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XoL: Running X-Plane on Linux

This documentation covers setup and optimization of X-Plane 12 (Laminar Research) under Linux. It is aimed at experienced Linux users — a working installation is assumed. The examples are based on Debian but transfer to other distributions with minor adjustments.

Where to Start

  • Why Linux? Introduction explains what makes X-Plane on Linux different.
  • New to X-Plane on Linux? Getting Started covers system requirements, installation, and first launch.
  • X-Plane already running? Performance explains the three load dimensions (CPU, I/O, network) before diving into System Tuning.

About This Documentation

The core focus is on Linux system tuning — kernel parameters, CPU governor, GPU drivers, display server selection, and filesystem optimization — complemented by performance analysis using both X-Plane's built-in tools and Linux monitoring utilities. Additional sections cover scenery management with orthophoto streaming, flight operations including ATC procedures, and a reference catalog of Linux-compatible addons and plugins. The guides are modular — individual topics can be implemented independently or combined as needed.

Contributing

This documentation is an open project. Improvements or additions can be contributed via GitHub:

  • Create issues for bugs or suggestions
  • Submit pull requests for changes
  • Share experiences in the discussions in the footer of this website (e.g., via the Discord link)

All Videos →

Recent Changes

2026-02-18

  • AutoOrtho corrected: Fixed wrong USGS provider reference, removed unverified RAM and bandwidth figures
  • XEarthLayer corrected: Updated internet recommendation from 800 to 500 Mbps, removed version-specific install command, added sources
  • AutoOrtho revised: Improved page structure with section separators, removed redundant Conclusion section, unified bold formatting
  • XEarthLayer corrected: Fixed misleading Rust build environment requirement in comparison section
  • XEarthLayer revised: Toned down stability warning to reflect current maturity, added CLI live status output to comparison table

2026-02-17

  • New videos: GPU & VRAM — GPU performance and VRAM management (DE + EN)
  • Further Reading sections added across Linux, Flight Operations, Scenery, and X-Plane sections (33 pages)
  • CPU & RAM, GPU & VRAM, Latency: Further Reading sections standardized with additional cross-references
  • New page Latency and Predictability — Why latency matters more than throughput, four latency sources
  • Complete restructure: All sections split into thematic subdirectories with section index pages — content summaries cascade from deepest level upward
  • New pages: CPU & RAM — Threading model and system memory, GPU & VRAM — Texture paging, driver differences and frame time analysis
  • New page: Why Latency Matters — Video introduction to the tuning philosophy

2026-02-16