Key Takeaways:
- For the best Open-source file manager software, you should be looking for enhanced features like tabs, bookmarks, a bookmark bar, etc.
- Successful open-source file manager software should enhance file organization, optimize productivity, and have a good user interface.
Every computer comes with an in-built file manager. However, several third-party file managers offer a wide range of features and functionalities to improve the overall experience of creating and managing files.
Looking for File Management Software? Check out SoftwareSuggest’s list of the best File Management software solutions.
In November 2023, Google Drive topped the file-sharing market with a 31.19% share, followed by Dropbox at 18.61% and Box at 13%. These percentages indicate the proportion of companies using each software.
What is an Open Source File Manager?
A file manager is a computer program used to manage files and folders by using functions like creating, viewing, editing, renaming, and similar tools to modify the attributes and properties of the file as well as the access rights to it.
The best open-source file manager contains features like tabs, bookmarks, and a bookmark bar. These tools enhance file organization and provide a streamlined experience. Remember, the best open-source file manager is one that aligns with your specific workflow, enhances your productivity, and provides a seamless and user-friendly experience, so prioritize it according to your needs.
Our selection of these Open Source File Manager Software is based on thorough research and analysis. We have listed these softwares based on usability and satisfaction score that include features, ease of use, customer support, ratings, and number of reviews from SoftwareSuggest. Our goal is to help businesses select the right softwares that can help them optimize their business processes.
Top 8 Free & Open Source File Manager Software
Explore a diverse range of tools to refine your file creation and management experience.
1. Clover
Clover is similar to the basic Windows Explorer. It allows you to easily manage your files and keep track of those you frequently use. Clover transforms Windows folder management, introducing tabs, streamlined organization, and bookmark-style shortcuts for efficient navigation and accessibility.
- No hassle regarding multiple open instances simultaneously.
- Available free of cost and simple to use.
- Has a bookmark bar for the files and folders that are frequently used.
- It is not a completely standalone file manager.
- Limited customization options.
- Occasional compatibility issues.
2. Directory Opus
Directory Opus, a Windows File Manager, prioritizes ease, configurability, efficiency, and compatibility. Dual displays, extensive features, and customization enhance usability and productivity. Although it is not a new free file manager software, it is still relevant because of all its features.
- The user can choose either a double-pane or a single-pane view.
- It allows you to open multiple directories together and travel through them easily.
- The tabbed interface makes it easy to open lots of folders and switch fast.
- Allows you to add tags and descriptions to the files as well as other indicators.
- It is not ideal for occasional users due to limited features.
- Takes time to learn, making it challenging to maximize value.
3. Free Commander
FreeCommander is a simple-to-use file manager software with a huge range of features and a dual-pane interface. Users can easily work on two different folders or files concurrently. FreeCommander is a user-friendly Windows file manager with dual panels, a tabbed interface, archive handling, file searching, and extensive customization options.
- Easy to use interface and a range of viewing options.
- Several effective keyboard shortcuts.
- It uses a dual-pannel layout, which is efficient and very popular.
- Built-in backup and restore functions make it more efficient.
- FreeCommander may be challenging for users due to initial difficulty in basic operations.
- FreeCommander’s cluttered interface may overwhelm beginners with over 30 buttons and complex menus.
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4. Total Commander
TotalCommander is an Open Source File Manager software with a plethora of inbuilt tools and functions. TotalCommander offers multiple language support, search, file comparison, directory synchronization, ACE archive handling plus plugins, a quick view panel with bitmap display, a built-in FTP client with FXP, HTTP proxy support, and more. It excels as a robust Windows file manager with efficiency.
- The file manager software is easily customizable, allowing users to tailor it to their preferences and needs.
- It allows you to modify files and folders in batches, and It offers multiple advanced options.
- It provides a free lifetime license and compares files to show the differences.
- It is not available for Linus or Mac operating systems.
- It is not free of cost. However, you can get a 30-day free trial program.
5. Explorer++
Explorer++ is a free, open-source file manager with navigation tools. It boosts productivity with its swift file management tabs. Explorer++ is a maritime file manager for Microsoft Windows. It features multiple tabs, bookmarks, and a customizable interface on Windows.
- Explorer++ offers easy loading of data from XML config files or the registry, providing flexibility for user preferences.
- Explorer++ provides a lightweight and fast interface with a good search function.
- Has the option to replace File Explorer and be the default file manager on the Windows operating system.
- Sometimes, the software crashes when attempting to right-click, impacting user experience and functionality.
- The software may not pick up changes if files are created in libraries.
6. Q-Dir (the Quad Explorer)
Q-Dir software provides the best service for regulating hard disks, network folders, USB drives, floppy disks, and other storage devices for an efficient system of file management. A versatile Windows file manager with Quadro-View and portable features simplifies file organization and enhances user efficiency.
- It is easily manageable, offers multiple windows, and is absolutely free.
- Flexible, stable, and feature-rich utility with an intuitive window layout.
- Users do not have to install Q-Dir, and it can be executed easily from the desktop.
- Qdir exhibits slow performance, occasional freezing, and unresponsive behavior during basic file operations, impacting its overall usability. Additionally, users express a desire for a change in the program’s icon.
- Outdated appearance, lacking modern design.
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7. Xplorer²
Xplorer² is a feature-rich desktop file manager, offering the simplicity of Windows Explorer with efficient dual-pane navigation, advanced search, and customization options. It is a good open-source file manager software for almost all purposes. There is also a free version available for non-commercial use.
- Xplorer2 offers a powerful interface with dual panes, tabs, and customizable layouts, surpassing Windows Explorer.
- It provides advanced file management features like batch renaming, file splitting and merging, folder synchronization, and secure data shredding.
- It can copy and move several tasks simultaneously and faster than many other applications. It also allows you to create tabs of the frequently used subdirectories.
- The rate of development is stagnating, with only a few minor improvements within a year.
- If you are using the free lite version, it has several distracting prompts to purchase the paid version.
8. WinDirStat
WinDirStat is an Open Source File Manager software for Windows. It is a Windows tool displaying disk usage statistics visually, aiding cleanup. It organizes data by size, type, and structure. WinDirStat visually organizes disk usage, aiding cleanup with size, type, and directory structure insights, providing a comprehensive view.
- It allows you to know the amount of disk space that is in use and the programs using it.
- Streamlined identification and efficient management of large files, facilitating quick relocation or deletion for optimal Hard Disk or SSD space utilization.
- It also offers cleanup tools for the various versions of Windows.
- It has a setting to automatically remove files, so you need to modify them or risk losing files by mistake.
- Only functions on Windows, limiting use to non-Windows users.
- There are no portable options given, and the software has to be installed.
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Conclusion
Free and open-source file manager software can help organizations grow more by allowing them to manage and track their huge amount of files and data safely. Open-source file manager aligns with your specific workflow, enhances your productivity, and provides a user-friendly interface.
Users should compare these software with each other and decide on the best solution for their business. Discover the significance of open source in file management. Learn more about its importance for insightful information.
Download from the official website. Run the installer for Windows and follow platform-specific instructions.
Most support Windows, Linux, and macOS. Check official sites for details.
Yes, most open-source file managers offer customization options. Customize the look, colors, and functions as you like in most.
Availability varies. Some projects offer community forums for support, while others may provide official support channels.
Yes, it can be used in business; follow license rules. Some have enterprise versions.
Supriya is a highly skilled content writer with over 8 years of experience in the SaaS domain. She believes in curating engaging, informative, and SEO-friendly content to simplify highly technical concepts. With an expansive portfolio of long-format blogs, newsletters, whitepapers, and case studies, Supriya is dedicated to staying in touch with emerging SaaS trends to produce relevant and reliable content.
