What is DEB?

Debian Package (DEB) is the standard software package format for Debian-based Linux distributions like Ubuntu.

What is RPM?

RPM Package Manager (RPM) is the standard software package format for Red Hat-based Linux distributions like Fedora and CentOS.

When Should You Use DEB vs RPM?

DEB vs RPM: Key Differences

• •The core technical difference: DEB relies on lossy compression whereas RPM uses lossy compression.
• •Since both DEB and RPM use lossy compression, the quality characteristics are comparable — differences in file size come down to how efficiently each format implements compression.
• •How transparency is handled: RPM does not support alpha channels — transparent areas in the source will become opaque.
• •Storage footprint: Varies by package size for DEB vs Varies by package size for RPM.
• •Use case fit: DEB targets debian/ubuntu software distribution and RPM targets red hat/fedora/centos software distribution — your choice depends on which workflow stage you are serving.

Advantages of DEB

• ✓DEB applies lossy compression specifically calibrated for Debian/Ubuntu software distribution.
• ✓DEB enjoys broad native support across operating systems, browsers, and creative tools alike.
• ✓DEB delivers impressive compression ratios, shrinking files dramatically while keeping visual quality high.
• ✓You will find DEB support built into virtually every tool that handles Debian/Ubuntu software distribution — no plugins or converters needed.

Advantages of RPM

• ✓RPM applies lossy compression specifically calibrated for Red Hat/Fedora/CentOS software distribution.
• ✓RPM enjoys broad native support across operating systems, browsers, and creative tools alike.
• ✓RPM delivers impressive compression ratios, shrinking files dramatically while keeping visual quality high.
• ✓You will find RPM support built into virtually every tool that handles Red Hat/Fedora/CentOS software distribution — no plugins or converters needed.

Common Use Cases for DEB to RPM Conversion

• Multimedia asset packaging
• Encrypted data transport
• Snapshot versioning
• File compression and sharing
• Software distribution
• System backups

Industry Applications

Best Practices for DEB to RPM Conversion

• →For DEB to RPM conversion: RPM provides broad compatibility across operating systems
• →Verify archive integrity after creation by testing extraction
• →Consider splitting large archives into smaller volumes for easier transfer
• →Always keep a backup of your original files before converting
• →Choose the appropriate quality settings for your specific use case

Troubleshooting DEB to RPM Conversion

• !The converted RPM archive is smaller than expected → some files may have been skipped; verify the file count matches the source
• !File permissions lost in the converted RPM → not all archive formats preserve Unix permissions and ownership metadata
• !The RPM archive extracts to a different folder structure → verify that the source archive stored paths relatively, not absolutely
• !Encrypted DEB files converted to RPM lost their encryption → encryption must be re-applied after format conversion

Related Archive Converters

All Archive Formats

More Archive tools