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 - 1.4.0
• Platform - Linux
• Architecture - x86_64 (64-bit)

What's New in SonicTree 1.4.0

SonicTree 1.4.0 introduces two ways to browse your music: File Mode and Metadata Mode.

File Mode

File Mode is the default.

It treats your music collection primarily as files and folders.

• Browse your folders directly.
• See and work with your music using filenames and filesystem structure.
• Play files without scanning their embedded metadata with TagLib.
• Ideal when your folder organization is how you prefer to find your music.

Metadata Mode

Metadata Mode is an optional metadata-enhanced view.

It uses information embedded in your audio files to organize and describe what you are playing.

• View titles, artists, albums, and track numbers.
• View codec, bitrate, sample rate, and channel information.
• Display embedded album artwork.
• Browse your music using the information stored inside the audio files.

Switch Between Modes

You can switch between File Mode and Metadata Mode without losing your current session.

• Playlist contents remain synchronized.
• Sorting remains synchronized.
• Current playback remains synchronized.
• The same music can be viewed through either browsing approach.

The modes change how your music is presented, not how your playlist and playback work.

Playlist Improvements

• Improved folder-to-playlist loading.
• Refined playlist handling and information display.
• Mode-specific playlist columns and sizing.

Interface Improvements

• Improved presentation of filesystem and metadata information.
• Refined main window sizing and positioning.

Update Summary

SonicTree 1.4.0 brings a flexible folder-based experience with File Mode as the default and Metadata Mode as an optional enhanced view.

Features

• Folder-based music browsing
• Gapless playback
• Repeat modes
• Playlist sorting
• Keyboard shortcuts
• Album artwork support
• Audio metadata display
• Persistent application settings
• Dark theme and accent colors
• Session timer
• 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-1.4.0-x86_64.AppImage

Run SonicTree:

./SonicTree-1.4.0-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.