# Qualcomm IM SDK quickstart documentation Explore the inbuilt sample applications and command-line use cases. Create AI and Multimedia applications using the Qualcomm^®^ Intelligent Multimedia SDK (IM SDK) workflow. Compile the SDK from source and upgrade the SDKs. Tab Qualcomm Linux Tab Ubuntu - *class* tabincludedirectiv - ## Qualcomm IM SDK overview Understand the components and functionalities of Qualcomm IM SDK, develop applications using its various standalone SDKs, sample applications, and the eSDK workflow. Architecture Explore the software stack of the Qualcomm IM SDK, including its layers and components. https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70022-51/topic/introduction.html#section-xxy-ngc-5cc Qualcomm IM SDK components Download the required files and use the gst-ai-classification precompiled sample application to run a LiteRT classification model on the Qualcomm Linux development kit. https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70022-51/topic/introduction.html#section-cys-tgc-5cc Supported component versions Verify the versions of integrated components to ensure compatibility and optimal performance. https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70022-51/topic/introduction.html#section-xsk-zrn-tcc ## Get started with the Qualcomm IM SDK Develop your software by following the setup instructions for the Qualcomm IM SDK. Qualcomm IM SDK workflow Set up the device, enable SSH, configure the display, install the eSDK, and create a sample application. https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70022-51/topic/install-sdk.html#install-sdk Prerequisites Ensure your development kit has the latest Qualcomm Linux software and meets all requirements. https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70022-51/topic/install-sdk.html#section-rkh-jsw-tcc Explore sample applications Run sample applications directly on the target device using the Qdemo application. https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70022-51/topic/install-sdk.html#explore-sample-applications-ql Explore eSDK Understand the eSDK capabilities by running sample applications and command-line use cases included in the Qualcomm IM SDK. https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70022-51/topic/install-sdk.html#section-nxp-pgr-5cc Download and install eSDK Download the eSDK from the Qualcomm public archive and install it on your host machine. https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70022-51/topic/install-sdk.html#section-b5c-z3k-5bc ## Build multimedia applications with the Qualcomm IM SDK Compile your application into an installable package using the cross-compiler, libraries, and header files. Create a sample application with the Qualcomm IM SDK Create your first application using Qualcomm Visual Studio Code, a standalone Makefile, or the Yocto devtool utility. https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70022-51/topic/content-develop-your-first-application.html#content-develop-your-first-application Customize an existing sample application with the Qualcomm IM SDK Modify sample applications using the devtool utility, then compile and package them into an installable format. https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70022-51/topic/customize-sample-applications.html#customize-sample-applications Compile and install a Qualcomm IM SDK plugin Compile a Qualcomm IM SDK plugin and install it on the device, using examples like the mlvdetection plugin. https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70022-51/topic/compile-install-imsdk-plugins.html#compile-install-imsdk-plugins Develop a custom plugin for the Qualcomm IM SDK Develop a new plugin and integrate it into the Qualcomm IM SDK as an independent BitBake recipe. https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70022-51/topic/create-your-imsdk-plugin.html#create-your-imsdk-plugin Troubleshoot common errors in the Qualcomm IM SDK environment Resolve common issues by ensuring you have sudo access on the host machine and addressing any devtool errors. https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70022-51/topic/troubleshooting.html#troubleshooting ## Customize an SDK for embedded development Customize the eSDK, upgrade individual standalone SDKs, and build platform images with the Qualcomm IM layer. Build a platform image with the Qualcomm IM SDK layer Build the Qualcomm IM SDK using the Qualcomm^®^ Software Center (QSC) or build with Yocto to create flashable platform images. https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70022-51/topic/building-platform-image-with-qim-layer.html#building-platform-image-with-qim-layer Create a custom eSDK for application development Create a custom eSDK with custom features and additions, ensuring compatibility with your platform. https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70022-51/topic/build-the-platfrom-esdk.html#build-the-platfrom-esdk Upgrade the Qualcomm IM SDK to a new version Upgrade the Qualcomm IM SDK to a new version. https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70022-51/topic/incremental-qim-product-sdk-flash.html#incremental-qim-product-sdk-flash Update a standalone SDK for platform compatibility Update the individual standalone SDKs by configuring the required version in the [qcom-ml.inc] file and selecting the appropriate version from the Qualcomm Software Center. https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70022-51/topic/upgrade-individual-sdks.html#upgrade-individual-sdks - *class* tabincludedirectiv - ## Qualcomm IM SDK overview Understand the components and functionalities of Qualcomm IM SDK, develop applications using its various standalone SDKs, sample applications, and the application development workflow. Architecture Explore the software stack of the Qualcomm IM SDK, including its layers and components. https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70022-51/topic/introduction.html#architecture-ubuntu Qualcomm IM SDK components Download the required files and use the gst-ai-classification precompiled sample application to run a LiteRT classification model on the Ubuntu-based development kit. https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70022-51/topic/introduction.html#qualcomm-im-sdk-components-ubuntu Supported component versions Verify the versions of integrated components to ensure compatibility and optimal performance. https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70022-51/topic/introduction.html#supported-component-versions-ubuntu ## Get started with the Qualcomm IM SDK Develop your software by following the setup instructions for the Qualcomm IM SDK. Qualcomm IM SDK workflow Set up the device, enable SSH, configure the display, install the eSDK, and create a sample application. https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70022-51/topic/install-sdk.html#qualcomm-im-sdk-workflow-ubuntu Prerequisites Ensure your development kit has the latest software and meets all requirements. https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70022-51/topic/install-sdk.html#prerequisites-ubuntu Set up the environment Install GStreamer tools, Qualcomm IM SDK, and sample applications in C/C++ and Python. https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70022-51/topic/install-sdk.html#setup-environment-ubuntu Explore sample applications The Qualcomm IM SDK sample applications show how to use the SDKs and develop end-to-end edge analytics use cases. https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70022-51/topic/install-sdk.html#explore-sample-applications-ubuntu ## Build multimedia applications with the Qualcomm IM SDK Compile your application into an installable package using the cross-compiler, libraries, and header files. Create a sample application with the Qualcomm IM SDK You can develop applications directly on the Ubuntu-based development kit after installing the required toolchain and dependent packages. https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70022-51/topic/content-develop-your-first-application.html#develop-first-application-ubuntu Customize an existing sample application with the Qualcomm IM SDK Download the Qualcomm IM SDK and reference application source code on the Qualcomm development kit and compile it using standard development tools like CMake. https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70022-51/topic/customize-sample-applications.html#customize-sample-application-ubuntu Compile and install a Qualcomm IM SDK plugin Compile and install the Qualcomm IM SDK plugin on Ubuntu for multimedia and AI acceleration. https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70022-51/topic/compile-install-imsdk-plugins.html#compile-install-imsdk-plugins Last Published: Jan 04, 2026 [Next Topic Qualcomm IM SDK overview](https://docs.qualcomm.com/bundle/publicresource/80-70022-51/topics/introduction.md)