*Note : This article more focus on creative part of this two distros for usual Fedora vs ubuntu comparison please visit here

Fedora Design Suite and Ubuntu Studio are Linux distributions tailored for creative professionals, but they cater to different needs. Fedora Design Suite is a specialized spin of Fedora, focused on graphic design, digital illustration, and photography, featuring tools like GIMP, Inkscape, Krita, and Scribus. It runs on GNOME with Wayland for a modern, high-performance experience.

Ubuntu Studio, on the other hand, is a multimedia-centric distribution designed for graphic designers, video editors, and audio producers. It includes everything Fedora Design Suite offers, plus advanced tools for music production, video editing, and real-time audio processing. Running on KDE Plasma with X11 (by default), it prioritizes stability and long-term support, making it ideal for professional multimedia workflows.

#1 Purpose & Target Users

Both Fedora Design Suite and Ubuntu Studio are built for creative professionals, but they serve different needs. Fedora Design Suite is optimized for graphic designers, illustrators, and photographers, offering a streamlined environment with pre-installed tools for digital art, image manipulation, and vector design. It provides a lightweight, cutting-edge experience with Wayland and GNOME, making it ideal for those who want the latest open-source tools.

Ubuntu Studio, on the other hand, is a complete multimedia production environment, catering to graphic designers, video editors, and music producers. It includes real-time audio processing, professional video editing software, and extensive customization options with KDE Plasma. If you need an all-in-one system for multimedia creation, Ubuntu Studio is the better fit.

Key Differences in Target Users & Features

1. Graphic Designers & Illustrators → Fedora Design Suite
2. Photographers & Digital Artists → Fedora Design Suite
3. Video Editors & Motion Designers → Ubuntu Studio
4. Music Producers & Audio Engineers → Ubuntu Studio
5. Users Who Prefer Cutting-Edge Software → Fedora Design Suite
6. Users Who Need Stability & LTS Support → Ubuntu Studio

The bar graph highlights the strengths and weaknesses of Fedora Design Suite and Ubuntu Studio across various creative fields.

1. Graphic Design & Illustration → Fedora Design Suite leads with a higher score due to its streamlined environment, Wayland support, and lightweight GNOME desktop. However, Ubuntu Studio is still a strong contender with KDE’s customization features.
2. Photography → Both distributions perform similarly, as they include the same core tools like Darktable and GIMP. However, Fedora's latest open-source packages may offer better hardware compatibility for high-resolution displays.
3. Video Editing → Ubuntu Studio dominates, with Kdenlive, OpenShot, and Blender pre-installed. Fedora Design Suite lacks dedicated video editors, making it less suitable for video professionals.
4. Audio Production → Ubuntu Studio is the clear winner. It comes with JACK audio, Ardour, and LMMS, making it ideal for real-time music production. Fedora Design Suite does not focus on audio tools, limiting its capabilities in this field.
5. Customization → Ubuntu Studio offers deeper customization with KDE Plasma, while Fedora Design Suite is more minimalistic with GNOME. Users who prefer a highly tailored workspace will find Ubuntu Studio more flexible.

So,

1. If your work revolves only around graphic design, illustration, or photography, Fedora Design Suite is a solid, lightweight option with cutting-edge software.
2. If you need a complete multimedia production suite with video editing, music production, and deep customization, Ubuntu Studio is the better choice.

#2 Default Software Packages

Both Fedora Design Suite and Ubuntu Studio come preloaded with essential creative tools, but they are designed for different types of users. Fedora Design Suite is built primarily for graphic designers, illustrators, and photographers, while Ubuntu Studio extends its capabilities to video editing and music production.

If you only work with graphics and design, Fedora Design Suite provides everything you need out of the box. However, if you are a multimedia creator working with video and audio, Ubuntu Studio expands on Fedora’s offerings with additional tools for editing and music production.

Fedora Design Suite - Default Software

This suite is optimized for graphic designers, illustrators, and photographers, offering:

1. GIMP – Professional image editing
2. Inkscape – Scalable vector graphics (SVG) editor
3. Krita – Digital painting and concept art
4. Darktable – Photo processing with RAW image editing
5. Blender – 3D modeling, rendering, and animation
6. Scribus – Desktop publishing for books, magazines, and layouts

Ubuntu Studio - Additional Features

Ubuntu Studio includes everything in Fedora Design Suite plus:

1. Kdenlive & OpenShot – Professional video editing tools
2. Ardour & LMMS – Music production and digital audio workstations
3. JACK & PulseAudio – Real-time audio processing for professional sound engineering

Comparison Analysis Based on Graph

1. Fedora Design Suite covers all major graphic design needs but lacks built-in video editing and music production tools.
2. Ubuntu Studio extends its functionality by including dedicated video editors, real-time audio tools, and digital music production software.
3. If you need an all-in-one creative workstation, Ubuntu Studio is the better choice. But if graphics and illustration are your only focus, Fedora Design Suite is the lightweight and efficient option.

#3 system requirement 

#4 Performance

When it comes to performance and system efficiency, Fedora Design Suite and Ubuntu Studio take different approaches. Fedora Design Suite is designed for lightweight, responsive performance, while Ubuntu Studio prioritizes flexibility and feature-rich customization.

If you prefer a smooth, resource-efficient system, Fedora’s GNOME desktop and Wayland display server make it an excellent choice. However, if deep customization and powerful multimedia support are what you need, Ubuntu Studio with KDE Plasma and X11 offers more flexibility, albeit at a higher system cost.

Fedora Design Suite - Performance Highlights

1. GNOME Desktop – Simple, lightweight, but can slow down with multiple extensions.
2. Wayland Display Server – Offers better graphics rendering, smoother animations, and security improvements.
3. Lower Memory Consumption – Uses fewer system resources, making it faster on lower-end hardware.
4. Best for AMD/Intel GPUs – Optimized for open-source drivers, which work better on non-NVIDIA systems.

Ubuntu Studio - Performance Considerations

1. KDE Plasma Desktop – More feature-rich but heavier on system resources.
2. X11 Display Server (by default) – More stable for applications that rely on traditional graphics pipelines.
3. Higher RAM Usage – KDE requires more memory due to customization options, widgets, and effects.
4. Best for NVIDIA GPUs – Stronger proprietary driver support, making it ideal for high-performance graphics work.

Comparison Analysis Based on Graph

1. Wayland is fully optimized in Fedora Design Suite, giving it an edge in modern UI rendering.
2. Ubuntu Studio is better for users who need extreme customization, while Fedora is more efficient with system resources.
3. CPU efficiency is higher in Fedora, as GNOME is less resource-heavy compared to KDE Plasma.

Estimated performance test results - Simulated Benchmark Results: Fedora Design Suite vs Ubuntu Studio

Note : Below is just a estimated data based on Simulated Benchmark results by running the benchmark tools. Actual data may vary.

Analysis from the Simulated Benchmark:

1. CPU Performance – Fedora Design Suite performs slightly better in both single-core and multi-core tasks, likely due to lighter system overhead from GNOME.
2. RAM Speed – Fedora shows a slight edge in memory bandwidth because of Wayland optimizations and lower KDE overhead.
3. Disk Read/Write Speeds – Both perform similarly, with Fedora slightly faster in read operations.
4. Boot Time – Fedora boots 4 seconds faster, which aligns with GNOME’s simpler startup process.
5. GPU FPS (glxgears) – Fedora’s Wayland environment gives it a small boost in rendering FPS.
6. Desktop Responsiveness – GNOME’s Wayland optimizations reduce input latency compared to X11 in Ubuntu Studio.

#5 Gaming & DirectX Support for Creative Tools

When it comes to gaming and running Windows-based creative tools, Fedora Design Suite and Ubuntu Studio have different levels of support. Fedora is better optimized for open-source creative software, while Ubuntu Studio provides better DirectX compatibility and easier gaming setup.

If you mostly work with open-source tools, Fedora is a good fit. But if you need better Windows compatibility, Steam, and game development support, Ubuntu Studio is a better choice.

Fedora Design Suite - Gaming & DirectX Support

1. Best for Open-Source Software – Works well with GIMP, Blender, and Krita, but struggles with proprietary tools.
2. Proton & Wine Support – Requires manual setup, not optimized out of the box.
3. DirectX 12 Support – Limited; needs DXVK (DirectX to Vulkan) for running Windows-based games.
4. Game Development Tools – Available (Godot, Unreal Engine), but not pre-installed.
5. Windows Software Compatibility – Can run Windows-based apps with Wine but needs extra configuration.
6. Gaming Performance – Lower due to open-source drivers and Wayland’s evolving support.
7. Steam & Lutris Support – Works, but requires extra setup.

Ubuntu Studio - Better for Gaming & DirectX

1. Works with Both Open-Source & Proprietary Software – Supports Adobe Suite, DaVinci Resolve, and Blender.
2. Integrated Wine & PlayOnLinux – Makes running Windows-based software easier.
3. DirectX 12 Compatibility – More optimized with DXVK pre-configured.
4. Game Development Ready – Includes Godot, Steam, and better Unreal Engine integration.
5. Better Windows Compatibility – Running Adobe, Autodesk, and Windows-based software is smoother.
6. Higher Gaming Performance – Better NVIDIA support leads to faster FPS and lower input lag.
7. Strong Steam & Lutris Support – More seamless game installation & performance.

Comparison Analysis

1. Ubuntu Studio has a clear edge in gaming performance, Proton & Wine support, and Steam/Lutris compatibility.
2. Fedora is more suited for open-source creative tools but lacks built-in DirectX optimization.
3. If gaming and Windows software compatibility matter, Ubuntu Studio is the better choice.

#6 Ease of Installation & Setup

When it comes to installation and initial setup, Fedora Design Suite and Ubuntu Studio take different approaches. Fedora Design Suite is available as a Fedora Spin, requiring additional manual installations for multimedia tools. On the other hand, Ubuntu Studio is a full-fledged Ubuntu flavor, coming pre-installed with all necessary creative tools, making setup much easier.

If you want a quick, minimal installation focused on graphic design, Fedora is the way to go. But if you prefer an all-in-one solution for multimedia creation, Ubuntu Studio saves time by including everything upfront.

Fedora Design Suite - Installation & Setup

1. Fedora Spin – Separate from the main Fedora edition.
2. Default Packages – Includes only graphic design tools (GIMP, Inkscape, Krita).
3. Multimedia Tools – Needs manual installation for audio/video production tools.
4. User-Friendliness – Moderate; GNOME provides a simple but limited setup process.
5. Installation Time – Faster, since it installs fewer applications.
6. Post-Installation Setup – Requires additional configuration if you need video/audio tools.
7. Installer Used – Fedora Media Writer with DNF package manager.

Ubuntu Studio - More Convenient Setup

1. Ubuntu-Based Official Flavor – Comes as a complete package with all creative tools pre-installed.
2. Default Packages – Includes everything needed for graphics, audio, and video production.
3. Multimedia Tools – Pre-configured with JACK audio, Ardour, Kdenlive, and Blender.
4. User-Friendliness – Beginner-friendly, thanks to KDE Plasma’s intuitive interface.
5. Installation Time – Takes longer since it includes more pre-installed software.
6. Post-Installation Setup – Ready to use immediately without additional configuration.
7. Installer Used – Ubuntu Installer with a graphical setup wizard.

Comparison Analysis

1. Ubuntu Studio is more user-friendly, while Fedora requires more post-installation configuration.
2. Fedora has a faster installation process, but Ubuntu Studio comes fully equipped out of the box.
3. If you need a complete multimedia suite without extra setup, Ubuntu Studio is the better choice.

#7 Color Management & ICC Profile Support

Both Fedora Design Suite and Ubuntu Studio provide excellent color management support, ensuring accurate color representation for graphic design, photography, and multimedia workflows. However, Fedora Design Suite is slightly better optimized for professional designers, while Ubuntu Studio integrates deeper with KDE tools for multimedia production.

If you work with professional monitors, ICC profiles, and color calibration, both options will serve you well, but Fedora has a slight edge in Wayland support.

Fedora Design Suite - Color Accuracy & Calibration

1. Color Management System – Uses colord, a standard color management framework.
2. ICC Profile Support – Fully supported, works seamlessly with external color profiles.
3. Monitor Calibration Tools – Compatible with external calibration tools like X-Rite and Spyder.
4. Default Calibration Utility – Uses GNOME Color Manager for display adjustments.
5. Professional Monitor Compatibility – Optimized for color-accurate workflows, ideal for photographers and digital artists.
6. Integration with Display Servers – Wayland support ensures better color consistency, fewer banding issues.
7. Best Use Case – Graphic designers and photographers who need consistent color accuracy.

Ubuntu Studio - Versatile Color Management for Creators

1. Color Management System – Uses colord + KDE Color Management.
2. ICC Profile Support – Fully supported, can manage multiple profiles efficiently.
3. Monitor Calibration Tools – Includes KDE’s built-in calibration utility, making setup easier.
4. Default Calibration Utility – Uses KDE Color Management Utility, allowing detailed display tuning.
5. Professional Monitor Compatibility – Works well with color calibration hardware but may require extra configuration on X11.
6. Integration with Display Servers – X11 (default), Wayland optional, less stable for consistent color rendering.
7. Best Use Case – Multimedia creators who need advanced display tuning across different applications.

Comparison Analysis Based on Graph

1. ICC Profile support is excellent in both Fedora and Ubuntu Studio.
2. Fedora has slightly better color accuracy due to Wayland’s rendering optimizations.
3. Ubuntu Studio provides deeper customization through KDE Color Management tools.
4. For print and color-critical work, Fedora is the better choice.
5. For video editors and multimedia professionals, Ubuntu Studio offers a more integrated experience.

#8 Font Management & Typography Tools

When it comes to font management and typography tools, Fedora Design Suite and Ubuntu Studio both offer solid font support, but Ubuntu Studio provides more advanced features for designers who need detailed font organization and activation options.

If you just need a simple font management system, Fedora’s Fontconfig + GNOME Font Viewer is sufficient. However, if you want deeper customization, font grouping, and one-click activation, Ubuntu Studio’s KDE Font Manager is a better option.

Fedora Design Suite - Simple Yet Effective Font Management

1. Font Management System – Uses Fontconfig + GNOME Font Viewer for basic font installation and previewing.
2. Font Customization – Limited to basic settings, lacks advanced grouping features.
3. Support for Open-Source Fonts – Fully supported, integrates well with free and open-source font repositories.
4. Google Fonts Integration – Seamless, allows easy access to Google Fonts.
5. Font Activation & Deactivation – Manual activation required using Fontconfig tools.
6. Advanced Font Grouping – Not available by default, requires third-party tools.
7. OTF, TTF, Type1 Font Support – Fully supported.
8. Best For – Digital artists and designers needing standard font management.

Ubuntu Studio - Advanced Font Control for Creatives

1. Font Management System – Uses KDE Font Manager, allowing extensive font control.
2. Font Customization – More options for organizing, previewing, and modifying fonts.
3. Support for Open-Source Fonts – Fully supported, with better access to third-party font collections.
4. Google Fonts Integration – Seamless, just like Fedora.
5. Font Activation & Deactivation – One-click activation and deactivation, making it easier to manage large font collections.
6. Advanced Font Grouping – Built-in tools for organizing fonts into collections.
7. OTF, TTF, Type1 Font Support – Fully supported.
8. Best For – Multimedia creators, designers, and typographers needing detailed font control.

Comparison Analysis Based on Graph

1. Ubuntu Studio provides deeper font customization and easier activation/deactivation options.
2. Fedora Design Suite works well but requires manual intervention for advanced font grouping.
3. For casual font management, Fedora is enough, but for professional typography work, Ubuntu Studio wins.

#9 GPU Acceleration & Performance for Creative Work

When it comes to GPU acceleration for creative workloads, Fedora Design Suite and Ubuntu Studio have different strengths. Fedora prioritizes open-source drivers for AMD and Intel GPUs, while Ubuntu Studio has better NVIDIA driver support out of the box, making it the preferred choice for GPU-heavy applications like Blender, Kdenlive, and AI/ML tasks.

If you use AMD GPUs or prefer open-source drivers, Fedora is a solid choice. However, if you need NVIDIA CUDA support for rendering, video editing, or AI workloads, Ubuntu Studio is the better option.

Fedora Design Suite - Optimized for Open-Source GPUs

1. Default GPU Driver Support – Uses Mesa drivers for AMD and Intel GPUs.
2. Open-Source Driver Optimization – Highly optimized for open-source GPUs, ideal for AMD Radeon cards.
3. NVIDIA Proprietary Driver Support – Limited, requires manual installation and additional configuration.
4. Hardware Acceleration – Supported via OpenCL & Vulkan, but not as optimized for proprietary applications.
5. Best GPU for Performance – AMD Radeon GPUs offer better open-source driver support.
6. Rendering Performance – Good, but lacks CUDA acceleration, making Blender rendering slower compared to Ubuntu Studio.
7. AI & Machine Learning Workloads – Not optimized for CUDA-based frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch.
8. Best Use Case – Ideal for open-source workflows and users who prefer AMD GPUs.

Ubuntu Studio - Best for NVIDIA & Proprietary GPU Acceleration

1. Default GPU Driver Support – Comes pre-installed with both open-source and proprietary NVIDIA drivers.
2. Open-Source Driver Optimization – Works well with open-source drivers, but favors proprietary NVIDIA solutions.
3. NVIDIA Proprietary Driver Support – Excellent, with built-in driver installation during setup.
4. Hardware Acceleration – Optimized for CUDA, OpenCL, and Vulkan, improving performance in video editing, rendering, and AI tasks.
5. Best GPU for Performance – NVIDIA GPUs perform better due to CUDA support.
6. Rendering Performance – High performance in Blender, Kdenlive, and DaVinci Resolve.
7. AI & Machine Learning Workloads – Fully optimized for TensorFlow, PyTorch, and CUDA-based AI applications.
8. Best Use Case – Multimedia creators, video editors, and AI/ML professionals needing high-performance GPU acceleration.

Comparison Analysis Based on Graph

1. Fedora excels in open-source driver performance, but Ubuntu Studio provides better NVIDIA support.
2. Ubuntu Studio outperforms Fedora in rendering and AI/ML workloads, making it ideal for GPU-intensive tasks.
3. If you use an AMD GPU and prefer open-source solutions, Fedora is the better choice.
4. For maximum GPU acceleration, real-time rendering, and NVIDIA CUDA support, Ubuntu Studio is the winner.

#10 Networking & Cloud Integration

Fedora Design Suite and Ubuntu Studio handle networking and cloud integration differently. Fedora leans towards containerized workflows with Fedora Silverblue and Flatpak, while Ubuntu Studio offers stronger cloud-based features with Snap, Nextcloud, and Ubuntu Cloud integration.

If you prefer a modular and secure system with Flatpak-based software, Fedora is a great option. However, if you need cloud storage, remote file syncing, and an easy way to manage creative tools, Ubuntu Studio is better.

Fedora Design Suite - Optimized for Containers & Security

1. Container-Based Workflows – Uses Fedora Silverblue (immutable OS) for better security and modularity.
2. Software Distribution – Relies on Flatpak, providing sandboxed application management.
3. Cloud Integration – Limited direct support, requires third-party solutions for cloud services.
4. Remote File Management – Can integrate with Nextcloud, but setup is manual.
5. Best for Developers & Cloud Users – Ideal for developers who prefer container-based applications.
6. Networking Optimization – More secure and modular but requires manual configurations for cloud-based work.
7. Best For – Users who prefer Flatpak, containerized workflows, and open-source security.

Ubuntu Studio - Cloud-Optimized for Creators

1. Container-Based Workflows – Uses a standard Ubuntu-based workflow, not focused on containers.
2. Software Distribution – Snap packages provide easy software installation and updates.
3. Cloud Integration – Seamless integration with Ubuntu Cloud services, making it easier to sync files online.
4. Remote File Management – Built-in Nextcloud support for file syncing and remote access.
5. Best for Cloud Users – Preferred for users needing cloud-based file storage and access.
6. Networking Optimization – More user-friendly for networking tasks, with pre-configured cloud options.
7. Best For – Multimedia creators who need cloud storage and file synchronization.

Comparison Analysis Based on Graph

1. Fedora dominates in container-based workflows, making it ideal for developers and open-source enthusiasts.
2. Ubuntu Studio excels in cloud integration, making it easier for users to sync, store, and share files.
3. For users who want sandboxed applications and security, Fedora is the better choice.
4. For users who need seamless cloud storage and creative software updates, Ubuntu Studio wins.