Origami Linux Introduces an Immutable OS Built Around COSMIC

A recently released Linux distribution caught my eye, largely due to its unconventional choice of desktop environment. It is among the first distributions built entirely around the new COSMIC desktop. The project in question is Origami Linux.

Before diving in, it’s important to set expectations. Origami Linux is a young and experimental project, and some rough edges are to be expected. Not every feature is fully polished yet, but that’s typical for software at this stage. With that context, let’s explore what this new distribution brings to the table.

Origami Linux follows an immutable design model based on Fedora Atomic, using rpm-ostree for system management. The operating system is image-based, meaning the core system is read-only and updated atomically. Instead of modifying system files directly, updates create new system deployments that take effect after a reboot. Older deployments are preserved, allowing users to roll back if necessary.

The desktop experience is centered around COSMIC, which is generally well integrated. One notable advantage is that system updates automatically bring you to the latest available COSMIC release currently version 1.0.4—without requiring manual intervention.

However, the default software selection leaves something to be desired. The choice of Zen as the default web browser is puzzling, given that it remains in beta and under active development. Additionally, Origami Linux includes very few preinstalled applications, with Cloudflare Zero Trust being the lone exception—an inclusion whose purpose isn’t immediately clear.

As expected from an immutable system, user applications are delivered via Flatpak. For system-level tooling, Origami ships with Distrobox, enabling users to run traditional Linux tools inside containers without modifying the base system.

The distribution also features automatic background updates handled by a systemd user timer, along with manual update options for the system image, Flatpaks, and Distrobox containers. These are unified through a convenience update command based on Topgrade, allowing the entire system to be updated with a single command.

Given its design choices, Origami Linux is clearly targeted at developers who prefer container-centric workflows rather than general desktop users. While immutability and rpm-ostree in particular—may not appeal to everyone, it aligns well with the distro’s goals.

For users who appreciate immutable desktops and enjoy working with container tools like Distrobox, Origami Linux can feel quite natural. Its primary advantage over Fedora Silverblue is the inclusion of a well-tuned, ready-to-use COSMIC desktop out of the box instead of GNOME.

Finally, Origami Linux offers multiple system variants that can be switched using rpm-ostree rebase. These include standard and NVIDIA images, a performance-focused Cachy kernel option, and testing images for early access to new features. Core maintenance workflows such as rollback, deployment pinning, and cleanup are well documented.

For more detailed information, users can refer to the Origami Linux Wiki.