Vifm

Vifm provides a text‑based file manager that mimics the editing environment of Vim, using a curses interface for full‑screen navigation of the filesystem. It supports Vim‑style key mappings, command‑line mode with ranges and abbreviations, marks, registers, and a variety of view layouts including one‑ or two‑pane, table, grid, tree, and miller modes. Users can browse directories, compare trees, rename files with advanced filtering, and preview content through configurable viewers.

The program is aimed at users familiar with vi/Vim who want keyboard‑centric control over files without learning a new command set. It integrates with terminal multiplexers such as GNU Screen and tmux, supports backgrounding, undo/redo, and can handle remote commands and FUSE file systems. Customizable color schemes, file decorations, and named bookmarks allow per‑directory configuration, and the software works across GNU/Linux, BSD, Solaris, Windows, and macOS with UTF‑8 support.

Vifm’s distinctive aspects include its deep Vim‑like interaction model combined with features borrowed from mutt, such as a less‑like preview mode, and its extensibility through scripting and per‑directory settings. The stable, mature release offers multi‑pane tabs, multi‑block selection, and built‑in trash handling, making it a configurable, keyboard‑driven alternative to graphical file managers.