Celluloid as a Linux alternative to Daum PotPlayer
Updated
Our verdict
Celluloid is a good replacement for Daum PotPlayer if you prioritize simplicity and GNOME integration over deep customization. It handles nearly all formats via mpv and supports hardware acceleration, playlists, and basic keyboard shortcuts. However, it lacks PotPlayer’s advanced UI theming, on-screen filters, and granular rendering controls. Users who value stability, low resource use, and clean design will appreciate Celluloid, but power users wanting extensive tweaks will miss PotPlayer’s depth. It’s best for Linux users who want a lightweight, no-fuss player without sacrificing core functionality.
- License
- GPL-3.0+
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 0.30 (March 28, 2026)
- Rating
- —

What works the same
- Plays nearly all video and audio formats using the mpv engine
- Supports hardware acceleration through mpv backend
- Offers customizable keyboard shortcuts and basic on-screen controls
- Handles drag-and-drop playlist management
- Provides MPRIS2 support for system-wide media controls
What is different
- No built-in support for advanced video filters or shader customization like PotPlayer
- Limited interface customization; follows GNOME HIG with minimal theming options
- Lacks native support for large media library organization
- Does not include internal configuration editor—relies on external mpv.conf
- Minimal resource usage but fewer playback tweaks compared to PotPlayer
Opening your Daum PotPlayer files
Celluloid does not directly open or import PotPlayer-specific configuration files (.dpl playlists or .ini settings). However, it can play any media file PotPlayer supports, as both rely on mpv for backend decoding. Playlist compatibility is limited to standard formats like M3U; proprietary PotPlayer playlists must be converted. External mpv configuration files can be loaded, allowing some carryover of playback behavior if manually set up.
Switching from Daum PotPlayer to Celluloid, step by step
- Install Celluloid via Flathub or your distribution’s package manager
- Copy your existing mpv.conf to ~/.config/mpv/ if you have custom settings
- Convert PotPlayer .dpl playlists to M3U format using a script or media tool
- Drag and drop media files or playlists into Celluloid’s window
- Adjust keyboard shortcuts in settings if needed
- Enable hardware acceleration in the preferences if not active by default
Key features of Celluloid
- mpv‑based playback engine
- GTK+ interface following GNOME HIG
- Drag‑and‑drop playlist support
- External mpv config file loading
- MPRIS2 D‑Bus control
- Keyboard shortcuts for play/pause, seek, volume
- Playlist management
- MPRIS2 media player controls
How to install Celluloid on Linux
flatpak install flathub io.github.celluloid_player.Celluloidsudo apt install celluloidsudo apt install celluloidsudo dnf install celluloidsudo pacman -S celluloidsudo zypper install celluloidFrequently asked questions
Can Celluloid play 4K HDR videos smoothly?
Yes, if your system supports hardware decoding. Celluloid uses mpv, which can leverage GPU acceleration via VDPAU, VAAPI, or NVDEC depending on your hardware and drivers.
Does Celluloid support subtitle customization like PotPlayer?
It supports basic subtitle loading and styling, but not PotPlayer-level real-time shader effects. Customization is limited to font, size, and color through mpv config.
Can I use my old PotPlayer keybindings in Celluloid?
Not directly. You can edit the input.conf file in ~/.config/mpv/ to replicate keybindings manually, but default shortcuts differ and must be reconfigured.