Codecs

What are codecs?

Codecs let apps play different audio and video formats.

Without the right codec, a video might play without sound, show a blank screen, or not open at all. Installing the missing codecs helps your apps play those files.

Why Packman?

openSUSE leaves out some codecs because of software licences and patents. Packman is a community software source that provides the extra packages.

Try playing your audio or video first. If it works, you don’t need to add anything.

Install the codecs

Install opi, a tool that can set up the codec packages for you:

sudo zypper install opi

Then run:

opi codecs

Follow the prompts to add Packman and install the codecs. This can replace some openSUSE media packages with Packman’s versions, so read the proposed changes before confirming.

If it offers OpenH264 too, you can accept it for extra H.264 support.

Close and reopen your media app or browser, then try again.

See the openSUSE codec instructions (opens in a new tab) and opi documentation (opens in a new tab) for more information.