KDE includes the Dolphin file manager, Xfce includes the Thunar file manager, and LXDE includes PCManFM. But, thanks to the modularity of the Linux desktop, you could actually run a different desktop environment’s file manager on your current desktop.įor example, GNOME and Ubuntu’s Unity desktop include the Nautilus file manager. These file managers also tend to see more development and often include advanced features you’d only find in alternative file managers on other operating systems. It’s hard to talk about alternative file managers for Linux, as every desktop environment tends to include its own unique file manager. RELATED: Linux Users Have a Choice: 8 Linux Desktop Environments This could hit a good sweet spot for many people. It doesn’t include nearly as many advanced features as Path Finder does, but most people don’t need all those bonus features. It’a free application that adds features to the Finder, including a dual-pane interface, a copy queue, global hotkeys, and many new menu options. If you want some of these advanced features - like a dual-pane interface - but don’t want to spend money on this type of program, try XtraFinder. Developers in particular can get a lot of use out of its intergrated Git and Subeersion support, as well as easy access to a terminal. On the bright side, this means that they see more development than many alternative Windows file managers, and their business model is selling software instead of trying to load your computer with crapware in their installers.Ĭocoatech’s Path Finder is probably the most popular Finder replacement for Mac OS X, and we covered it as one of the best options if you want to merge folders on your Mac. It also includes a dual-pane interface and other powerful features. You’ll have to shell out a few bucks to use them. As usual on Mac OS X, many of the alternative file-manager options available to you are generally paid software. The Finder app included with Mac OS X does the basics, but it can certainly leave you wanting. RELATED: How to Merge Folders on Mac OS X Without Losing All Your Files (Seriously) They often lack many of the more powerful features found in the paid versions, but they’ll provide you with many of the features found in the paid versions. There are free versions available for most of them - Xplorer2 Lite, XYplorer Free, and Directory Opus Light. All of these programs offer paid editions they want you to purchase. Other file manager replacements include Xplorer2, XYplorer, Directory Opus, and Total Commander.

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