D

Debreate

Free#27 of 29 in Software Packaging Tools

Debreate: A focused, open-source wizard for authoring Debian binary packages. Ranked #27 of 29 in Software Packaging Tools by our editors (6.3/10); pricing: Open source; best for debian package authoring.

6.3/10★★★☆☆Editor score

Visit Debreate

At a glance

• Editor score
  6.3 / 10
• Pricing
  Open source
• Best for
  Debian package authoring
• Paid from
  Free
• Output formats
  .deb
• Facts checked
  22 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Wizard interface covers metadata, dependencies, files, and build options
  • Supports lifecycle scripts, desktop files, changelogs, and copyright data
  • Includes lintian checks, md5sums, stripping, and post-build options

• Where it doesn't

  • Limited to Debian-based Linux and .deb output
  • Builds binary packages rather than packages from source
  • Development versions may contain bugs

Our verdict on Debreate

Debreate is a desktop utility for creating installable Debian binary packages from prepared files. It is aimed at users packaging applications, scripts, media, themes, and other content for Debian-based Linux distributions. Its wizard-style interface organizes package control metadata, dependencies, conflicts, files, scripts, changelogs, copyright information, desktop menu entries, and build settings in one workflow. For Debian package authoring, it offers a focused alternative to assembling package contents entirely through manual configuration.

The package-building workflow covers the main pieces a Debian package needs. Files can be added through a directory tree or drag and drop, while pre-install, post-install, pre-remove, and post-remove scripts can be configured within the interface. Auto-Link can generate executable symbolic links, and Debreate can create changelog, copyright, and desktop menu files. These features make it suitable for maintainers who want a graphical authoring process with support for package metadata and deployment behavior, rather than a tool for compiling software from source.

Build options add md5sums, binary stripping, lintian checks, and post-build installation choices. Debreate is free and open source, but its scope is narrow: the published platform focus is Debian-based Linux, and the output format is .deb. The project is described as being in revival, with development versions recommended and potentially containing bugs. Windows may run the application but does not fully support its functionality. Choose Debreate when Debian binary packaging and a wizard interface are the priority; consider another tool when you need broader Linux distribution support, source-package workflows, or a more mature cross-platform experience.

Your product? Our editors can test Debreate in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Debreate pricing

Debreate fact sheet

Alternatives to Debreate

• electron-builderA broad Electron release toolkit covering builds, updates, signing, publishing, and CI/CD.9.4
• Advanced InstallerA broad Windows packaging suite for teams managing installers, updates, and deployment automation.9.2
• install4jA capable choice for Java publishers shipping signed installers across major desktop platforms.9.0

See all Debreate alternatives →

Used Debreate? Be the first to review it

The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Debreate for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.

Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears

Website

Reviews come only from verified accounts. Sign in or create an account first — your e-mail is never shown.

Your rating

5 stars★4 stars★3 stars★2 stars★1 star★

Title

Your review

0 characters · at least 80, up to 3,000

Pros (optional · one per line)

Cons (optional · one per line)

Your name (shown with your review)

Role (optional)

Company (optional)

How long have you used it?Prefer not to sayLess than a month1–6 months6–12 months1–2 years2+ years

I've used Debreate myself and this is my honest opinion — nobody paid or asked me to write it.

Send my reviewPosted from your verified account. Reviews appear after an editor reads them, usually within two working days.

Featured on iTechGuides

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update