How to get JSchem running on Linux

[mountainhick]

I had a terrible time trying, but finally with Rake's help got it together. I figure it would be good to have simple instructions for others who may want to do the same:

This got it running for me on Linux Mint which is based on Ubuntu:

JSchem runs on Java, so be sure you have Java installed or install it.

Directions for checking/Installing Java: OpenJDK is an open source version of Java that works as the default on Mint. This installed version 21 on my machine in December 2025.

OpenJDK is an open-source implementation of the Java Platform, Standard Edition, and is the default Java on Linux Mint.
Open the Terminal from your application menu or by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.
Update your package lists to ensure you have the latest information on available software:

"sudo apt update"

Check if Java is already installed:

"java -version"

If you see a version number, Java is already installed. If not, proceed to the next step.

Install the default Java Development Kit (JDK): The JDK includes both the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) for running applications and development tools like the compiler (javac).

"sudo apt install default-jre"

Verify the installation by running the java -version command again. 

"java -version"

You should now see the newly installed version.



Download the JSchem .jar file, not the one configured for linux. The browser may try to block it, so allow the download.

http://jschem.bplaced.net/

Right click the jar file and in permissions, allow read and write, and click the check box to allow run as program or executable.

Run JScheme by double clicking the jar file.JSchem

[rake]

You forgot the most important part:
Don't throw the computer at the wall in frustration when installing apps on Linux!
Just google it and read everything at least twice.

Seriously, copy and paste the commands to avoid errors but remember to leave out the " "
Terminal commands just don't work with any little typo.

Sure glad you got it to work mountainhick! The pencil & paper route really sucks! 

Remember; Unlike the Linux forums, the people here will actually help you! 

Now let's all get back to designing the world's most bestest guitar amp!

[mountainhick]

You forgot the most important part:
Don't throw the computer at the wall in frustration when installing apps on Linux!
Just google it and read everything at least twice.

Seriously, copy and paste the commands to avoid errors but remember to leave out the " "
Terminal commands just don't work with any little typo.

Sure glad you got it to work mountainhick! The pencil & paper route really sucks! 

Remember; Unlike the Linux forums, the people here will actually help you! 

Now let's all get back to designing the world's most bestest guitar amp!

LOL 

"Just Google(ing) it" to install JSchem kept me chasing my tail FOR YEARS. Java instrallation instructions, youtube vids, the works. All I ended up with was multiple versions of java and JSchem downloaded not opening. (along with trying to open the windows version using WINE etc).

I never found the native self install instructions for the default java version that you did, until you showed me. So if your name is actually Google...!

The process is dirt simple unless you try following google's confusing miasma of information that is not targeted to this simple task. I am not whiz, but I am no complete dummy either. I've been using Linux for well over a decade. But having not learned Linux terminal commands categorically, and am forced to follow such step by step copy and paste command sequences. With Linux, rarely do I find this process simple and succinct.

I appreciate that what you put me onto cracked the puzzle. Dead simple if you have the correct instructions, but not when you you are following wrong google instructions or those inappropriate to the actual task you want to accomplish.

I don't know if it is your superior intelligence, knowledge or just luck, but I am very glad you pointed the way!

[rake]

Can't be my superior intelligence. 
When I was a kid I thought my name was Dumbass!
The only thing the old man ever said to me was,
"HEY DUMBASS, GET UP AND CHANGE THE DAMN CHANNEL"! 

[mountainhick]

Can't be my superior intelligence. 
When I was a kid I thought my name was Dumbass!
The only thing the old man ever said to me was,
"HEY DUMBASS, GET UP AND CHANGE THE DAMN CHANNEL"! 

Give yourself some credit!

Rake (or anyone), do you know how to import additional component files into Jschem using Linux?

EDIT: HAH! Problem solved

How convoluted. It will not recognize Doug's SchComponents_Custom zip file unzipped and pasted into it's own library, but it will recognize if put in some other folder that is navigated to from higher in the folder tree. i.e. navigate to the folder above the Jschem folder in hierarchy, then the Jschem folder and the custom component folder. How strange, but there it is. It means if you want the native components you go to Jschem native library, but for other custom components, it's to a different folder/location.

[rake]

I've stolen components from other JSchem schematics by dis-assembling the schematic and then loading them to the library. (sometimes you have to name them too)
I've also created components by ungrouping a component like a triode and copying the elements, assemble them to make a "new" tube, group them and load and name them to the library! Even something as a node symbol like a letter in a circle, if you group it you can load it to your library in the symbols folder for future use. Everything you create can be loaded to your library to make things easier in the future.

Hope this makes sense.

[mountainhick]

I've stolen components from other JSchem schematics by dis-assembling the schematic and then loading them to the library. (sometimes you have to name them too)
I've also created components by ungrouping a component like a triode and copying the elements, assemble them to make a "new" tube, group them and load and name them to the library! Even something as a node symbol like a letter in a circle, if you group it you can load it to your library in the symbols folder for future use. Everything you create can be loaded to your library to make things easier in the future.

Hope this makes sense.

Mostly.

How do you "load" a symbol into your library? I tried taking an input stage from a schematic which is a custer of individual symbols, by highlighting, but there is no apparent save to library function as a highlighted bundle. Does it have to be copied/pasted into a new sheet and saved as a .schem file itself first?

And is that saved grouping editable in terms of component values etc when pasted into a new document?

[rake]

click the component (it turns blue)
click the component tab at the top & click the add to library tab.
If it's not named you'll need to name it.

[mountainhick]

click the component (it turns blue)
click the component tab at the top & click the add to library tab.
If it's not named you'll need to name it.

Ah so, it is not just that. For a component that is comprised by more than one item, it has to be grouped first in the component menu before "add to library" will work.

Gettin there...

Thanks for the help!

[rake]

if you group it you can load it to your library

[mountainhick]

if you group it you can load it to your library

I'm using grey haired grey cells these days.