11 Best Linux Console File Managers
TLDR: Discover 11 powerful Linux console file managers that enhance productivity by simplifying file management through a command-line interface.
1. GNU Midnight Commander (mc)
GNU Midnight Commander, or mc, is a versatile file manager offering features like file/folder operations, permissions management, archive browsing, and FTP client capabilities.
Installation:
sudo apt install mc # Debian, Ubuntu, Mint
sudo yum install mc # RHEL, CentOS, Fedora, Rocky, AlmaLinux
sudo emerge -a sys-apps/mc # Gentoo Linux
sudo apk add mc # Alpine Linux
sudo pacman -S mc # Arch Linux
sudo zypper install mc # OpenSUSE
Full Review of Midnight Commander
2. Ranger
Ranger features a Vim-like interface with previews, bookmarks, mouse support, and tabbed views, making it a favorite among users who prefer keyboard navigation.
Installation:
sudo apt install ranger # Debian, Ubuntu, Mint
sudo yum install ranger # RHEL, CentOS, Fedora, Rocky, AlmaLinux
sudo emerge -a sys-apps/ranger # Gentoo Linux
sudo apk add ranger # Alpine Linux
sudo pacman -S ranger # Arch Linux
sudo zypper install ranger # OpenSUSE
3. Cfiles
Cfiles is a fast terminal file manager written in C, using ncurses with Vim keybindings. Lightweight, but requires manual installation.
Installation:
sudo apt-get install build-essential # Install dev tools on Debian/Ubuntu
sudo yum groupinstall 'Development Tools' # Install dev tools on CentOS/RHEL
git clone https://github.com/mananapr/cfiles.git
cd cfiles
gcc cf.c -lncurses -o cf
sudo cp cf /usr/bin/ # Copy to $PATH
4. Vifm
Vifm mimics the Vim interface and keybindings, offering a curses-based dual-pane file manager with powerful file tree comparisons and remote command execution.
Installation:
sudo apt install vifm # Debian, Ubuntu, Mint
sudo yum install vifm # RHEL, CentOS, Fedora, Rocky, AlmaLinux
sudo emerge -a sys-apps/vifm # Gentoo Linux
sudo apk add vifm # Alpine Linux
sudo pacman -S vifm # Arch Linux
sudo zypper install vifm # OpenSUSE
5. Nnn
Nnn is a minimalist, lightning-fast file manager that closely resembles a desktop file manager while being extremely lightweight and easy to use.
Installation:
sudo apt install nnn # Debian, Ubuntu, Mint
sudo yum install nnn # RHEL, CentOS, Fedora, Rocky, AlmaLinux
sudo emerge -a sys-apps/nnn # Gentoo Linux
sudo apk add nnn # Alpine Linux
sudo pacman -S nnn # Arch Linux
sudo zypper install nnn # OpenSUSE
6. Lfm (Last File Manager)
Lfm is a Python-based file manager with features like bookmarks, VFS for compressed files, tree view, and integration with utilities like find and grep.
Installation:
sudo apt install lfm # Debian, Ubuntu, Mint
sudo yum install lfm # RHEL, CentOS, Fedora, Rocky, AlmaLinux
sudo emerge -a sys-apps/lfm # Gentoo Linux
sudo apk add lfm # Alpine Linux
sudo pacman -S lfm # Arch Linux
sudo zypper install lfm # OpenSUSE
sudo pip install lfm # Install via pip
7. lf (List Files)
Lf is a cross-platform file manager written in Go, inspired by Ranger. It’s highly customizable and operates with a low memory footprint.
Installation:
Download the binary for your OS from the lf releases page.
8. WCM Commander
WCM Commander mimics Far Manager and includes features like a built-in terminal, text editor, and viewer, with a fast user interface and mouse support.
Installation:
Packages for various OSes can be found on the WCM download page.
9. Walk
Walk is a terminal navigator that replaces traditional ls and cd commands, offering fuzzy search and direct Vim integration.
10. Superfile
Superfile is a modern terminal-based file manager with features like customizable key bindings, tabbed browsing, and multiple panels, designed for efficient navigation and file management.
11. Clifm
Clifm is a fast command-line file manager that operates like a shell, allowing direct command input for file operations, making it ideal for command-line enthusiasts.
These Linux console file managers offer a range of features, from minimalist interfaces to fully-featured systems, catering to different needs and preferences.