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SPECIFICTION
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Clifm

github.com

Free plan macOSLinuxAndroid
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Spec score 8.5 #4 of 29 in Terminal File Managers

What it is

Clifm is an open-source file manager for people who prefer managing files through shell commands. It runs on the command line without a graphical or text user interface, so its workflow is based on commands rather than a conventional file-manager layout. File tools include bookmarks, search, selection, tags, filters, previews, bulk renaming, archiving, trash, and file opening. Shell features include tab completion with fzf integration, expansions, autosuggestions, syntax highlighting, aliases, and command history. Users can configure profiles, shortcuts, themes, prompts, custom commands, and plugins; a documented plugin can show Git status before each prompt. Clifm also supports remote file access and archives, but does not have a dual-pane view. It is listed for Android, Linux, and macOS, not Windows. Linux binary packages are available for most major distributions through the OpenSUSE Build System, and source installation instructions cover Linux and BSD. The project says it collects no data and makes no outside connections. Clifm is licensed under GPL version 2 or later and is free, with no paid plans stated.

Spec sheet

Product
Clifm is a shell-like, text-based terminal file manager that runs on the command line.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Intended users
The README presents Clifm as a command line file manager for people who prefer shell commands to a traditional terminal file manager interface.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Platforms
The project lists Linux, Termux on Android, BSD variants, macOS, Solaris/Illumos, Haiku, and Cygwin/MinGW as supported environments.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Integrations
The project documents fzf tab completion and a plugin that can display Git status before each prompt.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Security
The feature list describes a secure environment, secure commands, and a stealth mode.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Privacy
The project says Clifm collects zero data and makes no connection to the outside world.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Support
The project directs users to its FAQ, wiki documentation, issue tracker, and repository discussions for help and feedback.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
The project is licensed under GPL version 2 or later.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Archive support
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · github.com
Customization
Users can configure profiles, keyboard shortcuts, themes, prompts, custom commands, and plugins.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Dual-pane layout
NoRead 21 Sep 2026 · github.com
File operations
Features include bookmarks, search, file selection, tags, filters, previews, bulk renaming, archiving, trash, and file opening.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Installation
The README says Linux binary packages are available for most major distributions through the OpenSUSE Build System and gives source installation instructions for Linux and BSD.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Interface
Clifm has no GUI or TUI and is designed for file management through commands.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Linux support
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · github.com
macOS support
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · github.com
Preview pane
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · github.com
Remote file access
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · github.com
Shell features
Clifm provides tab completion with fzf integration, command line expansions, autosuggestions, syntax highlighting, aliases, and command history.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Windows support
NoRead 21 Sep 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Clifm Free GPL version 2 or later · no paid plans stated Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every Clifm plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Includes previews, remote file access, and archive support
  • Offers fzf-integrated tab completion
  • Supports themes, profiles, shortcuts, and plugins
  • Project says it collects zero data
  • Free under GPL version 2 or later

Limits

  • No graphical or text user interface
  • No dual-pane view
  • No Windows support
  • Linux binary packages are described; source instructions cover Linux and BSD

Who it suits

Clifm suits people who prefer shell commands to a traditional terminal file-manager interface. It may fit users who want configurable command-line file operations and plugins.

Verdict

Clifm provides a broad set of file and shell tools in a command-driven format. Its lack of a GUI or TUI and Windows support makes its intended workflow and platform coverage important to check first.

Where Specifiction places it

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