# 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.

## 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.

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</svg> Architecture

Explore the software stack of the Qualcomm IM SDK, including its layers and components.

https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-80021-51/topic/introduction.html#section-xxy-ngc-5cc

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</svg> 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/80-80021-51/topic/introduction.html#section-cys-tgc-5cc

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</svg> Supported component versions

Verify the versions of integrated components to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.

https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-80021-51/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.

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  <path d="M8 2V14M3.33333 2H12.6667C13.403 2 14 2.59695 14 3.33333V12.6667C14 13.403 13.403 14 12.6667 14H3.33333C2.59695 14 2 13.403 2 12.6667V3.33333C2 2.59695 2.59695 2 3.33333 2Z" stroke="#2A2AEA" stroke-width="1.5" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round"></path>
</svg> 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/80-80021-51/topic/install-sdk.html#install-sdk

<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 16 16" fill="none" aria-label="icon3">
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</svg> Prerequisites

Ensure your development kit has the latest Qualcomm Linux software and meets all requirements.

https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-80021-51/topic/install-sdk.html#section-rkh-jsw-tcc

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  <path d="M8 2V14M3.33333 2H12.6667C13.403 2 14 2.59695 14 3.33333V12.6667C14 13.403 13.403 14 12.6667 14H3.33333C2.59695 14 2 13.403 2 12.6667V3.33333C2 2.59695 2.59695 2 3.33333 2Z" stroke="#2A2AEA" stroke-width="1.5" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round"></path>
</svg> Explore sample applications

Run sample applications directly on the target device using the Qdemo application.

https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-80021-51/topic/install-sdk.html#explore-sample-applications-ql

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  <path d="M8 2V14M3.33333 2H12.6667C13.403 2 14 2.59695 14 3.33333V12.6667C14 13.403 13.403 14 12.6667 14H3.33333C2.59695 14 2 13.403 2 12.6667V3.33333C2 2.59695 2.59695 2 3.33333 2Z" stroke="#2A2AEA" stroke-width="1.5" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round"></path>
</svg> 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/80-80021-51/topic/install-sdk.html#section-nxp-pgr-5cc

<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 16 16" fill="none" aria-label="icon3">
  <path d="M8 2V14M3.33333 2H12.6667C13.403 2 14 2.59695 14 3.33333V12.6667C14 13.403 13.403 14 12.6667 14H3.33333C2.59695 14 2 13.403 2 12.6667V3.33333C2 2.59695 2.59695 2 3.33333 2Z" stroke="#2A2AEA" stroke-width="1.5" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round"></path>
</svg> Download and install eSDK

Download the eSDK from the Qualcomm public archive and install it on your host machine.

https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-80021-51/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.

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</svg> 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/80-80021-51/topic/content-develop-your-first-application.html#content-develop-your-first-application

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</svg> 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/80-80021-51/topic/customize-sample-applications.html#customize-sample-applications

<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 16 16" fill="none" aria-label="icon3">
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</svg> 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/80-80021-51/topic/troubleshooting.html#troubleshooting

Last Published: Mar 16, 2026

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