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rdfind
What it is
rdfind is a free command-line utility for locating duplicate files by content. It accepts directories or individual files as command-line arguments, searches recursively, and can compare files within or across directories. Matching uses file size, first and last bytes, checksums, and inode and device identity handling. Supported checksums include MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-512, and xxh128, with SHA-1 as the default. By default, rdfind writes a results file without changing files. Options can delete duplicates or replace them with symbolic or hard links, while a dry run shows what an enabled action would do. Filters can ignore empty files or set minimum and maximum sizes. Automatic selection is available. Packages are listed for most Linux distributions, with MacPorts for macOS and Cygwin for Windows. The project dates to 2006 and is authored by Paul Dreik. Its manual warns about directory changes, symlink attacks, and ownership or permission limitations.
For and against
For
- Free plan with cross-platform support
- Searches directories recursively
- Supports five checksum algorithms
- Dry run previews enabled actions
- Can use symbolic or hard links
Against
- Command-line operation only
- No recycle-bin or Trash route listed
- Does not handle ownership or permissions
- Deletion can expose symlink risks
The verdict
rdfind offers detailed content-based duplicate matching with cautious default behavior and a dry-run option. Users should review its security and ownership warnings before enabling deletion or linking.
Who it suits
rdfind suits users comfortable with command-line file management on Linux, macOS, or Windows. It is useful when duplicate detection by content matters more than filenames.
Plans and prices
rdfind
GPLv2 or later
Read 9 Oct 2026 · rdfind.pauldreik.se
On the record
- Checksum options
- It supports MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-512, and xxh128 checksums; SHA-1 is the default.rdfind.pauldreik.se · read 9 Oct 2026
- Duplicate handling
- By default, rdfind writes a results file and takes no action; options can delete duplicates or replace them with symbolic or hard links.rdfind.pauldreik.se · read 9 Oct 2026
- File filtering
- Options can ignore empty files and set minimum and maximum file sizes.rdfind.pauldreik.se · read 9 Oct 2026
- Linux installation
- The official site says most Linux distributions have packages and gives apt and dnf installation examples.rdfind.pauldreik.se · read 9 Oct 2026
- Maintainer
- The site identifies Paul Dreik as rdfind's author.rdfind.pauldreik.se · read 9 Oct 2026
- Other platforms
- The official site says Mac users can install through MacPorts and Windows users may use Cygwin.rdfind.pauldreik.se · read 9 Oct 2026
- Ownership limitation
- The manual says rdfind does not handle file ownership and permissions and is not recommended across directories with several owners.rdfind.pauldreik.se · read 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- rdfind finds duplicate files by comparing their contents rather than their names, and can help compress backup directories.rdfind.pauldreik.se · read 9 Oct 2026
- Recursive search
- It finds duplicates within or across directories and searches directories recursively.rdfind.pauldreik.se · read 9 Oct 2026
- Safe preview
- Its dry-run option prints what an enabled action would do instead of carrying it out.rdfind.pauldreik.se · read 9 Oct 2026
- Security guidance
- The manual warns that changing directories during a run can make rdfind brittle and that deleting or linking can expose it to symlink attacks.rdfind.pauldreik.se · read 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- The site directs users to GitHub issues for bug reports and feature requests and invites suggestions and comments.rdfind.pauldreik.se · read 9 Oct 2026
