Runa
github.com
What it is
Runa is a free terminal file manager written in Rust for Linux, macOS and Windows. Its keyboard-driven interface provides dual-pane browsing, a preview pane, tabs, and actions for moving, filtering, copying and renaming files. Keybindings, colors and layout can be changed in a TOML configuration file. The project describes a multithreaded engine with dedicated worker threads for input/output, previews, search and file operations. An optional fd installation enables recursive fuzzy search across files and folders; without fd, Runa remains usable but cannot perform that search. The optional bat tool adds syntax-highlighted previews, while built-in preview methods work without it. Installation is available through Cargo, Arch Linux AUR, Homebrew, Scoop, precompiled binaries or source builds. Releases from v0.5.11 are described as immutable and include attestations and SHA256 checksums. Runa is dual licensed under MIT or Apache-2.0 and remains under active development.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- Runa is a fast, lightweight terminal file manager written in Rust.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Platforms
- The project says it works on Linux, macOS, and Windows, with precompiled binaries available for those platforms.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Free plan
- YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Support
- The project directs users to GitHub issues for bug reports and Discussions for feature requests, and welcomes pull requests.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- License
- The project is dual licensed under MIT or Apache-2.0.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Customization
- Users can customize keybindings, colors, and layout through a TOML configuration file.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Development status
- Runa is described as a work in progress under active development, and configuration options may change over time.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Dual-pane layout
- YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · github.com
- File actions
- Its keyboard-driven interface supports actions including moving, filtering, copying, renaming, and managing tabs.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Install methods
- Installation options include Cargo, Arch Linux AUR, Homebrew, Scoop for Windows, precompiled binaries, and building from source.Read 4 Oct 2026 · alexm-dev.github.io
- Linux support
- YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · github.com
- macOS support
- YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Notable limitation
- Recursive fuzzy search requires `fd`; without it, Runa remains usable but notifies users if they attempt that search.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Performance
- The project describes a multithreaded engine with dedicated worker threads for I/O, previews, search, and file operations.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Preview integration
- The optional `bat` tool can provide syntax-highlighted file previews; built-in preview methods remain available without it.Read 4 Oct 2026 · alexm-dev.github.io
- Preview pane
- YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Release integrity
- Releases starting with v0.5.11 are described as immutable and include release attestations; SHA256 checksums are also provided.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Search integration
- The optional `fd` tool enables fast recursive fuzzy file and folder search.Read 4 Oct 2026 · alexm-dev.github.io
- Windows support
- YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · github.com
Plans and prices
runa Free No paid plans stated Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Runs on Linux, macOS and Windows
- Dual-pane layout with preview pane
- TOML customization for keys, colors and layout
- Multiple installation methods available
- MIT or Apache-2.0 licensed
Limits
- Recursive fuzzy search requires fd
- Configuration options may change during development
- No paid plans are stated
- bat is optional for syntax-highlighted previews
Who it suits
Runa suits terminal users on Linux, macOS or Windows who want keyboard-driven file management with customizable layouts and previews. It is also suitable for users comfortable installing optional command-line tools.
Verdict
Runa offers a cross-platform terminal workflow with dual panes, previews and configurable controls. Its active-development status and fd requirement for recursive fuzzy search are important considerations.
Where Specifiction places it
- Terminal File Managers#19 of 297.9
- File managers#20 of 297.9