# How to Install Omarchy from Source: ISO Deployment and Repository Configuration Guide

> Install Omarchy from source by deploying the official ISO. Clone the repository to customize your system with post-installation scripts for a tailored Omarchy experience.

- Repository: [Omacom/omarchy](https://github.com/omacom/omarchy)
- Tags: how-to-guide
- Published: 2026-09-12

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**Omarchy is distributed as a ready-to-boot ISO image rather than compilable source code, meaning you install it by flashing the official ISO to a USB drive, after which you can clone the configuration repository to customize the system using the post-installation scripts.**

Omarchy, maintained in the `omacom/omarchy` repository, is an Arch Linux-based distribution designed for creative workflows. Unlike Gentoo or Linux From Scratch, Omarchy does not provide a build-from-source installation method; instead, it ships as a pre-built ISO, with the GitHub repository containing post-installation configuration scripts, themes, and hardware-specific utilities that run after the base system is deployed.

## Understanding Omarchy's Distribution Model

The `omacom/omarchy` repository on the `quattro` branch contains **configuration management scripts** rather than a build system for creating bootable media. The `install/` directory houses utilities that synchronize an existing Omarchy installation with the latest repository state, while the `manual/` directory contains the ISO-based installation documentation in [`02-getting-started.md`](https://github.com/omacom/omarchy/blob/main/02-getting-started.md).

## Installing Omarchy Using the Official ISO

Since Omarchy cannot be built from source in the traditional sense, the primary installation method uses the pre-built ISO available from the project site.

### Download the Official ISO

Visit [omarchy.org](https://omarchy.org/) to download the latest release. The ISO contains the complete base system with a Calamares-based installer that handles partitioning, filesystem creation, and encryption setup.

### Create a Bootable USB Drive

Use **Balena Etcher** on macOS or Windows, or **caligula** on Linux systems, to write the ISO to a USB drive. The Getting Started manual at [`manual/02-getting-started.md`](https://github.com/omacom/omarchy/blob/main/manual/02-getting-started.md) provides detailed instructions for verifying the ISO checksum and creating the bootable medium.

### Boot and Run the Installer

Boot from the USB drive to launch the live environment. The installer supports **full-disk encryption** using LUKS and dual-boot configurations that install into free space without destroying existing partitions. The installation process configures the base Omarchy system, after which you can apply repository customizations.

## Post-Installation Source Configuration

For users investigating how to install Omarchy from source, the repository-based workflow applies to existing Omarchy installations. Clone the repository and execute the maintenance scripts to apply the latest configurations, themes, and hardware fixes from the `quattro` branch.

### Base System Updates

Run [`install/post-install/pacman.sh`](https://github.com/omacom/omarchy/blob/main/install/post-install/pacman.sh) to synchronize the base package list defined in `install/omarchy-base.packages`. This script automatically detects and installs missing dependencies required by the Omarchy environment, ensuring your system matches the current distribution state.

### User-Level Configuration

Execute [`install/user/all.sh`](https://github.com/omacom/omarchy/blob/main/install/user/all.sh) to apply themes, desktop configurations, and first-run utilities. This script orchestrates the visual environment setup and user-specific customizations, calling specialized utilities like [`install/user/theme.sh`](https://github.com/omacom/omarchy/blob/main/install/user/theme.sh) for appearance management.

### Hardware-Specific Fixes

The repository includes targeted fixes for specific hardware, such as [`install/hardware/asus/fix-mic.sh`](https://github.com/omacom/omarchy/blob/main/install/hardware/asus/fix-mic.sh) for ASUS microphone issues. These scripts apply kernel parameters, firmware configurations, and ALSA settings necessary for optimal hardware support.

```bash

# Clone the configuration repository

git clone https://github.com/omacom/omarchy.git
cd omarchy/quattro

# Install required base packages from omarchy-base.packages

./install/post-install/pacman.sh

# Apply user-level themes and configurations

./install/user/all.sh

```

## Key Configuration Files in the Repository

Understanding the repository structure is essential for managing Omarchy from source after the initial ISO installation.

- **`install/omarchy-base.packages`** - Defines the canonical package list for the Omarchy base system. Referenced by [`pacman.sh`](https://github.com/omacom/omarchy/blob/main/pacman.sh) during post-installation updates.
- **[`install/post-install/pacman.sh`](https://github.com/omacom/omarchy/blob/main/install/post-install/pacman.sh)** - System-level maintenance script that synchronizes installed packages against the base list.
- **[`install/user/all.sh`](https://github.com/omacom/omarchy/blob/main/install/user/all.sh)** - Entry point for user environment configuration, coordinating theme installation and utility setup.
- **[`install/user/theme.sh`](https://github.com/omacom/omarchy/blob/main/install/user/theme.sh)** - Specialized script for managing Omarchy's visual themes and desktop appearance.
- **[`manual/02-getting-started.md`](https://github.com/omacom/omarchy/blob/main/manual/02-getting-started.md)** - Comprehensive installation guide covering ISO creation, partitioning, and encryption setup.

## Summary

- Omarchy distributes as a **pre-built ISO image** rather than source code requiring compilation.
- Install the system by flashing the official ISO to USB and booting into the Calamares-based installer.
- The GitHub repository contains **post-installation configuration scripts** located in the `install/` directory.
- Use [`install/post-install/pacman.sh`](https://github.com/omacom/omarchy/blob/main/install/post-install/pacman.sh) to sync system packages against `install/omarchy-base.packages`.
- Apply user configurations with [`install/user/all.sh`](https://github.com/omacom/omarchy/blob/main/install/user/all.sh) and hardware fixes from `install/hardware/`.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Can I compile Omarchy from source like Gentoo or Linux From Scratch?

No. According to the `omacom/omarchy` repository structure, Omarchy is distributed exclusively as a ready-to-boot ISO image. The repository contains configuration scripts and utility files for post-installation customization, not a build system for creating bootable media from source code.

### How do I update my Omarchy system with the latest repository changes?

Clone the repository to your home directory, checkout the `quattro` branch, and execute [`./install/post-install/pacman.sh`](https://github.com/omacom/omarchy/blob/main/./install/post-install/pacman.sh) followed by [`./install/user/all.sh`](https://github.com/omacom/omarchy/blob/main/./install/user/all.sh). These scripts reference `install/omarchy-base.packages` to ensure your installed package set matches the current distribution state.

### Where are the installation scripts located in the repository?

All installation and configuration scripts reside in the `install/` directory at the repository root. System-level updates use [`install/post-install/pacman.sh`](https://github.com/omacom/omarchy/blob/main/install/post-install/pacman.sh), while user environment configuration runs from [`install/user/all.sh`](https://github.com/omacom/omarchy/blob/main/install/user/all.sh). Hardware-specific fixes are organized under `install/hardware/` by manufacturer, such as `install/hardware/asus/`.

### What hardware-specific configurations are available?

The repository includes targeted fixes such as [`install/hardware/asus/fix-mic.sh`](https://github.com/omacom/omarchy/blob/main/install/hardware/asus/fix-mic.sh) for ASUS laptop microphone issues. These scripts apply specific kernel modules, firmware patches, or ALSA configurations required for hardware compatibility beyond the standard ISO installation.