FlashPrint won't install directly on Chrome OS, but you can run it through Linux

Chrome OS doesn't let you install Windows or Mac programs the normal way. FlashPrint, the software that controls Flashforge 3D printers, is built for Windows and Mac only. The solution is to use Crostini, which is Chrome OS's built-in Linux environment. Once Linux is running on your Chromebook, you can install FlashPrint inside it and connect your printer through USB.

This process takes about 20 to 30 minutes if your Chromebook supports Linux. Not all Chromebooks do — older models and some budget models lack the hardware needed. Before you start, check whether your specific Chromebook model supports Linux by searching "[your Chromebook model] Linux support" online, or look in your Chromebook's Settings under "Developers" to see if a Linux option appears.

Key Takeaways

  • FlashPrint runs on Linux through Crostini, Chrome OS's built-in Linux container, not directly on Chrome OS itself.
  • You need to turn on Linux in your Chromebook's Settings first, which takes a few minutes and requires about 2 GB of storage space.
  • After Linux is running, you download the FlashPrint installer from Flashforge's website and run it through the Linux terminal.
  • Your printer connects to the Linux environment through USB, so you'll need a USB cable and a USB port on your Chromebook.
  • If your Chromebook doesn't support Linux, you cannot run FlashPrint on it — you would need to use a Windows or Mac computer instead.

Check if your Chromebook supports Linux before starting

Open your Chromebook's Settings by clicking the time in the bottom right corner, then clicking the gear icon. Look for a "Developers" or "Linux development environment" section in the left menu. If you see it, your Chromebook supports Linux. If the section doesn't appear, your Chromebook cannot run FlashPrint through this method.

If you find the Linux section, click it and look for a button that says "Turn on" or "Set up". This is the switch you'll use in the next step. If the button says "Turn off", Linux is already running on your Chromebook and you can skip ahead to installing FlashPrint.

Enable Linux on your Chromebook

In the Linux section of Settings, click the button to turn on the Linux environment. Chrome OS will ask you to confirm and may ask for your password. The system will then download and install Linux, which usually takes 5 to 10 minutes depending on your internet speed. You'll see a progress bar — let it finish completely before moving forward.

Once Linux is installed, a terminal window will open automatically. This is the command-line interface where you'll type commands to install FlashPrint. You can close this window for now and reopen it later, or keep it open and continue to the next step.

Download the FlashPrint installer for Linux

Open a web browser on your Chromebook and go to Flashforge's official website. Look for a "Downloads" or "Software" section and find FlashPrint. You should see versions for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Download the Linux version — it will be a file with a name like "FlashPrint-[version]-Linux.tar.gz" or similar.

Save the file to your Downloads folder. Remember the exact filename because you'll type it into the terminal in the next step. If you're not sure where the file went, open the Files app on your Chromebook and look in the Downloads folder.

Open the Linux terminal and install FlashPrint

Click the time in the bottom right corner of your Chromebook, then look for a terminal icon or search for "Terminal" in your apps. Open it. You should see a black window with a blinking cursor and text that shows your username and a dollar sign ($).

Type the following command and press Enter: cd Downloads. This moves you to the folder where you saved the FlashPrint file. Then type: tar -xzf FlashPrint-[version]-Linux.tar.gz, replacing "[version]" with the actual version number from your filename. Press Enter. This unpacks the FlashPrint files.

Next, type: cd FlashPrint and press Enter to move into the FlashPrint folder. Then type: sudo ./install.sh and press Enter. The system will ask for your password — type it in (you won't see the letters appear, which is normal) and press Enter again. The installer will run and set up FlashPrint.

Connect your printer and launch FlashPrint

Plug your Flashforge printer into your Chromebook using a USB cable. Chrome OS will detect it automatically. Once the printer is connected, you can launch FlashPrint. Look for it in your Chromebook's app menu or search for "FlashPrint" in the launcher. It will open in a window just like any other program.

When FlashPrint opens, it should detect your connected printer. If it doesn't, go to FlashPrint's settings or preferences and look for a USB connection option. Select your printer from the list. You're now ready to load a 3D model file and start printing.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the terminal shows an error like "command not found" when you type the install command, you may have typed the filename wrong. Go back to your Downloads folder in the Files app, right-click the FlashPrint file, and check the exact name. Copy it and paste it into the terminal instead of typing it by hand.

If FlashPrint opens but doesn't see your printer, unplug the USB cable, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. Then restart FlashPrint. If the printer still doesn't appear, open the terminal again and type: lsusb. This shows all USB devices connected to your Chromebook. If your printer doesn't appear in the list, the USB cable may be damaged or the port may not be working.

If Linux won't turn on in Settings, your Chromebook may not have enough storage space. Go to Settings, click "Storage", and check how much free space you have. Linux needs at least 2 GB free. If you're low on space, delete old files or clear your browser cache to free up room, then try turning on Linux again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use FlashPrint on any Chromebook?

No. Only Chromebooks made in the last five to seven years typically support Linux. Older models and some budget Chromebooks cannot run Linux, which means they cannot run FlashPrint. Check your Chromebook's Settings to see if a Linux option exists. If it doesn't, you'll need a Windows or Mac computer to use FlashPrint.

Do I need to keep Linux turned on all the time?

No. You can turn Linux on and off in Settings whenever you want. Turn it on when you need to use FlashPrint, and turn it off if you want to free up storage space. Your FlashPrint installation will stay in place when you turn Linux back on later.

What if I get an error about permissions when I try to install?

The install command includes "sudo", which gives the installer permission to make changes to your system. If you still get a permission error, make sure you typed "sudo" at the beginning of the command. If the error persists, your user account may not have administrator rights — contact your Chromebook's administrator if someone else manages it.

Can I print wirelessly from FlashPrint on a Chromebook?

FlashPrint on Linux through Crostini works best with a USB connection. Wireless printing may be possible depending on your printer model and network setup, but USB is the most reliable method. Check your printer's manual or Flashforge's support site for wireless setup instructions if your printer supports it.

Will FlashPrint work if I'm using a Chromebook at school or work?

It depends on your administrator's settings. Some schools and workplaces restrict Linux access on managed Chromebooks. If you see a message saying Linux is not available or disabled, ask your IT department or administrator to turn it on. If they refuse, you won't be able to run FlashPrint on that device.