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pointer

github.com

Free plan macOSLinux
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Spec score 8.5 #8 of 29 in File managers

What it is

Pointer is a free, open-source terminal file manager for Linux and macOS. It presents files in a two-pane layout with configurable width ratios and border styles, plus previews with syntax highlighting for more than 20 languages and inline image display through kitty, sixel, or w3m protocols. Archives including zip, tar, gz, bz2, xz, rar, and 7z can be browsed and edited as virtual directories. File operations include asynchronous copying and moving, undo for several actions, and deletion with a flag-then-purge process and default confirmation. Pointer supports SSH/SFTP remote browsing, filename and content search, extension or regex filters, bookmarks, tabs, and file-picker mode. JSON-manifest plugins bind external commands to keys. The README describes OpenAI integration and Claude-powered descriptions and sessions. Linux and macOS binaries are listed for x86_64 and aarch64.

Spec sheet

Product
Pointer is a Rust terminal file manager and feature clone of RTFM.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Integrations
The README lists fzf, navi, locate, git, bat, ImageMagick, pdftotext, xclip, and curl as integrations or optional runtime dependencies.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Security
The opened project page does not state security certifications or compliance claims.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
The project is released under the Unlicense, described on the page as public domain.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Maker
The repository credits Geir Isene as creator.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
AI features
It lists OpenAI and Claude integrations, including Claude file descriptions and interactive sessions.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Archive support
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · github.com
Archives
It browses and edits zip, tar, gz, bz2, xz, rar, and 7z archives as virtual directories.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Configuration and state
The README places configuration, state, trash, and plugins under ~/.pointer/.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Deletion behavior
Deletion uses a flag-then-purge flow, and the README says confirmation is enabled by default.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Dependencies
Rust and Cargo are required to build from source; optional runtime tools include bat, fzf, ImageMagick, pdftotext, git, xclip, locate, navi, and curl.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Downloads
The latest release lists binaries for Linux x86_64 and aarch64 and macOS x86_64 and aarch64.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Dual-pane layout
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · github.com
Extensibility
Its plugin system uses JSON manifests to bind external commands to keys, and scripts receive Pointer context through environment variables.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
File handling
It supports archive browsing, asynchronous copy and move operations, and undo for several file operations.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
File operations
It supports asynchronous copy and move operations and undo for delete, move, rename, copy, symlink, permissions, and bulk rename.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
File picker
It can run in file-picker mode using the --pick=/path option for external tool integration.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
File previews
It includes syntax highlighting for 20+ languages and inline image previews through kitty, sixel, or w3m protocols.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Linux support
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · github.com
macOS support
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · github.com
Plugins
Its plugin system uses JSON manifests to bind external commands to keys.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Preview pane
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · github.com
Remote access
It supports SSH/SFTP remote browsing.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Remote file access
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · github.com
Search and integrations
It includes filename search, content grep, extension or regex filtering, and integrations with fzf, navi, and locate.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Search and navigation
Features include filename search, content grep, extension or regex filters, bookmarks, tabs, and file picking.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Two-pane browsing
It provides a two-pane layout with configurable width ratio and border styles.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Windows support
NoRead 21 Sep 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Pointer Free Unlicense public-domain software · single binary Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every pointer plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Two-pane browsing with configurable widths
  • SSH/SFTP remote file browsing
  • Archive browsing as virtual directories
  • Undo for several file operations
  • JSON-manifest plugin system

Limits

  • No Windows support
  • Building from source requires Rust and Cargo
  • Optional runtime tools may be needed

Who it suits

Pointer suits Linux or macOS users who want terminal-based, two-pane file management with previews, archives, remote browsing, and extensibility.

Verdict

Pointer covers local, remote, archive, preview, and search workflows in a terminal interface. Its free Unlicense distribution and Linux/macOS focus make it suitable for users on those platforms.

Where Specifiction places it

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