# Build multimedia applications with the Qualcomm IM SDK Tab Qualcomm Linux Tab Ubuntu - *class* tabincludedirectiv - Attention - AI and multimedia sample applications aren’t available in the QLI 2.0 RC1 release. They will be available in a future release. - Supported IM SDK use cases in the RC1 release are available through the [GStreamer command-line use cases](https://docs.qualcomm.com/bundle/publicresource/topics/80-80020-50/gstreamer-application-use-cases.html) section. The Qualcomm IM SDK is a GStreamer-based software development kit that includes GST plugins and built-in sample applications, enabling you to develop multimedia and edge analytics use cases. The figure shows the workflow for creating an application or a plugin using the Qualcomm IM SDK. **Figure : Application development using the Qualcomm IM SDK** The workflow steps in the preceding figure are as follows: > > > 1. Create a profile with [Qualcomm](https://myaccount.qualcomm.com/signup). > 2. Choose of one of the following options: > > - Download the public eSDK (recommended) > - Build a custom eSDK (optional) > 3. Install the eSDK for libraries and toolchains. > 4. Create an application. > 5. Compile the application. > 6. Transfer and install the application. ## Prerequisites Before you begin: - [Download and install eSDK](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-80020-51/topic/install-sdk.html#section-b5c-z3k-5bc) on the host machine. - It's recommended that you install eSDK from the [Qualcomm public archive](https://artifacts.codelinaro.org/ui/native/qli-ci/flashable-binaries/qimpsdk/) or compile it independently. ## Steps to build a multimedia application > > > 1. Compile the application in an installable package (`.ipk`) using > the following from the Qualcomm IM SDK: > > - Cross-compiler > - Dependent libraries > - Header files > 2. Transfer this `.ipk` to the target device. > 3. Use [opkg](https://git.yoctoproject.org/opkg/tree/README.md) utility from the Yocto project to install the ipk. ## Next steps - [Download and install eSDK](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-80020-51/topic/install-sdk.html#section-b5c-z3k-5bc) - [Qualcomm public archive](https://artifacts.codelinaro.org/ui/native/qli-ci/flashable-binaries/qimpsdk/) - [Opkg package manager](https://git.yoctoproject.org/opkg/tree/README.md) - [Create a sample application with the Qualcomm IM SDK](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-80020-51/topic/content-develop-your-first-application.html) This section explains how to build a basic application using the Qualcomm IM SDK to help you understand its core functionality. - [Customize an existing sample application with the Qualcomm IM SDK](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-80020-51/topic/customize-sample-applications.html) This section explains how to modify a sample application provided by Qualcomm IM SDK to suit your specific use case. - [Compile and install a Qualcomm IM SDK plugin](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-80020-51/topic/compile-install-imsdk-plugins.html) This section explains how to compile a Qualcomm IM SDK plugin and install it on the device, using the `mlvdetection` plugin as an example. - [Develop a custom plugin for the Qualcomm IM SDK](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-80020-51/topic/create-your-imsdk-plugin.html) This section explains how to create a new plugin and compile it as part of the Qualcomm IM SDK. Each machine learning plugin is integrated into an independent BitBake recipe. - [Troubleshoot common errors in the Qualcomm IM SDK environment](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-80020-51/topic/troubleshooting.html) This section provides solutions to frequently encountered problems during Yocto development, helping you quickly identify and resolve build and toolchain issues. - *class* tabincludedirectiv - Download the Qualcomm IM SDK and the reference application source code directly onto the Qualcomm development kit. Compile the code using standard development tools such as CMake. You can either build your own application from scratch or use one of the provided reference applications as a starting point. The figure shows the workflow for creating an application or a plugin using the Qualcomm IM SDK. **Figure : Application development using Qualcomm IM SDK** The workflow steps in the preceding figure are as follows: 1. Install Ubuntu Server 24.04 on your development kit. 2. Enable Wi-Fi and SSH to ensure you're connected to the internet. 3. Use the PPA to download the Qualcomm IM SDK. 4. Run the `apt build-dep` command to set up the build environment. 5. Download the application's source files. 6. Create a new application or modify an existing application as per your requirements. 7. Compile the application and install it onto the target device. ## Next steps - [Qualcomm IM SDK overview](https://docs.qualcomm.com/bundle/publicresource/topics/80-80020-51/introduction.html) - [Get started with the Qualcomm IM SDK](https://docs.qualcomm.com/bundle/publicresource/topics/80-80020-51/install-sdk.html) - [Create a sample application](https://docs.qualcomm.com/bundle/publicresource/topics/80-80020-51/content-develop-your-first-application.html) - [Customize an existing sample application](https://docs.qualcomm.com/bundle/publicresource/topics/80-80020-51/customize-sample-applications.html) - [Compile and install a Qualcomm IM SDK plugin](https://docs.qualcomm.com/bundle/publicresource/topics/80-80020-51/compile-install-imsdk-plugins.html) Last Published: Mar 02, 2026 [Previous Topic Get started with the Qualcomm IM SDK](https://docs.qualcomm.com/bundle/publicresource/80-80020-51/topics/install-sdk.md) [Next Topic Create a sample application with the Qualcomm IM SDK](https://docs.qualcomm.com/bundle/publicresource/80-80020-51/topics/content-develop-your-first-application.md)