SonicTree

SonicTree is a folder-based music player for Linux that plays music directly from your existing folder structure. It is designed to be simple, responsive, and reliable without requiring a media library or database.

• Version - 1.3.0
• Platform - Linux
• Architecture - x86_64 (64-bit)

What's New in 1.3.0

• Playlist Sorting — Sort your music directly from the playlist menus.
• Show/Hide Folder Tree — Press Ctrl + H to switch between library browsing and a distraction-free listening view.
• Session Timer — Set a timer for your listening session.
• Folder Rescan — Quickly rescan your music folders with Ctrl + R.
• Dark Theme and Accent Colors — Customize the appearance of SonicTree.
• Interface Refinements — Improved splitter behaviour, resizing, menus, status bar, playback controls, and overall layout.
• Artwork Improvements — Better embedded artwork and cache handling.
• Performance & Stability — Numerous improvements and bug fixes for a smoother and more reliable experience.
• AppImage Improvements — Improved deployment and runtime reliability.

SonicTree 1.3.0 is a refinement-focused release with improvements to playlist management, navigation, appearance, and stability.

Features

• Folder-based music browsing
• Gapless playback
• Repeat Off, Repeat Track, and Repeat Playlist modes
• Keyboard shortcuts for playback, seeking, and volume control
• Album artwork support
• Audio metadata display
• Persistent application settings
• Audio playback powered by GStreamer
• Metadata powered by TagLib

Requirements

• Linux (x86_64)
• GStreamer
• TagLib

Supported Audio Formats

SonicTree uses GStreamer for audio playback and supports formats provided by the installed GStreamer plugins, including:

• MP3
• FLAC
• Ogg Vorbis
• WAV
• AAC
• Opus And many other formats supported by GStreamer.

Installation

Download the latest AppImage from the SonicTree SourceForge project page.

Make the AppImage executable:

chmod +x SonicTree-1.3.0-x86_64.AppImage

Run SonicTree:

./SonicTree-1.3.0-x86_64.AppImage

Keyboard Shortcuts

Key / Action

• Space / Play/Pause
• Enter / Play Selected
• Ctrl + Right / Next Track
• Ctrl + Left / Previous Track
• Ctrl + UP / Volume Up
• Ctrl + Down / Volume Down
• Shift + Right / Seek Forward
• Shift + Left / Seek Backward
• Esc / Close or Exit
• Ctrl + H / Show/Hide Folder Tree
• Ctrl + R / Folder Rescan

Security

Release binaries are built with modern hardening features:

• Full RELRO
• Stack Canary
• PIE (Position Independent Executable)
• NX (No eXecute)
• FORTIFY_SOURCE

These improves resistance against common memory corruption and exploitation techniques.

Release files also includes:

• SHA-256 checksums
• GPG signatures

These allow users to verify the integrity and authenticity of downloaded releases.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is SonicTree?

SonicTree is a Linux music player designed for local music playback and filesystem-based navigation.

How does SonicTree organize music?

SonicTree uses your existing folder structure. Your music remains organized exactly as it exists on disk.

Does SonicTree require a music library database?

No. SonicTree works directly with the filesystem and does not require importing music into a database.

How do I play music?

Browse to a folder containing audio files and open it within SonicTree. Select a track to begin playback.

Can SonicTree play music from external drives?

Yes. Any mounted drive accessible through the filesystem can be played.

How do I access music stored on an external drive?

Most Linux systems mount external drives under:

/media/<username>/
/mnt/

Navigate to the mounted location from within SonicTree and browse your music folders normally.

Does SonicTree support album artwork?

Yes. SonicTree supports both embedded artwork stored within audio files and artwork stored within music folders.

Can I seek within tracks?

Yes. SonicTree supports seeking within audio tracks.

Does SonicTree remember volume settings?

Yes. Volume settings are persisted between sessions.

Does SonicTree support dark mode?

Yes. SonicTree includes a dark theme.

Does playback continue while browsing folders?

Yes. Playback continues while navigating through the filesystem.

Does SonicTree modify my music files?

No. SonicTree does not modify audio files.

Does SonicTree move, rename, or reorganize music files?

No. SonicTree does not alter the structure of your music collection.

Does SonicTree require an internet connection?

No. SonicTree is designed for local music playback and operate entirely offline.

Can SonicTree play music from network-mounted storage?

Yes. Any mounted filesystem accessible through the operating system can be browsed and played.

Does SonicTree scan my entire system?

No. Only folders that you choose to browse are accessed.

What platforms are supported?

SonicTree supports Linux x86_64 (64-bit) systems.

Where are settings stored?

SonicTree stores application settings locally on your system.

How do I report a bug?

Please include the following information when reporting issues:

• SonicTree version
• Linux distribution
• Steps to reproduce the issue
• Relevant logs
• Screenshots if applicable

Where can I find the latest release?

The latest release is available from the project's release page.

What is the focus of SonicTree?

SonicTree focuses on local music playback, filesystem-based navigation, reliability, and a responsive desktop listening experience.

License

See the LICENSE file for licensing information.