An ArchLinux based distribution for penetration testers and security researchers.
Table of Contents
- Description
- Overview
- Download and Installation
- Key Features
- Installation Instruction
- Usage
- Get Involved
- Contributing
- Contact
- License
- Disclaimer
- Conclusion
Description
BlackArch Linux is an Arch Linux–based penetration testing distribution for penetration testers and security researchers. The repository contains 2865 tools. You can install tools individually or in groups. BlackArch Linux is compatible with existing Arch installations. For more information, see the installation instructions.
Overview
To report bugs and request new tools, visit the issue tracker on GitHub, stop by Matrix, or email us.
BlackArch Linux is specifically designed for penetration testers and security researchers. The repository contains over 2,800 tools, organized by category, allowing users to install them individually or in groups.
BlackArch is fully compatible with existing Arch Linux installations, making it a versatile choice for those who want to enhance their existing systems with security tools.
Download and Installation
Whether you're a cybersecurity professional, enthusiast, or researcher, BlackArch offers the tools you need for a variety of tasks, such as penetration testing, forensics, reverse engineering, network analysis, and more.
BlackArch Linux only takes a moment to set up.
Key Features
- Over 2,800 Tools – categorized for different testing scenarios
- Arch Linux–based – benefits from Arch’s rolling release updates
- Compatibility – integrates seamlessly with existing Arch setups
- Customizable Installation – Full, Slim, or Repo-based options
- Live ISO – test BlackArch without installing it
Installation Instruction
Setting up BlackArch Linux is quick and easy. There are three primary installation methods depending on your preference.
To start developing for BlackArch, refer to the Developer Guide.
1. Install on an Existing Arch Machine
If you're running Arch Linux, you can install BlackArch tools directly onto your system using the BlackArch repository.
Website: https://www.blackarch.org/
# Sync the BlackArch repository
curl -s https://blackarch.org/strap.sh | sudo bash
# Install all BlackArch tools or specific ones
sudo pacman -S blackarch
2. Live ISO Installation
The Live ISO allows you to try BlackArch without installation.
Download the Live ISO from the official website and boot from it to start penetration testing immediately.
3. Full, Netinstall, or Slim ISOs
Full ISO – complete set of tools with a text-based installer (blackarch-install)
Netinstall ISO – minimal installer (requires internet) Slim ISO – lightweight version with GUI-based installer For detailed steps, see the installation documentation.
Usage
Installing Tools
# Install a specific tool
sudo pacman -S lulzbuster
# Install all BlackArch tools
sudo pacman -S blackarch
Install a Specific Tool Group
# Example: Web Application Security tools
sudo pacman -S blackarch-webapp
List Tools
For a complete list of available tools, visit the official tools page or run:
# List all available tools
pacman -Sg blackarch
# List all available tools with version information and description
pacman -Ss blackarch
Running Tools
After installation, you can run tools directly from the terminal or application menu. Most tools are command-line based, ideal for automation and scripting.
Get Involved
BlackArch is open source and welcomes contributions from the community. Whether you're a developer, researcher, or user, you can help in several ways. Report Bugs or Request Tools
If you encounter a bug or have suggestions:
GitHub Issues: BlackArch Issues
Matrix Chat: #BlackArch:matrix.org
Contributing
We Encourage contributions in various forms:
- Bug fixes
- Documentation
- New tools
- tool groups
Before contributing, Review our Contributor Covenant Code of Conduct.
Refer to the Developer Guide for detailed steps. Pull Requests Fork the repository, make your changes, and submit a PR following our contribution guidelines.
Contact
Email: team@blackarch.org
Matrix: #BlackArch:matrix.org
For news and updates, visit our official blog.
License
License: 
BlackArch Linux is released under the BSD-3-Clause license. See the COPYING file for details.
Disclaimer
BlackArch Linux is intended for ethical hacking, penetration testing, and security research only. Use it only on systems you own or have permission to test.
Conclusion
BlackArch Linux is a powerful, flexible, and comprehensive penetration testing platform built on Arch Linux.
Whether you're conducting a security audit, performing vulnerability assessments, or learning cybersecurity, BlackArch provides all the tools you need to succeed.