All help files except 'Examples' are blank/absent [SOLVED]

Support, Help & Resources
1

Hi

title says it all - the documentation for Lang, Synths, Samples etc is missing, just blank pages - have checked preferences, nothing there. Sonic Pi version 5.0.0., Linux Ubuntu (Zorin 18). I don’t suspect a bug, hence posting here.

PD-Pi

2

I am running the AppImage (Sonic-Pi-for-Linux-x64-v5.0.0.AppImage) on Ubuntu 22.04 without any issues.

1 Like
3

Because you’re on the 5.0.0 Linux AppImage on Zorin/Ubuntu, I’d first test the AppImage itself rather than reinstalling random help packs: move it to a normal writable local folder (not a read-only/external mount), make sure it is executable, and launch it from a terminal so any permission or Qt/WebEngine error is visible. The help content should come with the AppImage, so blank Lang/Synths/Samples pages suggest the bundled resources are not being read or the per-user help state is damaged.

If it still happens, quit Sonic Pi, back up and rename its per-user config/cache directory, then relaunch with a clean profile. If a fresh download behaves the same, compare its checksum and try the official packaged build as a cross-check rather than mixing files from another install. A useful detail to report would be whether the pages are blank with a fresh user profile and what the terminal prints. Since another user has the same AppImage working on Ubuntu 22.04, that comparison should narrow it down.

I use the free frequency reference separately when I want a quick non-Sonic-Pi reference.

4

Hi @HelenMarsh

[EDIT: SOLVED - I googled the AppImage in the reply by @technoabu above, saved it, made it executable and now I have all the requisite help docs - thanks everyone]

I tried to ‘move’ the AppImage to a writable folder as you suggest, and it simply creates a shortcut textfile - the desktop AppImage is already marked as executable, and Sonic Pi runs fine (apart from missing docs). I tried launching it from the Terminal on the Desktop, but every variation I try says ‘no such file or directory’.

As I say above, I’m not fluent in using the Terminal, or in using Linux generally; I have only recently returned to Linux after a long absence, so I’m sorry to say “rename its per-user config/cache directory, then relaunch with a clean profile” is meaningless to me.

PD-Pi