SonicTree

SonicTree is a folder-based music player for Linux. Browse music collections through their existing folder structures, build playlists, and play local music without maintaining a music library database.

• Version - 1.5.0
• Platform - Linux
• Architecture - x86_64 (64-bit)

What's New in 1.5.0

SonicTree 1.5.0 improves folder browsing and playlist management, adds shuffle playback, and includes refactoring, bug fixes, and other enhancements.

• Improved File Mode performance for large music collections.
• Cleaner folder tree display using folder names instead of full paths.
• Shuffle playback with Playback menu controls and a status bar indicator.
• Append to Playlist for recursively adding supported audio files while preserving the existing playlist and playback position.
• Code improvements, bug fixes, and other enhancements.

Features

• Folder-based music browsing
• File Mode and Metadata Mode
• Gapless playback
• Repeat modes
• Shuffle playback
• Playlist quoue
• 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
• Security hardened binaries
• Checksums and GPG signatures

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.

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.

Distribution

SonicTree is distributed as an AppImage for Linux, providing a convinient way to run the application without traditional installation.

Official releases are available from the SonicTree project page on Sourceforge.

Community-maintained packages may also be available for Linux distributions. These packages are maintained independently and are not official SonicTree releases.

Installation

Download the latest AppImage from the SonicTree SourceForge project page.

Make the AppImage executable:

chmod +x SonicTree-1.5.0-x86_64.AppImage

Run SonicTree:

./SonicTree-1.5.0-x86_64.AppImage

Getting Started

Choose a Browsing Mode

SonicTree provides two ways to browse your collection:

• File Mode: Browse and play music directly through your folder structure. This mode is designed for users who organize music in folders and works well with large collections.
• Metadata Mode: Browse music using metadata such as artist, album, and track information.

Choose File Mode if you prefer navigating folders. Choose Metadata Mode if you prefer browsing by music metadata.

Build a Playlist

You can build a playlist in either File Mode or Metadata Mode. Select music to create a listening queue, then use the playback controls to listen to your tracks.

In both modes, double-click a folder to start a listening session with its supported audio files. To extend the current playlist, right-click a folder in the folder tree and select Append to Playlist. SonicTree recursively adds supported audio files from that folder and its subfolders while preserving the existing playlist and playback position.

Control Playback

Use the playback controls to play, pause, or skip tracks. Enable shuffle from the Playback menu to select the next track randomly without changing the playlist order. The status bar indicates when shuffle is active.

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

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.

What is the difference between File Mode and Metadata Mode?

File Mode lets you browse and play music directly through your folder structure. It is designed for users who organize music in folders and is particularly useful for large collections.

Metadata Mode lets you browse music using information such as artist, album, and track details.

Choose File Mode if you prefer browsing music by folders. Choose Metadata Mode if you prefer browsing by music metadata.

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 I build a playlist quoue?

Yes. In any mode, Append to Playlist recursively adds supported audio files from a selected folder and its subfolders without clearing the existing playlist.

Does shuffle change my playlist order?

No. Shuffle selects the next track randomly while leaving the playlist order unchanged.

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 with accent colors.

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.