Get and Install Qt¶

Overview of the different ways to download and install Qt.

You can install Qt on your computer in different ways. The table below outlines each method and when it is most useful.

Method

Description

When to use

Qt Online Installer (GUI)

A graphical installer that lets you choose Qt versions, modules, and tools interactively. In most cases, this is the best way to install Qt.

You’re new to Qt.

You prefer a visual interface.

You’re installing Qt on a desktop computer.

Qt Online Installer (command line)

Allows unattended installation using scripts or automation tools.

You need to install Qt on multiple machines.

You’re setting up CI/CD pipelines.

You want to automate the installation without user interaction.

Build from sources

Download and compile Qt manually from source code.

You need a custom build (for example, with patches or debug options).

Your platform isn’t supported by prebuilt packages.

You’re contributing to Qt or debugging its internals.

Package managers:

macOS

Linux

Allows you to install a recent version of Qt without requiring a Qt account.

Lightweight and good for automation.

You need to install Qt as a dependency for your applications, but don’t plan to do development work with Qt yourself.

You don’t need special or commercial-only modules.

Method	Description	When to use
Qt Online Installer (GUI)	A graphical installer that lets you choose Qt versions, modules, and tools interactively. In most cases, this is the best way to install Qt.	You’re new to Qt. You prefer a visual interface. You’re installing Qt on a desktop computer.
Qt Online Installer (command line)	Allows unattended installation using scripts or automation tools.	You need to install Qt on multiple machines. You’re setting up CI/CD pipelines. You want to automate the installation without user interaction.
Build from sources	Download and compile Qt manually from source code.	You need a custom build (for example, with patches or debug options). Your platform isn’t supported by prebuilt packages. You’re contributing to Qt or debugging its internals.
Package managers: macOS Linux	Allows you to install a recent version of Qt without requiring a Qt account.	Lightweight and good for automation. You need to install Qt as a dependency for your applications, but don’t plan to do development work with Qt yourself. You don’t need special or commercial-only modules.

After you have installed Qt, you can add, update, and remove components with Qt Maintenance Tool (included in every Qt installation). For more information, see Add, update, and remove components .