- Home
- Duplicate File Finders
- rmlint
rmlint
What it is
rmlint is a free, GPLv3-licensed utility for locating duplicate files and other filesystem waste, then offering removal candidates. It scans local paths, mounted volumes, and file lists supplied through standard input. Beyond duplicate files and directories, it can identify nonstripped binaries, broken symbolic links, empty files and directories, and files with broken user or group IDs. Duplicate checks support multiple hashes and exact byte-by-byte comparison, with optional basename or extension matching. The documentation says scans can handle file sets containing millions of files. Results can use numerous output formats, and a previous run can be stored so later scans check only new files. A Python graphical frontend, Shredder, ships with rmlint from version 2.4.0 onward. Shredder rechecks files before deletion, but its documentation says the interface remains in development and should be used at the user’s risk. The project names Linux as its main target and also runs and compiles under FreeBSD, Darwin, and Solaris. Installation options cover Linux distributions and macOS. There is no built-in Recycle Bin or Trash.
For and against
For
- Finds duplicates and several filesystem problems
- Hash and exact byte comparisons
- Handles scans with millions of files
- Offers previews and automatic selection
- GPLv3-licensed and free
Against
- No built-in Recycle Bin or Trash
- Shredder interface remains in development
- Project warns duplicate finders can produce false positives
- Linux is the main target
The verdict
rmlint offers broad filesystem scanning, multiple matching methods, and optional graphical review at no listed cost. Its lack of a Trash feature and warnings about deletion errors make careful candidate checking important.
Who it suits
It suits Linux and macOS users cleaning local or mounted filesystems who want configurable duplicate detection. Users should be prepared to review candidates before deletion.
Plans and prices
rmlint
GPLv3-licensed software
Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- Deletion safety
- Shredder rechecks each file before deletion, and its documentation warns that the interface is still in development and should be used at the user's risk.rmlint.readthedocs.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Duplicate checks
- It supports several hashes for duplicate detection and an exact byte-by-byte comparison option.rmlint.readthedocs.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Finds
- It can find duplicate files and directories, nonstripped binaries, broken symbolic links, empty files and directories, and files with broken user or group IDs.rmlint.readthedocs.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- GUI
- A Python graphical frontend named Shredder is shipped alongside rmlint from version 2.4.0 onward.rmlint.readthedocs.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Installation
- The installation guide lists packages or installation options for Linux distributions and macOS, among other systems.rmlint.readthedocs.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Large scans
- The documentation says rmlint can handle file sets containing millions of files.rmlint.readthedocs.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- License
- rmlint is licensed under GPLv3.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Output and replay
- It offers numerous output options and can store the last run so a later scan only checks new files.rmlint.readthedocs.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- rmlint finds duplicate files and other space waste or broken items on a filesystem and offers to remove them.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs users who find bugs, have trouble running rmlint, or want to suggest features to its bug-reporting guidance.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Supported systems
- The project says it runs and compiles under Linux, FreeBSD, Darwin, and Solaris, with Linux as its main target.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Use caution
- The project cautions that duplicate finders, including rmlint, can identify false positives or have serious bugs, and recommends checking deletion candidates.rmlint.readthedocs.io · read 8 Oct 2026
