11 Terminal File Managers for Superior File Organization

In today’s world of graphical user interfaces (GUIs), navigating through files and directories is often as simple as dragging and dropping. However, for power users, developers, or those who prefer the command-line interface (CLI), terminal-based file managers provide a faster, more efficient, and lightweight alternative for file management. Whether you're managing a server, working remotely, or just enjoy the speed of the terminal, terminal-based file managers can significantly enhance productivity.

Here’s a list of 11 terminal file managers that stand out for their superior file organization features.

1. Midnight Commander (mc)

One of the most popular terminal-based file managers, Midnight Commander provides a Norton Commander-style interface. With its two-panel layout, it allows users to easily navigate between directories, view file contents, and execute file operations. It also supports FTP, SFTP, and a built-in file viewer and editor.
https://www.midnight-commander.org/

• Key Features:
  • Intuitive navigation
  • Search functionality
  • FTP/SFTP support
  • Easy file comparison

Install:

sudo apt install mc

2. Ranger

Ranger is a text-based file manager that features a minimalist design and uses Vim key bindings for navigation. Its main advantage is the preview pane, which allows you to quickly view file contents without opening them in a separate application.

• Key Features:
  • Vim-inspired navigation
  • Preview pane
  • Easily customizable
  • Supports tabs and bookmarks

Install:

sudo apt install ranger

3. nnn

nnn is one of the lightest terminal file managers available, making it ideal for low-resource environments. Despite its simplicity, it’s highly flexible, offering plugins that allow you to extend its capabilities. It is designed for fast navigation and efficient use of resources.

• Key Features:
  • Extremely lightweight and fast
  • Plugin support for additional functionality
  • Seamless integration with other command-line tools

Install:

sudo apt install nnn

4. Vifm

For users who love Vim, Vifm brings the same keybindings to a file manager. It features dual panes, making it easy to move files between directories. It’s a highly efficient tool for users who are accustomed to working with the keyboard.

• Key Features:
  • Vim keybindings
  • Two-pane layout
  • File previews and bookmarks
  • Configurable UI

Install:

sudo apt install vifm

5. lf (List Files)

Another Vim-inspired terminal file manager, lf stands out for its minimalism and simplicity. It’s an efficient file manager with a small footprint, which makes it ideal for users looking for a quick and resource-friendly solution.

• Key Features:
  • Fast and minimalist
  • Uses Vim-like keybindings
  • Highly customizable

Install:

sudo apt install lf

6. Cfiles

Cfiles is a lightweight file manager written in C that’s incredibly fast. Its main selling point is speed, and while it lacks the features of some more complex managers, it makes up for it in efficiency.

• Key Features:
  • Very fast performance
  • Small size and resource footprint
  • Simple and effective for basic file management

Install:

git clone https://github.com/mananapr/cfiles.git

7. fd

Though not exactly a file manager in the traditional sense, fd is a simple, fast, and user-friendly alternative to find. It allows you to search and manage files more efficiently within the terminal. Its strength lies in its fast file search capabilities, making it useful in combination with other terminal file managers.

• Key Features:
  • Fast and intuitive file search
  • Improved syntax over find
  • Supports parallel file searches

Install:

sudo apt install fd-find

8. nemo-terminal

While Nemo is a graphical file manager, its terminal version allows users to use the same intuitive commands within the command line. It’s the terminal extension of the Nemo file manager, built for those who switch between GUI and CLI environments frequently.

• Key Features:
  • Combines the power of CLI and GUI
  • Terminal pane integrated into the file manager
  • Useful for mixed environments

Install:

sudo apt install nemo-terminal

9. FAR Manager

Although primarily available on Windows, FAR Manager has been ported to Linux systems as well. It is a highly customizable terminal file manager with a rich plugin architecture, offering various extended functionalities.

• Key Features:
  • Plugin architecture for custom functionality
  • User-friendly interface
  • Remote file access via FTP and SFTP

Install:

sudo apt install far2l

10. nncli

For users of nnn, nncli is an excellent command-line interface for the tool, adding some extra usability features. It allows for smooth file management and fast navigation, making it a great option for users who prioritize performance.

• Key Features:
  • Extended CLI functionality for nnn
  • Lightweight and efficient
  • Customizable

Install:

git clone https://github.com/jarun/nnn.git

11. tuxcmd

Tux Commander is a twin-panel file manager similar to Midnight Commander but with more modern features and better support for new technologies. It allows for easy file transfers and remote file management via plugins.

• Key Features:
  • Dual-panel interface
  • Plugin support
  • FTP, SFTP, and SMB support

Install:

sudo apt install tuxcmd

Conclusion

While graphical file managers are more common, terminal-based file managers offer speed, efficiency, and powerful functionality for managing files in a minimalistic environment. Whether you're a sysadmin, developer, or simply prefer working in the terminal, one of these file managers will likely meet your needs.

By adopting these tools, you can streamline your workflow, minimize distractions, and navigate the file system with precision.