How to Use Manjaro’s `pamac` on Arch Linux

Manjaro, a popular Arch-based distribution, is well-known for its user-friendliness and GUI tools that streamline system management. One of its standout features is pamac, a powerful package management tool that wraps around pacman and adds support for the Arch User Repository (AUR), Flatpak, and Snap packages. While Arch Linux adheres to a more DIY philosophy, users who want a more convenient package manager with a GUI or simpler AUR integration may find pamac quite appealing.

In this article, we’ll walk through how to install and use Manjaro’s pamac tool on Arch Linux, its features, configuration tips, and potential caveats. Whether you’re a seasoned Arch user looking for convenience or a newcomer seeking to ease the transition from Manjaro, pamac can be a valuable addition to your toolkit.

What Is pamac?

pamac is the graphical frontend and CLI tool developed by the Manjaro team for managing packages. While it primarily serves as a graphical wrapper around pacman, it also supports:

• Installing packages from the official Arch repositories
• Browsing, installing, and managing AUR packages
• Flatpak and Snap integration
• GUI notifications for updates
• Transaction history and package groups

It includes both a command-line interface (pamac-cli) and a graphical user interface (pamac-gtk or pamac-qt), making it suitable for both terminal lovers and those who prefer clicking buttons.

Step 1: Installing pamac on Arch Linux

Since pamac is not available in the official Arch repositories, you’ll need to install it from the AUR. This requires an AUR helper such as yay, paru, or you can build it manually using makepkg.

Using Yay

yay -S pamac-aur

Alternatively, you can choose a different flavor depending on your needs:

• pamac-aur – CLI + GTK GUI version with AUR support
• pamac-aur-git – Latest development version from Git
• pamac-aur-no-git – Stable version without Git dependency

Manual Installation

If you don’t use an AUR helper:

git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/pamac-aur.git
cd pamac-aur
makepkg -si

This will compile and install pamac and its dependencies.

Step 2: Using the Command Line Interface

Once installed, you can start using pamac via the terminal. Here are some essential commands:

Search for a Package

pamac search <package-name>

This will list matching packages from the official repositories and the AUR if it’s enabled.

Install a Package

pamac install <package-name>

If there are multiple sources (repo vs. AUR), pamac will prompt you to choose.

Remove a Package

pamac remove <package-name>

List Installed Packages

pamac list --installed

List Available Updates

pamac checkupdates

Update System

pamac update

Enable/Disable AUR

To enable or disable AUR support:

pamac config --aur

You can also edit the configuration file at /etc/pamac.conf.

Step 3: Using the Graphical Interface

If you prefer GUI tools, run:

pamac-manager

The interface allows you to:

• Browse categories of packages
• Install/remove software with a click
• Search and filter packages
• Manage AUR, Flatpak, and Snap applications (if enabled)
• Check package history

This GUI is especially handy for new users transitioning from Ubuntu-based systems or for those who manage systems for others.

Step 4: Enable Flatpak and Snap Support

One of pamac’s notable features is integration with Flatpak and Snap. These are universal packaging formats designed to work across distributions.

Enable Flatpak

First, install Flatpak:

sudo pacman -S flatpak

Then, enable Flatpak support in Pamac:

pamac config --flatpak

Or through the GUI: Preferences → Third Party → Enable Flatpak support.

You can then install Flatpak packages via:

pamac install <flatpak-app>

Or browse the Flatpak repository via the GUI.

Enable Snap

Snap is not natively supported on Arch but can be integrated.

1. Install Snapd:

yay -S snapd

2. Enable and start the snapd service:

sudo systemctl enable --now snapd.socket

3. Enable classic snap support:

sudo ln -s /var/lib/snapd/snap /snap

4. Enable Snap in Pamac:

pamac config --snap

Or via GUI preferences as with Flatpak.

Configuration File: /etc/pamac.conf

The pamac configuration file controls behavior such as:

• Refreshing databases
• AUR support
• Checking for updates
• Parallel downloads

Example changes you might make:

EnableAUR
CheckAURUpdates
EnableFlatpak
EnableSnap

Use a text editor or the GUI Preferences panel to tweak these.

Benefits of Using pamac on Arch Linux

1. Simplified AUR Management: Pamac automatically handles dependencies, build processes, and update checking for AUR packages—features not built into pacman.

2. Graphical Interface: Useful for those transitioning from more beginner-friendly distros or those who prefer GUI interactions for software management.

3. All-in-One Tool: A single utility for managing packages from the official repos, AUR, Flatpak, and Snap.

4. Notification Support: GUI notifications can be set up to alert users of updates, similar to what you get in Manjaro.

Caveats and Considerations

1. Manjaro vs. Arch: Pamac is developed by the Manjaro team and tested primarily on Manjaro. While it generally works well on Arch, unexpected issues may occur after updates.

2. System Philosophy: Some Arch purists may prefer sticking with pacman and manual AUR management (makepkg) to retain full control.

3. Potential Bloat: Pamac’s GUI and dependencies (like GTK or Qt) can be considered unnecessary for those aiming for minimalism.

4. Security: Always review AUR PKGBUILDs before installation. While pamac makes it easier to install from the AUR, the same trust rules apply.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Pamac Not Starting

Check for missing dependencies or misconfigured GTK/Qt environments, especially if you installed only part of the toolchain.

Flatpak/Snap Not Showing

Ensure you’ve installed the backend tools (flatpak, snapd) and enabled them in both the terminal and GUI.

Updates Failing

Sometimes AUR packages fail to build due to upstream changes. You can temporarily disable AUR updates or rebuild with:

pamac build <package-name>

Conclusion

While Arch Linux is known for its “do-it-yourself” ethos, using pamac can significantly streamline software management, especially for users who want a more accessible experience without sacrificing Arch’s flexibility. Whether you use the CLI or the GUI, pamac offers an elegant way to integrate official repos, AUR, Flatpak, and Snap support under one roof.

Ultimately, pamac brings together the best of both worlds—convenience from Manjaro and the power of Arch. Just keep in mind the differences in development focus and test environments, and you’ll likely find pamac to be a helpful and reliable tool in your Arch Linux setup.