What it is
Chromium is the open-source web browser project behind Google Chrome. Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Brave, Vivaldi and Helium all start from its code and add their own features. Chromium on its own is the plain version: the same engine and interface as Chrome, without Google’s branding, sign-in prompts or automatic background updater.
Why it’s here
- Chrome without the extras. Sites and extensions that work in Chrome work here, built entirely from open source.
- A clean testing browser. It’s useful as a separate browser with its own profile for testing web apps or keeping work and personal browsing apart.
On CoreDesktop
CoreDesktop installs Chromium as a Flatpak from Flathub. Open it from the app grid. Helium is CoreDesktop’s default browser; to make Chromium the default instead, pick it in Settings › Apps › Default Apps.
The sandboxed AI agents can’t read your Chromium profile. update keeps Chromium current along with your other Flatpaks.