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SPECIFICTION
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far2l

github.com

Free plan macOSLinux
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Spec score 8.6 #5 of 29 in File managers

What it is

far2l is a free Linux port of FAR Manager v2, with macOS support also listed. It offers graphical wxWidgets and SDL interfaces as well as terminal backends, whose dependencies and keyboard support vary. Its NetRocks plugin supports remote access through SFTP, SCP, SHELL, FTP, FTPS, SMB, NFS, WebDAV, and AWS S3. Other listed plugins handle archives, file comparison, a calculator, image viewing, Git gutter, Python scripting, and text transformations. Python plugin support is optional and requires the relevant Python development packages when building. Installation options include Debian and Ubuntu packages, Homebrew, source builds, and Docker. The project identifies far2l as GNU/GPLv2 software, but labels it beta and advises using it at one's own risk. It recommends checking out a stable release tag because the master branch is considered unstable. The compact Homebrew TTY build lacks Python plugins and SMB support in NetRocks. The project lists English, Russian, Ukrainian, and Belarusian as valid translations; other languages need substantial correction.

Spec sheet

Purpose
far2l is a Linux fork of FAR Manager v2.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Platforms
The project describes Linux as its primary platform and says it also works on macOS and BSD, though BSD is not regularly tested.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Free plan
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · github.com
License
The README identifies the license as GNU/GPLv2.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Archive support
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · github.com
Build stability
The project advises checking out a stable release tag because the master branch is considered unstable.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Compact build limit
The compact Homebrew TTY build does not support Python plugins or SMB in NetRocks.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Distribution
The README documents Debian and Ubuntu packages, Homebrew, source builds, and Docker as installation options.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Downloads
The README describes Debian and Ubuntu packages, Homebrew installation, macOS releases, Docker usage and community maintained packages.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
File operations
The README lists plugins including archive handling, file comparison, image viewing, and text transformations.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
File transfer and network access
Its NetRocks plugin supports SFTP, SCP, SHELL, FTP, FTPS, SMB, NFS, WebDAV and AWS S3.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Integration
The README lists compatible terminals and SSH clients, including kitty, Alacritty, Rio, Ghostty, WezTerm, iTerm2 and Windows Terminal.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Known limitation
The project says only English, Russian, Ukrainian, and Belarusian translations are valid; other languages need substantial correction.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Linux support
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · github.com
macOS support
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · github.com
Other features
Listed working plugins include archive handling, file comparison, a calculator, image viewing, Git gutter, Python scripting and text transformations.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Other operating systems
The project says far2l also works on macOS and BSD, though BSD is not regularly tested.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Packaging limitation
The compact Homebrew TTY version has no Python plugin support and lacks SMB in NetRocks because of its dependency size.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Project status
The README labels the project a beta version and says to use it at your own risk.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Remote access
Its NetRocks plugin supports SFTP, SCP, SHELL, FTP, FTPS, SMB, NFS, WebDAV, and AWS S3.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Remote file access
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · github.com
Scripting
Optional Python plugin support is available when built with the required Python development packages.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Status
The project describes itself as a beta version and says to use it at your own risk.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Terminal integrations
The README lists compatible terminals and SSH clients, including kitty, Alacritty, iTerm2, Windows Terminal, and supported PuTTY forks.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
User interface
It offers graphical wxWidgets and SDL backends as well as terminal backends, including a plain terminal mode with no X11 dependencies.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Windows support
NoRead 21 Sep 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

far2l Free GNU/GPLv2 · beta version · use at your own risk Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every far2l plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free GNU/GPLv2 software
  • Graphical and terminal backends
  • NetRocks supports multiple remote access protocols
  • Installation options include packages, Homebrew, and Docker
  • Plugins include archive handling and file comparison

Limits

  • Project labels the software beta and advises use at own risk
  • Compact Homebrew TTY build lacks Python plugins and SMB
  • Other translations need substantial correction
  • Master branch is considered unstable

Who it suits

It suits Linux or macOS users looking for a file manager with terminal and graphical backends, archive tools, and remote file access. Users considering it should be comfortable with beta software and its stated build and translation limits.

Verdict

far2l brings varied local and remote file operations to Linux and macOS, with multiple interface and installation choices. Its beta status and packaging limitations warrant attention before choosing a build.

Where Specifiction places it

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