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Vifm
What it is
Vifm is a free, curses-based file manager for Linux, macOS, and Windows, built around a Vim-like environment. Vi users can control filesystem tasks from the keyboard without learning a separate command set. The interface provides one or two panes inside tabs and offers table, grid, tree, and miller views. File handling includes archive support, batch renaming, trash, and operations that can be undone, redone, or run in the background. Named bookmarks, advanced filtering, renaming, and remembered directory positions help organize navigation. Customization includes Vim-like mappings, command-line mode, color schemes, file decorations, and directory-specific scripts. Vifm supports FUSE filesystems, remote command execution, and built-in GNU Screen and tmux integration. The project lists source code, Windows binaries, and an x86 64 AppImage for version 0.14.4. Its release notes report a trie buffer-overflow fix identified as CVE 2026 8997. General questions can go to an unregistered Q&A site; other support channels include GitHub issues, SourceForge, and email.
For and against
For
- Free on Linux, macOS, and Windows
- One- or two-pane tabbed interface
- Undo, redo, background, and trash operations
- Vim-like mappings and command mode
- FUSE and terminal integrations
Against
- Curses-based interface may not suit mouse-focused users
- Version 0.14.4 is the listed release
- No mobile platform is listed
- Support is spread across community channels
The verdict
Vifm offers a keyboard-centered file workflow with Vim-style controls, flexible views, and filesystem features across three desktop platforms. Its free distribution and configurable interface make it a focused option for vi-oriented users.
Who it suits
Vifm suits vi users who want keyboard-driven filesystem management with familiar commands. It also fits people needing dual-pane views, tabs, archive handling, and configurable navigation on desktop operating systems.
Plans and prices
Vifm
No price or usage limits stated on the opened pages
Read 8 Oct 2026 · vifm.info
On the record
- Archive support
- Yesvifm.info · read 20 Sep 2026
- Batch rename
- Yesvifm.info · read 20 Sep 2026
- Customization
- Vifm supports Vim like mappings and command line mode, color schemes, file decorations, and directory specific configuration scripts.vifm.info · read 8 Oct 2026
- Download formats
- The homepage lists source code, Windows binaries, and an x86 64 AppImage for version 0.14.4.vifm.info · read 8 Oct 2026
- Dual-pane layout
- Yesvifm.info · read 20 Sep 2026
- File operations
- Features include undoing, redoing, and backgrounding operations, as well as trash.vifm.info · read 8 Oct 2026
- FUSE
- Vifm supports FUSE file systems.vifm.info · read 8 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The site describes Vifm for people who use vi and want keyboard control over files using familiar commands.vifm.info · read 8 Oct 2026
- Keyboard control
- The site says vi users can control files with the keyboard without learning a new set of commands.vifm.info · read 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Vifm is a curses based file manager that provides a Vim like environment for managing filesystems.vifm.info · read 8 Oct 2026
- Remote commands
- Vifm supports remote command execution.vifm.info · read 8 Oct 2026
- Search and organization
- The site lists named bookmarks, advanced filtering and renaming, and remembering positions in previously visited directories.vifm.info · read 8 Oct 2026
- Security
- The v0.14.4 notes say the release fixed a buffer overflow in the trie implementation identified as CVE 2026 8997.vifm.info · read 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The site directs general usage questions to its Q&A site, where registration is not required, and lists GitHub issues, SourceForge tracker, and email for other contact.vifm.info · read 8 Oct 2026
- Tabbed interface
- Yesvifm.info · read 20 Sep 2026
- Terminal integrations
- The site lists built in integration with GNU Screen and tmux.vifm.info · read 8 Oct 2026
- Version and release
- The latest news shown is Vifm v0.14.4, dated 31 May 2026.vifm.info · read 8 Oct 2026
- Views
- Vifm supports one or two pane views within tabs, including table, grid, tree, and miller views.vifm.info · read 8 Oct 2026
