freedesktop.org

freedesktop.org hosts the development of free and open-source software focused on interoperability and shared technology for open-source graphical and desktop systems. Although it does not produce a desktop itself, it aims to help others do so by providing a platform for the development of libraries and services. Most member projects produce software for drivers and middleware for graphics and media devices, inter-process communication and authorization, input, and internationalization. All software is open source and available for community contribution.

freedesktop.org also hosts discussions and the development of specifications for interoperability, often referred to as ‘XDG’ specifications. It is not a formal standards body and does not have a compliance test or certification process. The infrastructure includes a GitLab instance, mailing lists, and wiki pages, and it welcomes new contributors, aiming to be a place for learning and growth as an open-source contributor.

freedesktop.org is part of the X.org Foundation, which is a member project of Software in the Public Interest, Inc. It is supported by donations and volunteer efforts with no corporate backing or funding stream. The organization thanks Equinix Metal and Portland State University for their support of the infrastructure and has previously received sponsorship from GitLab, Google, Intel, and HP.