fman – A Present Day File Manager for Power Users

fman, is a smart console-driven, an alternative file manager with an eye candy UI, a swift performance, a responsive app window, and support for extensibility using plugins. Its modern design and speedy operation have arguably earned it the right to be referred to as a “present day file manager for power users”.

Like common file mangers, e.g. Nautilus and Dolphin, you can use fman to browse directories, perform CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations on files, mount external drives, e.t.c.

Because fman is console-driven, it replaces the option to navigate its interface and interact with it functions via clicks with numerous command options you can enter into its pop-up command palette.

Open the command palette by pressing Ctrl + Shift + P and move between directories by pressing Ctrl + P.

Features in fman File Manager

  • Beautiful UI – a nice color theme and icon set that are easy on the eyes in both sunny and dark light environments.
  • Cross-Platform – available for Ubuntu, Arch Linux, Windows, and Mac.
  • Customizable Keyboard Shortcuts – feel free to edit fman’s keyboard shortcuts to working preferences.
  • Multiple Directory Panels – display the contents of two directories at once by setting them side-by-side.
  • Free to Evaluate – fman is free for a while when you would have been using it regularly for which you would have to buy a license.
  • Easy Navigation – easy-to-navigate panels and panel controls.
  • Plugin Support – boost your customized productivity with plugins you write yourself or ones made freely available by others in the community.
  • Reliability – fman has been in active development since its launch in 2016, so be rest assured it wouldn’t become an unmaintained platform.
  • GoTo on Steroids – search quicker and more reliably thanks to fman‘s ability to remember your latest and most used files and directories.

After you must have “evaluated” fman for a while, you would have the option to use the key to auto-complete file paths and directory names.

Keyboard shortcuts

By default, the main file operations are invoked via the function keys:

  • F4: Edit (with a text editor)
  • Shift+F4: Create and edit
  • F5: Copy
  • F6: Move
  • Shift + F6: Rename
  • F7: New directory
  • F8: Delete
  • F9: Open terminal in current directory
  • F10: Open native file manager (Explorer/Finder)
  • F11: Copy path(s) to clipboard

The following are also frequently useful:

  • Ctrl/Cmd + P: Go to directory
  • Alt/Cmd + F1/F2: List drives / volumes
  • Ctrl/Cmd + .: Toggle hidden files
  • Ctrl + Left: Open in left pane
  • Ctrl + Right: Open in right pane
  • Alt/Cmd + Left/Right: Go back/forward
  • Ctrl/Cmd + D: Deselect (clear the selection)

Remember, that fman is free to evaluate but ultimately a paid, since you would have to purchase a license if you intend on using it regularly.

[mks_button size=”medium” title=”Download fman File Manager for Linux” style=”squared” url=”https://fman.io/download” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow” bg_color=”#3d7911″ txt_color=”#fff” icon=”fa-download” icon_type=”fa” nofollow=”1″]

Its license costs $14 with the main updates offered on a membership-based model beginning at $12/year. You can purchase a license here and get early access to updates and priority when it comes to feature requests.

Do you think fman is deserving of your cash? There sure are alternatives you can use if you don’t have the means. In the meantime, feel free to try it out and give your feedback on the title in the comments section below.

Divine Okoi is a cybersecurity postgrad with a passion for the open-source community. With 700+ articles covering different topics in IT, you can always trust him to inform you about the coolest tech.

Each tutorial at GeeksMint is created by a team of experienced writers so that it meets our high-quality writing standards.

1 thought on “fman – A Present Day File Manager for Power Users”

  1. I was about to mention that fman’s UI and (keyboard) navigation concepts look strikingly similar to those of Sublime Text (https://www.sublimetext.com/) but after a quick googling around, I came across one of the author’s blog posts (https://fman.io/blog/finally-understanding-sublime-texts-pricing/) — quoting: “If you like Sublime Text, you may also be interested in fman. It’s the first file manager that integrates ideas from Sublime Text.” 🙂

    This is simply awesome — thanks for pointing it out!

    Reply

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