The Official Raspberry Pi Handbook 2026
English | 204 pages | PDF | 123 MB


The Official Raspberry Pi Handbook is the definitive guide to the world's most popular single-board computer, published by the Raspberry Pi Foundation. This comprehensive resource covers everything from basic setup to advanced projects, making it essential reading for beginners, hobbyists, educators, and experienced makers exploring the endless possibilities of Raspberry Pi computing.
Start from scratch
Build amazing things
Setup & configuration
Python, Scratch & more
🎯 What Makes This Handbook Special: Published directly by the Raspberry Pi Foundation—the creators of Raspberry Pi—this handbook provides authoritative, tested instructions and projects. It combines technical accuracy with accessible explanations, making complex computing concepts understandable for all skill levels.
💡 What You'll Learn: The handbook covers everything from unboxing your Raspberry Pi to building advanced projects like retro gaming consoles, weather stations, robotics, home security systems, and AI applications. Each tutorial includes detailed photos, code examples, and troubleshooting tips.
The Raspberry Pi Foundation is a UK-based educational charity founded in 2009 with the mission to put the power of computing and digital making into the hands of people worldwide. Since launching the first Raspberry Pi in 2012, over 60 million units have been sold, making it the best-selling British computer of all time.
Latest flagship model
Powerful all-rounder
Compact & affordable
Microcontroller board
The handbook features tutorials and projects from Raspberry Pi engineers, certified educators, professional developers, and community experts. Each project is tested, reviewed, and optimized to ensure success for readers at every skill level.
📍 Published By: Raspberry Pi Press, the official publishing arm of the Raspberry Pi Foundation. The press also publishes The MagPi magazine (the official Raspberry Pi magazine), HackSpace magazine, and numerous specialized books on programming, electronics, and making.
The handbook embodies the Raspberry Pi Foundation's mission to empower people through computing education. It's designed to be inclusive, encouraging creativity and problem-solving while teaching valuable STEM skills. Teachers worldwide use it as a curriculum resource, while hobbyists rely on it for inspiration and guidance.
Transform your Raspberry Pi into a classic arcade machine running thousands of retro games. Learn to install RetroPie, configure controllers, and add games legally.
Build a complete weather monitoring system with temperature, humidity, pressure, and rainfall sensors. Display data on a website and create historical charts.
Construct a programmable robot vehicle with obstacle avoidance, line following, and remote control capabilities. Learn robotics fundamentals and motor control.
Create a motion-detecting security camera with email alerts and web-based monitoring. Store footage and access remotely from anywhere.
Set up a personal music server to stream your collection throughout your home. Compatible with Spotify, internet radio, and local files.
Build a comprehensive home automation system controlling lights, appliances, sensors, and more. Integrate with voice assistants and create automated routines.
Common issues & solutions
Pro advice & shortcuts
Components for each project
Ready-to-use programs
🎯 Project Difficulty Levels: Projects are clearly marked as Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced, helping you choose appropriate challenges. Each includes estimated completion time, required components, and skill prerequisites.
Build a full-size arcade cabinet with authentic controls, running classic arcade games. Includes woodworking plans, electronics integration, and game configuration.
Transform any TV into a smart entertainment hub. Stream videos, play music, view photos, and access apps with LibreELEC or OSMC.
Create a digital dice roller, character sheet manager, and ambient soundboard for D&D and other tabletop RPGs.
Display rotating photos from cloud storage or local files. Add weather, calendar, and news widgets for a smart display.
Build your own privacy-focused voice assistant with offline speech recognition, custom commands, and smart home control.
Create a personal cloud storage server accessible from all your devices. Includes automatic backup and media streaming capabilities.
Make any USB printer wireless and accessible from all devices on your network. Simple setup with CUPS printing system.
Monitor soil moisture and automatically water plants. Track growth data and receive alerts when attention is needed.
Control a motorized telescope, capture astrophotography, and track celestial objects. Includes star charts and automated imaging.
Build a multi-player quiz system with physical buzzers, score tracking, and customizable questions for interactive learning.
Record and analyze scientific experiments with multiple sensors. Export data to spreadsheets and create graphs automatically.
Implement facial recognition, object detection, and tracking using OpenCV and TensorFlow. Create AI-powered applications.
Build and program a multi-axis robotic arm with precise servo control. Perfect for learning inverse kinematics and automation.
Create a miniature autonomous vehicle using computer vision and machine learning. Navigate courses and avoid obstacles independently.
Purchase the official print or digital edition from Raspberry Pi Press Store. Available in physical paperback and downloadable PDF formats with worldwide shipping options.
Find the handbook at bookstores and online retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, and specialist electronics stores. Often bundled with Raspberry Pi starter kits.
Available from authorized Raspberry Pi distributors like Adafruit, SparkFun, Pimoroni, and CanaKit.
🆓 Official Free Resources: While the full handbook is a paid product, Raspberry Pi offers extensive free resources:
For readers seeking The Official Raspberry Pi Handbook PDF editions, visit Free Magazines - Raspberry Pi Handbook Collection for access to handbook archives and past editions.
⚠️ Support the Raspberry Pi Foundation: While archives exist, purchasing the official handbook supports the Raspberry Pi Foundation's educational mission. Proceeds fund free computing education programs worldwide, helping children and adults learn valuable technology skills.
Subscribe to The MagPi, the official monthly Raspberry Pi magazine. Every issue includes new projects, tutorials, reviews, and community news. Free PDF downloads available.
Watch video tutorials on the Official Raspberry Pi YouTube Channel featuring project builds, getting started guides, and expert interviews.
Listen to the official podcast featuring interviews with makers, educators, and Raspberry Pi team members discussing projects and community news.
🎁 Gift Ideas: The handbook makes an excellent gift for:
💡 Budget Tip: Complete starter kits (around $100-150) include everything you need. Individual components often cost more separately. Look for official Raspberry Pi kits or bundles from authorized resellers.
Breadboard, jumper wires, LEDs, resistors
Screwdrivers, wire strippers, multimeter
Camera, sensors, displays, HATs
Component organizer, project boxes
🔧 Common Issues & Solutions:
Join Official Raspberry Pi Forums with millions of helpful members. Get project help, share builds, and connect with makers worldwide.
Active communities at r/raspberry_pi and related subreddits. Daily project showcases, troubleshooting help, and community discussions.
Thousands of open-source Raspberry Pi projects on GitHub. Find code, contribute to projects, and collaborate with developers globally.
Free courses on Raspberry Pi Foundation Learning, featuring educator resources, student projects, and certification programs.
📅 Stay Current: Technology evolves rapidly. The handbook is updated annually with new models, software updates, and fresh projects. Follow Raspberry Pi social media and subscribe to The MagPi for ongoing learning beyond the handbook.
🎁 Perfect Gift Package: Combine the handbook with a Raspberry Pi starter kit for the ultimate gift. Include:
This comprehensive package provides everything needed to start an exciting journey into computing, electronics, and making!
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