microcontroller circuit design and simulation

Games

[edit]
  • Bomber – arcade Bombing Game
  • Bovo – Five–in–a–row Board Game
  • Granatier – a Bomberman clone
  • Kajongg – a Mahjong Board Game. Can play against robots or in multiplayer over network.
  • Kapman – Pac-Man Clone
  • KAtomic – a clone of the early 1990s commercial game Atomix
  • KBattleship – Battleship-style game
  • KBlackbox – Black–box logic game. Shoot rays into a black box to find some balls
  • KBlocks – a Tetris clone
  • KBounce – a JezzBall clone
  • KBreakout – a Breakout type game
  • KDiamond – a Bejeweled type game
  • KFourInLine – Four–in–a–row Board Game
  • KGoldrunner – Hunt Gold, Dodge Enemies and Solve Puzzles
  • Kigo – a Go Board Game
  • Kiriki – a Yahtzee game
  • KJumpingCube – a board game where players make boxes change color and try to succeed in taking over the board
  • KMahjongg – Mahjong solitaire
  • KMines – Minesweeper game
  • KNetWalk – a puzzle game. The player must arrange sections of wire to connect the computers
  • Knights – Chess board program[49]
  • Kolf – a Golf game
  • Kollision – a game of dexterity
  • GNUlactic Konquest – Galactic Strategy Game
  • KPatience – Patience Card Game
  • KReversi – Othello/Reversi game
  • KShisen
  • KsirK
  • KSpaceDuel
  • KSquares
  • KSudoku
  • KTron
  • KTuberling
  • Kubrick
  • LSkat
  • Palapeli

Toys

[edit]
  • AMOR – Amusing Misuse Of Resources. Desktop creature
  • KTeaTime – Tea cooking timer
  • KTux
  • KWeather

Graphics

[edit]

Internet

[edit]

Multimedia

[edit]

Playback

[edit]
  • Amarok – Audio player and music manager, includes support for web music services[54]
  • Audex – an easy to use audio CD ripping application
  • Bangarang – a media player[55]
  • Dragon Player – a simple and usability–focused multimedia player (formerly known as Codeine)
  • JuK – Jukebox and music manager
  • Kaffeine – Multimedia player
  • KMPlayer – Video player plugin for Konqueror
  • KPlayer – Multimedia player and library
  • KRadio – an internet and AM/FM radio application[56]
  • Elisa – Music player with simple, flexible interface

Production

[edit]
  • K3b – CD and DVD burning application
  • k3bISO – ISO manager
  • Kamoso – an application to take pictures and videos from webcam[57]
  • Kdenlive – Video editor
  • Kid3 – an MP3, Ogg/Vorbis and FLAC tag editor[58]
  • KMediaFactory – a template based DVD authoring tool[59]
  • KMix – Sound Mixer
  • KoverArtist – a program for the fast creation of covers for CD/DVD cases and boxes.[60]
  • Kubeplayer – a video player dedicated to play online videos.[61]
  • soundKonverter – a frontend to various audio converters

Office

[edit]

System

[edit]
  • Apper, formerly called KPackageKit – Package Manager with support for several formats (e.g. .deb, rpm)
  • Dolphin – a navigational file manager
  • Filelight – a disk space viewer
  • katimon – an unofficial ATI graphics card temperature monitor
  • KBluetooth – Bluetooth connections
  • KCron – an application for scheduling programs to run in the background using cron
  • KDE Connect – A multi-platform utility which allows a mobile device to wirelessly interact with the PC through the local network with interactions such as file sharing and turning your phone into a virtual keyboard or touchpad.
  • KDE Partition Manager – a partition editor
  • KDE System Guard – an enhanced task manager and system monitor
  • KDiskFree – a disk space information utility
  • KInfoCenter – a system and computer information utility
  • Konsole – a terminal emulator
  • Krfb – a desktop sharing program
  • Krusader – an orthodox file manager
  • KSystemLog – a system log viewer
  • KWallet – a secure password manager
  • Printer Applet – system tray icon for managing print jobs
  • System Settings
  • Yakuake – drop-down terminal emulator (modeled after the console screen in Quake)[64][65]

Utilities

[edit]
  • Ark – a file archiver
  • KAlarm – a personal alarm scheduler
  • Kate – a Text editor for programmers
  • KBarcode4–light – a simple barcode generator
  • KCalc – a calculation application
  • KCharSelect – a character mapping tool
  • KFind – a file and folder finder
  • KFloppy – a floppy disk formatting tool
  • KGPG – a graphical frontend for GnuPG
  • Kleopatra – Certificate Manager and Unified Crypto GUI
  • KRename – Batch renaming of files
  • Krusader – a twin panel file manager
  • KTimer – a countdown launcher
  • KTimeTracker – a personal time tracker
  • KWrite – a text editor
  • Okteta – a hex editor
  • RSIBreak – Makes sure you rest now and then
  • Sweeper – a system cleaner

Accessibility

[edit]
  • KMag – a screen magnifying tool
  • KMouseTool – Automatic Mouse Click
  • KMouth – a speech synthesizer frontend

Discontinued

[edit]

Unmaintained Applications[66]

  • Blogilo – a blogging client[67]
  • kdetv – TV viewer
  • Jovie – text to audible speech
  • KAppfinder – a menu updating tool
  • Karbon – a scalable graphics application
  • Katapult – a free application launcher
  • KAudioCreator – CD ripping and encoding[47]
  • KDM – a login manager
  • KEdit – a text editor, has been replaced by Kate &/or Kwrite[20]
  • KDirStat – a graphical disk usage utility (superseded by QDirStat or K4DirStat)[68][69]
  • KEduca – an educational software
  • KFileReplace – a file search and replace tool
  • KFTPGrabber – a graphical FTP client
  • KBFX – an application launcher
  • Kiosk Admin Tool – predefine desktop configurations
  • KLinkStatus – a link checker
  • KMess – an IM client[70]
  • KMid – MIDI and karaoke file (*.kar) player[71]
  • KMLDonkey – a graphical frontend for MLDonkey
  • KNC – a graphical orthodox file manager
  • KNemo – a network monitor
  • KNode – usenet newsgroups
  • KOffice – an office suite that was superseded by Calligra Suite
  • Komposé – a fullscreen task switcher
  • KPager – desktop pager
  • KPDF – a PDF viewer[72]
  • KPPP – an Internet dial–up tool
  • Kraft – a document creator for small businesses[73]
  • KRecipes – a cook book
  • KRemoteControl – remote Controls
  • KSame – color matching game
  • KSaoLaJi – a system cleaner[74]
  • KsCD – CD Player
  • KSig – signature app
  • KSnapshot – a screenshot tool
  • Kst – real-time large-dataset viewing and plotting tool[75]
  • KUIViewer – Qt Designer UI File Viewer
  • KUser – a user managing tool
  • Kwlan – a wireless LAN manager
  • KXDocker – an application launcher
  • Mailody – an e–mail client
  • QtParted – Partition editor
  • Quanta Plus – IDE for XML–based languages
  • RecordItNow – Record desktop[76]
  • Simon – Speech Recognition
  • SuperKaramba – desktop applets program

Releases

[edit]
See also: KDE Software Compilation § Release cycle

The KDE Applications Bundle is released every four months and has bugfix releases in each intervening month. A date-based version scheme is used, which is composed of the year and month. A third digit is used for bugfix releases.[77]

With the April 2021 release, the KDE Applications Bundle has been renamed to KDE Gear.[2]

KDE Applications Bundle release history
Version Key feature Date
Unsupported: 14.12[1] Kate, Konsole, Gwenview, KAlgebra, Kanagram, KHangman, Kig, Parley, KApptemplate and Okteta ported to KDE Frameworks 5. 17 Dec 2014
Unsupported: 15.04[78] Rocs, Cantor, Kompare, Kdenlive and KDE Telepathy ported to KDE Frameworks 5. 15 Apr 2015
Unsupported: 15.08[79] Dolphin and Ark ported to KDE Frameworks 5. Technology preview of KF5-based Kontact suite. 19 Aug 2015
Unsupported: 15.12[80] KSnapshot was replaced by Spectacle, KTuberling, Klickety and KNavalBattle have also been updated to use KDE Frameworks 5. 16 Dec 2015
Unsupported: 16.04[81] New music education software (Minuet), KHelpCenter now part of KDE Applications, bugfixes to Kontact, Ark 20 Apr 2016
Unsupported: 16.08[82] Kolourpaint, Cervisia, KDiskFree, The Kontact Suite, Marble 18 Aug 2016
Unsupported: 16.12[83] Kwave; Okular, Konqueror, KGpg, KTouch and Kalzium ported to KDE Frameworks 5. 15 Dec 2016
Unsupported: 17.04[84] 20 Apr 2017
Unsupported: 17.08[85] 17 Aug 2017
Unsupported: 17.12[86] 14 Dec 2017
Unsupported: 18.04[87] 19 Apr 2018
Unsupported: 18.08[88] 16 Aug 2018
Unsupported: 18.12[89] 13 Dec 2018
Unsupported: 19.04[90] 18 Apr 2019
Unsupported: 19.08[91] 15 Aug 2019
Unsupported: 19.12[92] 12 Dec 2019
Unsupported: 20.04[93] 23 Apr 2020
Unsupported: 20.08[94] 13 Aug 2020
Unsupported: 20.12[95] 10 Dec 2020
Unsupported: 21.04[96] 22 Apr 2021
Unsupported: 21.08[97] 12 Aug 2021
Unsupported: 21.12[98] 9 Dec 2021
Unsupported: 22.04[99] 21 Apr 2022
Unsupported: 22.08[100] 18 Aug 2022
Unsupported: 22.12[101] 8 Dec 2022
Unsupported: 23.04[102] 20 Apr 2023
Unsupported: 23.08[103] 24 Aug 2023
Latest version: 24.02[104] many applications ported to Qt 6. 28 Feb 2024
Legend:
Unsupported
Latest version
Preview version
Future version

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

KDE Gear

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
KDE Gear is a free and open-source software suite developed by the KDE community, consisting of over 200 applications designed primarily for Linux desktops but compatible with other platforms as well. Originally known as KDE Applications, it was rebranded to KDE Gear in 2021 to better represent its modular, evolving collection of tools that users can mix and match. The suite is released quarterly, with each version delivering updates to enhance functionality, , and integration across categories such as file management, content creation, communication, development, and system utilities. Notable applications include , a versatile ; , a non-linear video editor; and , a universal document viewer. Other key components encompass Kate for code editing, NeoChat for Matrix-based messaging, and Elisa for music playback. KDE Gear emphasizes user-centric design, accessibility, and community-driven development, making it a cornerstone of the ecosystem alongside the Plasma desktop environment and KDE Frameworks. Applications are distributed via platforms like Flathub and Snapcraft, ensuring easy installation and updates without dependency on specific distributions. Quarterly releases, such as the Gear 25.12.2 now available, continue to introduce refinements across various applications.

Overview

Definition and Purpose

is a curated collection of over 200 applications and libraries developed by the community, designed to deliver feature-rich, integrated tools that enhance the desktop experience primarily on Linux-based systems and other platforms. These components emphasize modularity, allowing users to select and install only the tools they need while ensuring high-quality, that avoids proprietary dependencies, intrusive advertising, or privacy intrusions. The primary purpose of KDE Gear is to boost productivity, foster creativity, and improve overall usability through community-driven development, providing accessible alternatives for tasks ranging from file management to multimedia editing. By focusing on user-facing applications, it supports the KDE ecosystem's goal of delivering free software that runs efficiently on diverse hardware and operating systems, including BSD, Windows, macOS, and Haiku. Distinct from core KDE elements like Plasma—the desktop environment—and KDE Frameworks—the foundational libraries—KDE Gear serves as optional, synergistic add-ons that integrate seamlessly without being essential to the base system. This positioning enables flexibility, where Gear applications can leverage Plasma's interface and Frameworks' APIs to create a cohesive yet customizable computing environment. KDE Gear has evolved from ad-hoc, self-managed contributions, previously known as Extragear projects with independent release cycles, into a structured bundle that coordinates synchronized updates on behalf of maintainers. As part of the broader Project, an international effort to produce innovative , it underscores the community's commitment to collaborative advancement.

Components and Platforms

KDE Gear comprises a diverse set of user-facing applications and supporting libraries that extend the functionality of the KDE ecosystem. Applications include tools such as file managers for handling local and remote files, multimedia players for audio and video playback, and productivity suites for document editing and organization. Supporting libraries provide shared infrastructure, such as for managing network protocols and transparent file access, and Akonadi for centralized storage and retrieval of (PIM) data like contacts and calendars. These components are designed as a modular extension to Plasma, enhancing its with additional capabilities without altering its core. primarily targets distributions, where it integrates seamlessly with package managers like those in , , and . Ports extend compatibility to other systems including and , as well as non-Unix platforms such as Windows and macOS through native builds or compatibility layers. Limited support for Android exists via adaptations for , enabling select applications on touch-based interfaces. This cross-platform viability stems from the underlying Qt framework, a cross-platform application development toolkit that abstracts platform-specific details for consistent behavior across operating systems. Integration across KDE Gear components relies heavily on KDE Frameworks, a collection of modular libraries that ensure uniformity in elements, file operations, and system interactions. For instance, applications reuse framework-provided components for tasks like rendering widgets or handling notifications, promoting code efficiency and a cohesive without redundant development efforts. This shared allows libraries like those for processing or features to be employed uniformly, reducing maintenance overhead while maintaining high standards of . In scope, KDE Gear encompasses over 180 applications alongside dozens of libraries and plugins, broadly categorized into areas such as utilities, , and development tools, though the full catalog avoids exhaustive enumeration in favor of modular distribution.

History

Origins in KDE Extragear

KDE Extragear emerged in the early as a dedicated repository for community-contributed applications and libraries that complemented the core without being part of its official releases. Hosted on KDE's servers, it served as a hub for experimental, specialized, and mature software developed outside the main project's scope, enabling developers to innovate freely using KDE technologies. This structure allowed for a broader of tools, such as players and photo management applications, to flourish alongside the primary KDE offerings. The repository's formation aligned closely with the KDE 3.x series, released starting in April 2002, marking a period of expanded community involvement in 's development. During this time, notable applications like Amarok, an audio player, and digiKam, a digital photo management tool, originated or were hosted in Extragear, demonstrating its role in nurturing diverse contributions. These projects exemplified how Extragear supported the integration of KDE-specific features into standalone software. Extragear's development model emphasized and volunteer participation, with less rigorous coordination than the core KDE releases. Projects followed their own release schedules, version schemes, and practices, often progressing from the initial stage for early experimentation to Extragear for more stable, self-managed distribution. This approach promoted a merit-based where contributors drove progress independently while benefiting from 's and review processes. By the late , the repository's expanding collection of applications underscored the need for enhanced organization to improve discoverability and usability for users and developers alike, setting the stage for further evolution in KDE's strategies.

Formation as KDE Applications

In 2014, the KDE project underwent a major restructuring with the introduction of KDE Applications, aimed at creating a unified bundle of software that could follow an independent yet coordinated release schedule. The inaugural release, KDE Applications 14.12, was launched on December 17, 2014, marking the transition from the previous KDE Software Compilation model. This bundle incorporated more than a hundred applications, featuring key utilities such as the for efficient file handling and for versatile document viewing and annotation. The formation was driven by the need to align application updates with the evolving KDE Frameworks 5 and Plasma 5 components, addressing issues of release fragmentation and simplifying dependency management in a modular environment. Previously, the monolithic structure of the KDE Software Compilation had led to infrequent, synchronized updates across disparate elements, hindering agility. By decoupling applications into a dedicated release stream, KDE enabled quarterly cycles that allowed developers to port apps to Qt5-based Frameworks incrementally—evident in early conversions like the Kate text editor and Konsole terminal emulator—while ensuring compatibility and reducing maintenance overhead. From its initial scope, which focused on core productivity and utility tools, the KDE Applications collection rapidly expanded through community contributions and integrations, reaching over 150 items—including applications, libraries, and supporting components—by 2016. This growth reflected the project's emphasis on inclusivity, drawing from the legacy of extragear repositories to encompass diverse categories like multimedia editors and . By 2016, a pivotal milestone was achieved with the full separation of KDE Applications from the remnants of the monolithic , solidifying its status as an autonomous pillar alongside Frameworks and Plasma. This independence facilitated quarterly releases, such as 16.04 and 16.12, that prioritized application-specific enhancements—like improved accessibility in tools such as KHelpCenter—while maintaining synchronization for ecosystem cohesion. The shift enhanced developer focus, bug resolution efficiency, and user access to polished software without dependency on timelines.

Renaming to KDE Gear

In March 2021, the KDE Project announced the rebranding of its bundled software collection from KDE Applications to KDE Gear, with the change taking effect alongside the 21.04 release on April 22, 2021. This shift marked a new phase in the project's branding evolution, following prior names like KDE, KDE SC, and KDE Applications. The primary reasons for the renaming centered on more accurately representing the "toolkit" essence of the bundle, which includes not only applications but also libraries and plugins designed for modular integration and precise functionality. The term "Gear" was chosen to evoke mechanical components that interlock reliably, aligning with the logo's gear motif and emphasizing interoperability over a simple list of "applications." It also addressed potential confusion arising from the previous name, which overlapped with the wider ecosystem of -developed software beyond the coordinated release service. The positively impacted the project's visibility, particularly in promoting cross-platform availability on systems like Windows and macOS, where the "Gear" nomenclature underscores the portable, assembly-like quality of the components. Community responses highlighted the name's appeal in conveying dependability and engineering rigor, distinguishing it from more generic "applications" branding. Since the rename, KDE Gear has seen significant development, including the integration of Qt 6 ports for many applications in the 24.02 release on , 2024, which advanced compatibility with contemporary Qt frameworks. By 2025, the collection had expanded to over 180 individual programs, supplemented by dozens of libraries and plugins, reflecting ongoing growth in scope and maintenance.

Release Process

Versioning Scheme

KDE Gear employs a date-based versioning scheme that incorporates the two-digit year and month of the major release, such as 25.08 for the August 2025 release. Major releases are suffixed with .0, while follow-up bugfix updates use incremental suffixes like .1 or .2 to indicate stability improvements without new features. This format allows for straightforward identification of release timing and supports automated tools in development workflows, such as variables for version management. Major releases follow a four-month cycle, approximately every four months, such as in February/May/August/December in 2024 and April/August/December in 2025, to synchronize with the Plasma desktop environment's update rhythm and ensure compatibility across the KDE ecosystem. Each cycle includes structured phases like dependency freezes, beta testing, and release candidates to enable thorough validation before general availability. The scheme promotes predictable release cadences, enabling users and distributors to plan integrations effectively while accommodating rolling-release systems that benefit from time-stamped updates for seamless incorporation. It was initially introduced in with the first KDE Applications bundle (14.12) to replace semantic versioning and better suit the project's frequent, coordinated application updates. In 2021, following the rebranding to , the approach was refined to encompass libraries and plugins alongside applications, broadening its application to foundational components.

Maintenance and Major Releases

KDE Gear follows a quarterly release cycle for major versions, with the 24.02 edition launched on February 28, 2024, marking a significant milestone through the porting of numerous applications to Qt 6, enabling better compatibility with modern KDE frameworks and Plasma 6. This migration addressed long-standing dependencies on Qt 5, allowing for enhanced performance and future-proofing across the application suite. Subsequent major releases continued to build on this foundation, with KDE Gear 24.08 arriving on August 22, 2024, introducing enhancements to file management capabilities, particularly in the file manager, alongside updates to tools like for video editing and Tokodon for interactions. In 2025, the 25.04 version, released on April 17, emphasized stability improvements across core applications such as for document viewing and KDE Connect for device synchronization, refining through targeted bug resolutions and tweaks. The 25.08 edition followed on August 14, 2025, focusing on broader application refinements, including memory optimizations in the Akonadi engine and support for additional languages in remote desktop sharing via KRFB. Maintenance for each major release involves monthly bugfix updates to ensure ongoing reliability, typically spanning four months per series; for instance, the 25.08 branch received patches in versions 25.08.1 (September 11, 2025), 25.08.2 (October 9, 2025), and 25.08.3 (November 6, 2025), addressing issues like crashes in and zoom handling in . The community-driven maintenance process relies on structured tools for , including bug triage through , where developers and users report and prioritize issues across the Gear applications. Translations are coordinated via KDE Translate, a collaborative platform that supports over 60 languages and integrates directly with the development workflow to maintain accessibility. Backports of fixes to stable branches are a key practice, allowing critical improvements from newer developments to reach users without disrupting the quarterly cycle. As of November 2025, recent trends in KDE Gear development highlight a push toward cross-platform refinement, with applications like and Kate gaining better Wayland support on for seamless operation alongside X11. Applications like digiKam have incorporated AI-driven features for image enhancement, such as auto-rotation, with ongoing discussions for further integration in tools like . KDE Gear 25.12 was released on December 11, 2025, as scheduled, with 25.12.2 as the latest bugfix update available as of early 2026, providing additional stability improvements.

Applications by Category

Development Tools

KDE Gear's Development Tools category includes around 15-20 applications tailored for software engineering tasks, such as integrated development environments, text editing, debugging, profiling, and version control, all optimized for Qt-based workflows and KDE environments. These tools emphasize modularity and extensibility, allowing developers to integrate them into KDE-specific pipelines for efficient code management and analysis. Among the core software development applications, KDevelop stands out as a free and open-source (IDE) that provides robust support for C, C++, Python, QML/, and Qt projects. It features a plugin-based architecture enabling extensions for multiple build systems, version control integration (such as and SVN), semantic , code navigation, and debugging capabilities, making it particularly suited for large-scale Qt/KDE application development. Kate, an advanced multi-document , complements KDevelop by offering for over 300 languages, (LSP) integration for intelligent code completion, multi-cursor editing, built-in terminal, and support, ideal for quick scripting and configuration tasks in developer workflows. For low-level data inspection, Okteta functions as a that displays raw file contents in customizable formats (, decimal, , or character encodings like and ), with features for undo/redo, structure-based analysis, and dockable tools to facilitate editing and debugging. Umbrello provides UML modeling capabilities, supporting diagram types such as class, , , and entity-relationship, while generating code in languages like C++, , and Python from XMI-compliant models to aid in and documentation. Memory management is addressed by Heaptrack, a profiler that traces heap allocations with stack traces, visualizes hotspots via flamegraphs and time-based charts, and detects leaks or inefficient temporary allocations to optimize performance in Qt applications. Code comparison and merging are handled by KDiff3, a diff and merge tool that performs line-by-line and character-level analysis of up to three files or directories, supports automatic merging, handling, and integration with systems for resolving conflicts in collaborative development. These tools, along with others like KCachegrind for call-graph profiling, Kompare for visual diffs, and KAppTemplate for generating project skeletons, highlight the category's focus on Qt integration and plugin ecosystems that enhance and build processes. In , KImageMapEditor enables the creation and editing of image maps using the <map> tag, allowing developers to define clickable regions on images for interactive web elements directly within workflows. Additional utilities such as Clazy (a static analyzer for Qt best practices), Codevis (for code architecture visualization), Kile ( IDE), and Kommit ( client) extend the suite, providing specialized support for documentation, binding generation, and revision control in KDE-centric projects. Overall, these development tools depend on Frameworks for shared components like I/O slaves and configuration systems, ensuring consistent behavior across the ecosystem.

Educational Software

Gear includes a dedicated suite of educational applications aimed at facilitating learning across , , geography, programming, and general skills for users of , with a strong emphasis on interactive and open-source tools that promote hands-on exploration. These applications, numbering over 10 in the category, integrate seamlessly with the ecosystem to support diverse learning needs, including features for inclusive . Developed by the community, they leverage Qt frameworks for cross-platform compatibility on , Windows, and other systems, ensuring broad accessibility for educators and learners worldwide. In the realm of science and mathematics, prominent applications include Kalzium, a comprehensive periodic table tool that provides detailed data on elements such as melting points, electron configurations, and ionization energies, featuring a 3D molecule viewer for visualizing molecular structures to aid in chemistry education. KAlgebra serves as a graphing calculator capable of handling 2D and 3D functions with both symbolic and numeric computations, enabling students to plot equations and explore mathematical concepts interactively. Step offers a physics simulator with an integrated 3D viewer for modeling dynamic systems like pendulums and springs, allowing users to simulate and analyze physical phenomena. RKWard functions as an integrated development environment for the R statistical computing language, simplifying data analysis and visualization for educational purposes in statistics and research. KTechLab provides an electronics simulator for designing and testing digital and analog circuits, including support for PIC microcontrollers, which helps learners experiment with hardware concepts without physical components. For general education, GCompris delivers over 100 activities tailored for children aged 2 to 10, covering topics from basic arithmetic and reading to science experiments like color mixing and the system, with game-like interfaces to enhance engagement and for young or visually impaired learners. KTurtle introduces programming fundamentals through a Logo-inspired environment, where users write simple scripts to control on-screen movements, fostering logical thinking and coding skills in an intuitive manner. KGeography facilitates geography learning via interactive maps, flags, and quizzes on countries, capitals, and regions, promoting spatial awareness through drill-based exercises. These tools emphasize open-source curricula that can be extended or localized, aligning with KDE's commitment to modern accessibility principles for broader educational inclusivity.

Games and Entertainment

The Games and Entertainment category in KDE Gear encompasses a collection of over 20 lightweight, open-source applications designed for recreational play, emphasizing single-player experiences with features like high-score tracking. These applications leverage KDE's KGame framework for core functionality such as score management and game logic, ensuring consistent user interfaces and data handling across titles. All games integrate KDE's multimedia framework for audio effects and background sounds, providing seamless sound support without dependency on external libraries. Board and puzzle games form a core subset, offering classic mechanics adapted for desktop enjoyment. KMahjongg is a tile-matching solitaire inspired by the traditional game, where players remove pairs of identical tiles from a grid to clear the board. KPatience provides a relaxing card-sorting experience with multiple solitaire variants, requiring players to arrange a deck into ordered sequences. KSudoku delivers the logic-based Sudoku puzzle, challenging users to fill a 9x9 grid following standard rules, with support for various difficulty levels and grid sizes. Palapeli stands out as a solver, allowing freeform piece placement without grid constraints, using user-provided images for customization. LSkat implements a two-player trick-taking similar to Skat, though optimized for single-player practice against AI opponents. Action and strategy titles introduce dynamic elements while maintaining accessibility. Granatier recreates Bomberman-style gameplay, where players navigate mazes, place explosives to defeat enemies, and collect power-ups in single-player campaigns. KAtomic combines puzzle-solving with educational undertones through molecular assembly, tasking players with sliding atoms to reconstruct chemical compounds in a 2D field. KSirk emulates the board game , enabling territorial conquest on customizable maps via strategic army deployments and attacks against computer opponents. Kubrick simulates solving in 3D using rendering, supporting cubes from 2x2x2 to 6x6x6 or irregular shapes, with built-in solvers and pattern demos. Toys and entertainment utilities add whimsical, low-stakes diversions to the desktop. KTuberling serves as a creative drawing toy, letting users construct scenes with stamps and colors, ideal for casual sketching without competitive goals. KTeaTime functions as a themed timer for brewing tea, selecting presets for various types to alert users at optimal steeping times. AMOR deploys animated mascots that interact with active windows, such as a walking cat or troll, configurable via themes for humorous desktop accompaniment. These applications prioritize fun and brevity, running efficiently on modern hardware and benefiting from KDE's cross-platform portability to environments beyond Linux.

Graphics Applications

KDE Gear includes a suite of graphics applications designed for image viewing, editing, photo management, and creation, catering to both casual users and professionals. These tools integrate seamlessly with the Plasma , supporting formats like RAW, , , and , and are distributed as part of the KDE Gear releases, which bundle over 180 programs for synchronized updates. In photo management, digiKam serves as a comprehensive digital photo organizer, supporting over 1,100 camera devices and handling more than 900 RAW formats through the for non-destructive editing, including color adjustments, cropping, and lens corrections via Lensfun. Gwenview acts as a lightweight optimized for browsing collections, offering basic editing like rotation, cropping, red-eye reduction, and annotations with shapes or text. Complementing these, Showfoto functions as a standalone batch processor and editor from the digiKam project, enabling efficient improvements to photographs without database dependencies, such as metadata adjustments and bulk operations. For drawing and painting, provides a professional-grade digital art studio with support for RGB and CMYK color spaces at up to 32-bit floating point depth, ideal for , , and textures. Its advanced brush engine features over 10 customizable engines, including watercolor presets and dynamic color gradients, with robust tablet support for pressure-sensitive input and multi-monitor workflows. KolourPaint offers a simple raster editor akin to , with tools for shapes, text, color picking, and effects like rotation or monochrome conversion, suitable for quick touch-ups. Karbon, a from the , enables scalable illustrations with path operations, boolean tools, snapping to grids or nodes, and export to or PDF, maintaining active development in KDE Gear. Unique capabilities within the category include Okular's annotation tools for PDFs and images, allowing highlights, notes, and shapes to enhance document interaction across supported formats via extensions like okular-poppler. The graphics applications, numbering over 10 including KColorChooser for palette selection and for screenshots, leverage KDE's infrastructure such as Oyranos and colord-kde for consistent handling and device calibration.

Internet and Communication

The and Communication category in KDE Gear encompasses over 15 applications designed to facilitate web browsing, feed aggregation, and interpersonal connectivity, with a strong emphasis on privacy-respecting protocols such as and decentralized networks. These tools integrate seamlessly with the KDE Plasma desktop , enabling features like shared notifications across devices to enhance user workflow. For browsing and feed management, serves as a lightweight, QtWebEngine-based that prioritizes speed and customization, supporting tabs, bookmarks, history sidebars, and built-in feed reading. It includes unique extensions like for ad-blocking and Click2Flash for controlling embedded media, promoting privacy by limiting trackers and unwanted content without compromising performance. Complementing this, Akregator is a dedicated and Atom feed reader that handles large volumes of sources through advanced search, archiving, and an internal browser for offline reading, streamlining news consumption within the ecosystem. In communication, KDE Connect enables cross-device synchronization between computers and smartphones, allowing file transfers, remote input, and notification mirroring across , Windows, macOS, Android, and platforms. A standout plugin facilitates bidirectional clipboard sharing, permitting seamless copy-paste operations between linked devices for efficient multitasking. For real-time chat, Konversation provides a robust IRC client with multi-server connectivity, scripting support for automation, SSL encryption, and DCC file transfers, all configurable via a KDE-integrated interface. NeoChat, a client for protocol, supports decentralized, end-to-end encrypted messaging with features like voice/video calls, , and community spaces, adhering to open standards for secure group interactions. Similarly, Tokodon is a client for the , offering privacy-focused tools such as secure token storage in , granular notification controls, and moderation options like muting or reporting, while enabling multi-account management and poll creation.

Multimedia Tools

KDE Gear's multimedia tools provide a suite of applications dedicated to the playback and production of audio and content, enabling users to consume and create time-based media within the ecosystem. These tools emphasize integration with the Plasma and support for diverse formats, distinguishing them from static image processing by focusing on temporal elements like streaming and editing timelines. Over 15 applications fall into this category, covering everything from simple players to advanced editors. Playback applications in KDE Gear prioritize ease of use and streaming capabilities, allowing seamless access to local files, online radio, and broadcast media. Elisa is a straightforward music player that scans and browses local collections organized by genre, artist, album, or track, while supporting online radio streaming and playlist creation for customized listening sessions. Amarok offers more advanced audio management as a feature-rich player, including dynamic playlists that automatically generate and update track lists based on user criteria such as ratings or genres, alongside integration with services like for scrobbling and collection organization. Dragon Player delivers minimalist video playback with intuitive controls for play/pause, full-screen toggling, subtitle selection, and audio track switching, designed to handle files and streams without unnecessary complexity. Kaffeine extends playback to multimedia and broadcast scenarios, supporting DVD menus, VCDs, digital TV via , and various file formats in a user-friendly interface suitable for both novice and experienced users. On the production side, KDE Gear includes robust editing tools for audio and video, leveraging open frameworks to deliver professional-grade features. stands out as a non-linear video editor based on the MLT framework, which powers its effects, transitions, compositing, and rendering capabilities; it supports proxy editing for high-resolution footage, motion tracking, and AI-assisted tools like automatic subtitling. Kwave provides comprehensive audio editing functionality, enabling recording, playback, and manipulation of files in formats such as WAV, OGG/Vorbis, FLAC, and MP3 through operations like volume normalization, fade effects, frequency filtering, , and spectrogram analysis for visual waveform inspection. Together, these production tools facilitate end-to-end media workflows, from raw capture to polished output, all while maintaining compatibility with KDE's portability and accessibility standards.

Office Productivity

KDE Gear provides a robust set of office productivity applications designed to facilitate document management, personal information organization, and collaborative workflows within the ecosystem. Central to this category is the personal information management (PIM) suite, which serves as an integrated hub for handling , calendars, contacts, and tasks, enabling users to streamline daily professional activities. Powered by the Akonadi backend, a extensible storage service for PIM data that supports concurrent access and synchronization across devices and services like and , Kontact ensures seamless data consistency and collaboration among team members. The Kontact suite comprises several specialized components, each tailored to specific productivity needs. KMail functions as a feature-rich email client, offering advanced filtering, encryption, and support for multiple protocols to manage asynchronous communications efficiently. KOrganizer handles calendaring and task management, allowing users to schedule events, set reminders, and integrate with groupware systems for shared availability and meeting coordination. Complementing these, KAddressBook provides comprehensive contact organization, including search, grouping, and synchronization capabilities to maintain up-to-date professional networks. These tools collectively support over a dozen interrelated applications in the PIM domain, fostering collaborative features such as shared calendars and contact lists for team-based work environments. For document handling, KDE Gear includes versatile viewers and editors that enhance readability and editing workflows. stands out as a universal document viewer supporting formats like PDF, , and XPS, with unique reflow capabilities for e-books that adapt text to screen sizes for comfortable reading on various devices. It also enables annotations, highlights, and bookmarks, making it ideal for reviewing and marking up professional documents collaboratively. As an alternative to proprietary suites, offers a comprehensive office package with components such as Words for word processing, Sheets for spreadsheets, and for presentations, all emphasizing open standards and integration with KDE workflows for creating and sharing content. Project management is addressed through Plan, a tool for scheduling tasks, allocating resources, and visualizing progress via Gantt charts and resource views, suitable for coordinating moderately complex projects with multiple stakeholders. The Akonadi framework underpins much of this functionality by providing a unified backend for , ensuring that changes in emails, contacts, or schedules propagate reliably across applications and external services. Overall, these applications in KDE Gear prioritize and open-source collaboration, supporting more than ten tools in total when accounting for Calligra's modular components and PIM integrations.

System Tools

The System Tools category in KDE Gear encompasses a suite of utilities designed to manage hardware resources, monitor system performance, and handle local network configurations, enabling users to maintain and troubleshoot their environment effectively. These tools integrate seamlessly with the KDE Plasma desktop, providing graphical interfaces for tasks that would otherwise require command-line operations. With over 15 applications dedicated to administrative functions, the category supports a range of activities from disk management to process oversight, emphasizing user-friendly design and low resource overhead. File and disk management tools form a core component, facilitating organization, visualization, and partitioning of storage devices. serves as the primary , allowing users to navigate, browse, and manipulate files across local hard drives, USB sticks, SD cards, and remote locations through features like multi-tab support, split views, drag-and-drop operations, and customizable actions such as compression or sharing. It integrates with , KDE's file indexing and search framework, which enables fast content-based searches by indexing metadata with a minimal , supporting queries via 's search toolbar or command-line tools like baloosearch. For disk , KDE Partition Manager provides a graphical frontend to libparted, allowing users to create, resize, delete, copy, move, backup, and restore partitions across file systems including ext2/3/4, , , and , serving as a user-friendly alternative to command-line tools like by offering a KDE-native interface without data loss risks in supported operations. Complementing these, offers a visual disk usage analyzer, representing folder sizes as concentric rings for intuitive identification of space hogs, with capabilities to scan local or remote disks, delete files directly, and integrate with file managers like for quick access to details. Monitoring utilities in KDE Gear focus on hardware diagnostics and performance tracking, aiding in system optimization and troubleshooting. KInfoCenter delivers a centralized dashboard for hardware information, aggregating data on CPU, memory, graphics, network interfaces, and peripherals through modular views that update in real-time, helping users assess system specifications without external commands. System Settings acts as the comprehensive configuration hub, organizing hardware and software adjustments into categories like display, input devices, power management, and storage, with a search function for quick navigation and indicators for modified options to streamline personalization. For process oversight, KDE System Guard (KSysGuard) monitors system statistics including CPU load, memory usage, and running processes, supporting local and remote connections via a daemon for multi-machine administration, though it is currently unmaintained with newer Plasma tools like System Monitor providing similar functionality. Network tools within this category emphasize local hardware interactions, such as and remote access. KBluetooth, part of the KDE Bluetooth framework (Bluedevil), manages device discovery, pairing, and file transfers over , integrating with for adapter configuration and supporting protocols like for seamless connectivity with peripherals. Krfb enables remote desktop sharing as a VNC-compatible server, allowing users to broadcast their session for viewing or control from another , with options to start minimized and Wayland support for secure, low-latency remote assistance.

Utilities

The Utilities category in KDE Gear comprises a diverse set of practical applications that support everyday tasks such as file management, basic computations, and workflow automation, all designed for seamless integration within the KDE Plasma environment. These tools emphasize user efficiency and simplicity, offering features like advanced search, compression handling, and timed reminders without requiring extensive configuration. With over 50 applications available, the category addresses common needs for personal and light professional use, drawing from 's commitment to open-source accessibility and cross-platform compatibility. File handling utilities form a core subset, enabling efficient organization and manipulation of data. Ark serves as the primary archiving tool, allowing users to browse, extract, create, and modify archives while supporting numerous formats including tar, gzip, bzip2, zip, rar, 7z, xz, rpm, cab, deb, xar, and AppImage through integrated backends and plugins that extend compatibility to over 50 archive types in total. Krusader provides a twin-panel file manager interface reminiscent of commander-style tools, featuring built-in archive support, FTP and mounted filesystem access, advanced search, batch renaming, and folder synchronization; its user actions system enables scripting for custom automation, such as parameterized commands on selected files. Complementing these, KFind offers a standalone or integrated search utility for locating files and folders with options for name patterns, content matching, and date filters, often launched directly from the Dolphin file manager. For calculations and time management, KDE Gear includes versatile calculators and reminder tools. KCalc functions as a full-featured scientific calculator, incorporating trigonometric functions, logical operations, statistical computations, and a paper tape for tracking calculations, making it suitable for both quick arithmetic and complex problem-solving. KTimer facilitates countdown operations by supporting multiple simultaneous timers with customizable commands upon expiration, ideal for task pacing or reminders in daily routines. Similarly, RSIBreak monitors keyboard and mouse activity to prevent repetitive strain injuries, periodically prompting users for breaks based on configurable usage patterns and micro-break intervals. These utilities exemplify KDE Gear's focus on lightweight, extensible helpers that enhance productivity without overlapping into specialized domains like system administration or full office suites. Representative examples like KRename for batch file renaming and for visual disk usage analysis further illustrate the category's breadth in addressing file operations and resource insights.

Accessibility Features

KDE Gear includes several applications designed to enhance usability for users with disabilities, particularly those affecting vision, motor skills, speech, and input methods. These tools leverage the KDE framework's integration with Qt's API, which provides a foundation for assistive technologies by exposing user interface elements to external aids like screen readers via the AT-SPI protocol. For visual and motor impairments, KMag serves as a screen magnifier that enlarges a portion of the display, aiding users with low vision by allowing customizable zoom levels and following the cursor or a fixed area. Similarly, KMouseTool simulates mouse clicks automatically, benefiting individuals with limited dexterity or repetitive strain injuries by detecting dwell time or presses to perform actions without manual clicking. KMouth provides text-to-speech functionality for users unable to speak, such as those with mutism or temporary voice loss, by converting typed text into audible output using integrated speech synthesizers like the engine. Users can maintain phrasebooks for quick access to common sentences and review a of spoken items for repetition. Input alternatives in KDE Gear include voice recognition via Simon, which, though currently unmaintained, enables command execution through speech models tailored for , supporting custom languages and dialects for hands-free control. Additionally, broader Plasma features like the on-screen keyboard complement these tools for motor-impaired users. The Accessibility Inspector utility assists developers in verifying application compliance by inspecting the accessibility tree exposed through AT-SPI, displaying node properties and events to ensure proper support for assistive technologies like screen readers. Overall, these more than five applications focus on targeted aids, promoting inclusive computing within the ecosystem.

Discontinued Applications

Notable Discontinued Software

KDE Gear encompasses a collection of applications that has evolved over time, leading to the discontinuation of various tools that were once central to the . Over notable applications have been discontinued, with their code archived in KDE's repositories under the unmaintained namespace. Most discontinuations occurred before 2020, often communicated through official announcements and community updates. Blogilo served as a dedicated blogging client, supporting multiple APIs for posting and managing content on platforms like and Blogger, but it is now unmaintained and no longer released by the KDE community. Jovie provided text-to-speech functionality, enabling users to convert clipboard text, files, or content from applications such as Kate, , and KMouth into audible speech, with configurable filters for synthesis; it too has been discontinued. KOffice was a comprehensive office productivity suite, including components for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations, which predated modern alternatives and was forked into the independent project in 2010; KDE declared it unmaintained thereafter. Quanta Plus functioned as an for , built on the KDevelop platform to handle , CSS, and XML-based languages, but development ceased, rendering it unmaintained. Simon offered advanced speech recognition capabilities, allowing users to create custom acoustic and language models for command execution and accessibility features, such as replacing mouse and keyboard inputs; it is currently unmaintained. SuperKaramba enabled the creation of interactive desktop widgets and applets, enhancing customization in earlier KDE versions, but was discontinued in the KDE Applications 15.12.0 release in 2015, as the Plasma workspace assumed widget engine responsibilities. These discontinued applications highlight shifts in KDE's focus toward more integrated and actively developed tools within Gear, preserving their legacy through open-source archives for potential reference or revival.

Reasons for Discontinuation and Legacy

The discontinuation of applications within KDE Gear often stems from overlapping functionalities with more robust successors, leading to mergers that consolidate development efforts. For instance, KPDF, a PDF viewer for the KDE 3 era, was integrated into , KDE's universal document viewer introduced in KDE 4, to avoid redundant maintenance of similar tools. Similarly, other specialized viewers like KGhostview and KDVI were folded into to create a unified platform supporting multiple formats, enhancing efficiency without losing core capabilities. Maintenance challenges also play a significant role, particularly when upstream dependencies become burdensome or unmaintained. Jovie, KDE's text-to-speech subsystem, was marked as unmaintained due to ongoing issues with its upstream components and lack of active contributors, resulting in its removal from regular KDE Gear releases. Technological obsolescence further drives discontinuations, as seen with KDM, the display manager for , which was replaced by SDDM in Plasma 5 for better Wayland compatibility, cleaner code, and reduced complexity in handling modern session management. The follows a structured process for handling discontinuations, primarily through the sysadmin team's repo-metadata system, where projects are flagged as "unmaintained" if they are no longer deemed useful or viable. This status change is documented in the repo-metadata README and can involve filing a sysadmin ticket for formal removal from releases. When feasible, migration paths are provided to ease transitions; for example, the KOffice suite was restructured into the project to continue its and office tools under a refreshed focus, preserving user workflows. input, often via forums and the KDE Gardening team, helps assess if a project warrants revival in the playground repository or full archival. Discontinued applications leave a lasting legacy by influencing modern KDE components. SuperKaramba, a widget engine for customizable desktop enhancements, directly inspired the development of Plasma widgets, enabling interactive applets that power the dynamic nature of the Plasma desktop environment. Code from archived projects is sometimes reused in forks or integrated into successors, maintaining indirect contributions to KDE's ecosystem. The shift to Qt 5 during the Plasma 5 transition in 2014 accelerated many discontinuations, as older Qt 4-based applications proved incompatible or too resource-intensive to port, prioritizing sustainability. As of 2025, KDE emphasizes sustainable projects in Gear releases, focusing resources on actively developed tools to align with evolving desktop needs and Qt 6 advancements.

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  113. https://apps.kde.org/krusader/
  114. https://docs.kde.org/trunk5/en/krusader/krusader/useractions.html
  115. https://apps.kde.org/kfind/
  116. https://apps.kde.org/kcalc/
  117. https://apps.kde.org/rsibreak/
  118. https://community.kde.org/Accessibility/qt-atspi
  119. https://github.com/KDE/qtatspi
  120. https://apps.kde.org/kmag/
  121. https://apps.kde.org/kmousetool/
  122. https://apps.kde.org/kmouth/
  123. https://docs.kde.org/stable5/en/kmouth/kmouth/kmouth.pdf
  124. https://apps.kde.org/simon/
  125. https://userbase.kde.org/Applications/Accessibility
  126. https://apps.kde.org/accessibilityinspector/
  127. https://kde.org/announcements/applications/15.12.0/
  128. https://apps.kde.org/blogilo/
  129. https://apps.kde.org/jovie/
  130. https://userbase.kde.org/KOffice
  131. https://dot.kde.org/2010/12/06/kde-announces-calligra-suite/
  132. https://invent.kde.org/unmaintained/quanta
  133. https://en.opensuse.org/KPDF
  134. https://userbase.kde.org/KPDF
  135. https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Changes/SDDMinsteadOfKDM
  136. https://invent.kde.org/sysadmin/repo-metadata/-/blob/master/README.md
  137. https://community.kde.org/Gardening
  138. https://techbase.kde.org/Projects/Plasma/Vocabulary
  139. https://archlinux.org/news/transition-of-kde-software-to-the-kde-framework-and-qt-5/
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