# Build multimedia applications with the Qualcomm IM SDK 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 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/80-80021-51/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 (`.rpm`) using > the following from the Qualcomm IM SDK: > > - Cross-compiler > - Dependent libraries > - Header files > 2. Transfer the generated `.rpm` package to the target device. > 3. Use the `dnf` utility to install the RPM package on the target device. ## Next steps - [Download and install eSDK](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-80021-51/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/80-80021-51/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/80-80021-51/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. - [Troubleshoot common errors in the Qualcomm IM SDK environment](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-80021-51/topic/troubleshooting.html) This section provides solutions to frequently encountered problems during Yocto development, helping you quickly identify and resolve build and toolchain issues. Last Published: Mar 16, 2026 [Previous Topic Get started with the Qualcomm IM SDK](https://docs.qualcomm.com/bundle/publicresource/80-80021-51/topics/install-sdk.md) [Next Topic Create a sample application with the Qualcomm IM SDK](https://docs.qualcomm.com/bundle/publicresource/80-80021-51/topics/content-develop-your-first-application.md)