celluloid-player/celluloid
FreeA simple GTK+ frontend for mpv
FreeFree tier
About celluloid-player/celluloid
Celluloid (formerly GNOME MPV) is a simple GTK+ frontend for mpv. It interacts with mpv via the client API exported by libmpv, providing access to mpv's powerful playback capabilities while offering a native GTK+ interface. Celluloid supports multiple ways to open files (command line, file chooser, open location dialog, drag and drop), playlist management with drag-and-drop reordering, and extensive configuration via the preferences dialog, dconf, or mpv configuration files. It also supports user scripts for extended functionality. Installation packages are available for Ubuntu via PPA, as Flatpak from Flathub, as Snap from Snapcraft, and as source code. The repository is mirrored on Codeberg.
Key Features
Simple GTK+ frontend for mpv using libmpv client API
Four ways to open files: command line, file chooser, open location, drag and drop
Playlist management with auto-expansion of playlist files and drag-and-drop reordering
Configuration via preferences dialog, dconf database, and mpv.conf syntax
Support for user scripts
Cross-platform availability via Flatpak, Snap, and Ubuntu PPA
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free and open source under GNU GPL
- Leverages mpv's powerful playback capabilities
- Native GTK+ interface (GTK4 and libadwaita)
- Multiple easy installation methods (Flatpak, Snap, PPA)
- Highly configurable through GUI and mpv.conf
Cons
- Limited to mpv's feature set; no standalone codec handling
- GTK+ only; no Qt or other toolkit version
- May lack advanced features found in other media players (e.g., media library management)
Best For
Personal video playback on Linux desktopLightweight media player for casual useCustomizable frontend for mpv power usersIntegration with file managers via drag and drop
FAQ
What is Celluloid?
Celluloid is a simple GTK+ frontend for mpv, formerly known as GNOME MPV. It provides a native user interface for mpv while using the libmpv client API for playback.
How can I install Celluloid?
Celluloid can be installed via Flatpak from Flathub, Snap from Snapcraft, an Ubuntu PPA, or built from source. See the installation section in the repository README.
How do I configure mpv options in Celluloid?
You can set mpv options by creating a configuration file using mpv.conf syntax and enabling it in the preferences dialog under 'MPV Configuration', or by typing options in the 'Extra MPV Options' text box. Command-line options can also be added with the mpv- prefix.
Can I use user scripts with Celluloid?
Yes, Celluloid supports user scripts for extended functionality. Details are available in the repository documentation.