Overview

Built with Rust and Ratatui, FileManagerTUI puts a file tree and live preview side by side. Vim-style or arrow-key navigation, directory filtering, and a Ctrl+P fuzzy finder give keyboard-focused users several ways to move through project files. The dual-pane approach keeps context visible, though it will not suit readers seeking a conventional graphical file browser.

Beyond browsing, the application handles common local file operations, inline editing, and an embedded shell. That combination makes it a practical single interface for terminal-centered work, rather than a narrow navigator.

Key features

Browse and manage files

Previews include syntax highlighting and Jupyter notebook cells. Files above a configurable size threshold use a head-and-tail view, which helps inspect both ends of a large file without presenting it as a standard full preview. Creating, renaming, deleting, copying, cutting, pasting, and undoing local operations are supported.

The Ctrl+P fuzzy finder searches project files and opens an action menu. Combined with inline directory filtering and familiar keyboard navigation, it gives users efficient alternatives to stepping through a tree one entry at a time.

Editing and shell

The inline editor supports syntax highlighting, undo and redo, search and replacement, auto-indent, text selection, and mouse cursor positioning. An integrated PTY shell panel with VT100 emulation keeps command-line work within the same application. This breadth benefits users who want to browse, make edits, and run shell commands without switching interfaces; it is less useful if they only need lightweight file navigation.

Configuration and S3

Layered TOML configuration, command-line overrides, file watching, and built-in Catppuccin Mocha and Latte themes with custom colors give users room to tailor the interface. S3 mode can browse buckets through the AWS CLI, but it is read-only: create, rename, delete, and paste operations are disabled. It also requires the CLI and valid AWS credentials, so users needing remote file management should look elsewhere.

Pricing

FileManagerTUI is free and open source under the MIT License. The free plan is free and permits use, copying, modification, merging, publication, distribution, sublicensing, and sale of copies. It is provided as-is without warranty. There are no paid tiers to weigh against the free offering.

Platforms

FileManagerTUI supports Linux, macOS, and Windows. Binaries are provided for Linux x86_64, Linux .deb, Linux AppImage, macOS Intel, macOS Apple Silicon, and Windows. Users can also install it with Cargo from the Git repository; building from source requires a Rust toolchain.

Who it's for

Choose FileManagerTUI if you want keyboard-driven local file work that brings previews, editing, and an embedded shell into one terminal interface. Its cross-platform binaries make it a candidate across the three desktop operating systems, while Rust users can build from source. It is a poor fit for people who require write access to S3 or prefer a graphical file manager.

Pros and cons

Broad local workflow: browsing, common file operations, inline editing, and a shell panel sit together, reducing the need to move between separate terminal tools.
Useful preview range: syntax highlighting, notebook rendering, and head-and-tail handling for large files cover more than simple text browsing.
Good keyboard choice: Vim-style and arrow-key movement, filtering, and a fuzzy finder serve different navigation habits.
S3 is browse-only: remote users cannot create, rename, delete, or paste files through S3 mode.
Source builds need Rust: users choosing the Cargo route must have a Rust toolchain; S3 browsing adds AWS CLI and credential requirements.
Limited visible repository activity: the repository shows 256 commits, 3 stars, 0 issues, and 0 pull requests, giving little visible evidence of a broader support community.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, browse Terminal File Managers. Rat Commander is another free choice for a self-contained terminal file manager, with no paid tiers or usage limits stated. Consider Newt if you want a free, open-source option on Linux, macOS, or Windows.

superfile is a free, MIT-licensed self-installed terminal application for the same three platforms. Broot is another free option for Linux, macOS, and Windows, with source and precompiled binaries. far2l may suit Linux and macOS users willing to use beta software under its GNU/GPLv2 license, which comes with an explicit use-at-your-own-risk caveat.

pointer is a free Linux and macOS alternative distributed as a single binary under the Unlicense. Runa is a free option for Linux, macOS, and Windows with no paid plans stated. Zeta is a free MIT-licensed terminal file manager for Linux and Windows with binaries for those platforms.

Verdict

FileManagerTUI is a strong fit for terminal users who want local file management, previews, editing, and shell access in one keyboard-driven application across Linux, macOS, and Windows. Its main reason to choose is that unusually complete local workflow at no cost; its main reason to look elsewhere is the hard limit on S3 writes.

	FileManagerTUI	Runa
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Free trial		No
Paid from	Free	Free
Open source	Yes
Platforms	Linux, macOS, Windows	Linux, macOS, Windows
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Dual-pane layout	Yes	Yes
Linux support	Yes	Yes
macOS support	Yes	Yes
Windows support	Yes	Yes
Preview pane	Yes	Yes
Remote file access	Yes

FileManagerTUI vs Runa

FileManagerTUI

Runa