Clifm

Clifm is a free, open-source file manager designed for managing files through shell commands in a command-line environment. It has neither a graphical nor a text user interface, so users interact by entering commands rather than navigating a conventional manager layout. File functions include bookmarks, search, selection, tags, filters, previews, bulk renaming, archiving, trash, and file opening. Shell conveniences include tab completion with fzf integration, command expansions, autosuggestions, syntax highlighting, aliases, and command history. Users can configure profiles, keyboard shortcuts, themes, prompts, custom commands, and plugins; a documented plugin can show Git status before each prompt. Clifm also supports remote file access and archives, but does not have a dual-pane view. The project says it collects zero data and makes no outside connection; its feature list also describes secure commands and a stealth mode. It is listed for Android, Linux, and macOS, but not Windows. Linux packages are available for most major distributions, and source installation instructions cover Linux and BSD. It is licensed under GPL version 2 or later.

Clifm provides extensive command-line file operations and customization for users comfortable with shell-based management. Its lack of a GUI or TUI and Windows support are important constraints.

Clifm suits people who prefer managing files with shell commands instead of using a graphical or text-based file manager interface. It is available to users on Linux and macOS, among its listed platforms.

Clifm is a command-line file manager for people who want to handle files with shell commands rather than navigate a traditional terminal interface. Its strong command-line features and deep customization make it a capable fit for shell-comfortable users; the lack of a GUI or TUI and Windows support narrows its reach.

Overview

Clifm brings file management into a shell-like command line. It covers everyday tasks such as searching, selecting, tagging, filtering, previewing, opening, archiving, and sending files to trash, with bulk renaming for larger jobs. That breadth makes it more than a launcher for shell commands, but it depends on users being comfortable working without a visual file manager.

Clifm is open source under GPL version 2 or later. The project says it collects no data and makes no connection to the outside world. It also describes security-oriented features, including secure commands and a stealth mode; these may matter to users who want tighter control over their environment.

Key features

Clifm combines file operations with shell conveniences. Tab completion integrates with fzf, while command-line expansions, autosuggestions, syntax highlighting, aliases, and command history help make repeated work more fluid. For users who already rely on shell workflows, these features can reduce the friction of managing files without switching to a separate interface.

Bookmarks, filters, tags, previews, search, and file selection help organize and inspect files. Archive support and remote file access extend the range of work it can handle, while bulk renaming is useful when a batch needs consistent changes. There is no dual-pane view, so users who depend on side-by-side source and destination browsing may find file transfers less convenient.

Customization covers profiles, keyboard shortcuts, themes, prompts, custom commands, and plugins. The documented Git-status plugin can show repository status before each prompt, a practical addition for users who manage code from the terminal. This flexibility rewards people willing to shape their environment, but it offers less immediate visual guidance than a GUI or TUI.

Pricing

Clifm is free at no cost under the GPL version 2 or later license. There is no paid tier or free trial; the free plan is the product. That makes it straightforward for individual users and teams to adopt without subscription costs, though the project does not describe a separate commercial support plan.

Platforms

Clifm supports Android, Linux, and macOS, but not Windows. Linux binary packages are available for most major distributions through the OpenSUSE Build System, and source installation instructions are provided for Linux and BSD. The project’s listed platform support and installation guidance make Linux and macOS the clearest desktop fits; Windows users should choose another option.

For help and feedback, the project points users to its FAQ, wiki, issue tracker, and repository discussions.

Who it's for

Clifm is best suited to people who prefer shell commands to a traditional terminal file manager interface and want file operations, previews, and customization in that workflow. It is a poor fit for users who need a GUI or TUI, rely on dual-pane browsing, or work on Windows.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Broad file operations, including search, previews, archiving, trash, remote access, and bulk renaming, keep many common tasks within the command line.
• Pros: Shell features such as fzf tab completion, autosuggestions, syntax highlighting, aliases, and history suit users who already work from a prompt.
• Pros: Profiles, shortcuts, themes, prompts, custom commands, and plugins allow users to tailor the environment to their habits.
• Pros: Free, open-source licensing avoids recurring costs.
• Cons: No GUI or TUI means users must manage files through commands, which rules it out for anyone seeking a visual navigation experience.
• Cons: No dual-pane view can slow workflows that rely on comparing or moving files between two locations.
• Cons: No Windows support excludes users who need a file manager on that platform.

Alternatives

For another command-line file manager, consider nnn, which is free and supports Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows; its broader platform coverage makes it a better candidate for Windows users. TUIFIManager is also free and supports those four platforms, with a GPL-3.0 license.

Rat Commander is a free, self-contained terminal file manager for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Alfa is a free, MIT-licensed open-source option distributed as separate npm packages, with Linux, macOS, Windows, web, API, and self-hosted platforms.

far2l is free under GNU/GPLv2 and supports Linux and macOS; its beta status and use-at-your-own-risk terms are relevant for users weighing it. FileManagerTUI is MIT-licensed, free, and supports Linux, macOS, and Windows, with a provided-as-is, no-warranty term. Newt is another free, open-source option for Linux, macOS, and Windows.

pointer is free public-domain software under the Unlicense, delivered as a single binary for Linux and macOS. For broader category browsing, see Terminal File Managers and File Manager Software.

Verdict

Choose Clifm if you want a customizable, command-driven file manager with a wide set of file operations and shell conveniences, and you are comfortable working entirely in a command line. Its free GPL-licensed model is an easy commitment; look elsewhere if you need a GUI or TUI, dual-pane browsing, or Windows support.