Managing files is something we all do on a daily basis, especially when you are a student, system admin, or someone who works in IT and has to use Ubuntu. Whether you’re organizing documents, searching for files, or customizing your system’s structure, a good file manager can make all the difference. Ubuntu users have many file managers to choose from, each offering its own set of features to simplify file navigation. In this post, we’ll look at some of the best file managers for Ubuntu, including Nautilus and Nemo, to help you find the right tool for your workflow.
Why File Managers Matter on Ubuntu
Ubuntu has a built-in file manager, just like other operating systems. While the default one works fine for most tasks, it might not have everything you need. File managers help you look through, organize, and manage your files. Picking the right one can make your work smoother and faster. Some offer extra features like better search tools, dual panels for easier navigation, or improved connections with cloud services. Let’s take a look at some of the best file managers available for Ubuntu users.
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1. Nautilus: The Default Choice
Nautilus is the default file manager on Ubuntu, and there’s a reason for that. It’s easy to use, looks clean, and works perfectly with the GNOME desktop. While it might not have all the fancy features that some advanced users want, many people still prefer it because it’s simple and reliable.
Key Features of Nautilus:
- Simple Interface: Nautilus has a straightforward and clutter-free interface, making it ideal for beginners.
- Basic File Operations: You can easily create, move, rename, and delete files or folders.
- Integrated Search: Its built-in search feature allows you to quickly find files by name.
- Customization: Though it’s simple, you can tweak the appearance of the file manager and its behavior.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a fast and reliable file manager and don’t need many bells and whistles, Nautilus should serve you well.
Installing Nautilus (if needed):
If Nautilus is not already installed, you can add it by opening the terminal and typing:
sudo apt install nautilus2. Nemo: Power and Flexibility
Nemo is a version of Nautilus made by the Linux Mint team. It’s a favorite for people who want more features than what Nautilus gives, but still like a simple and easy-to-use layout.
Key Features of Nemo:
- Dual Pane Mode: Nemo allows you to view two folders side by side, which makes file operations faster and more efficient.
- Advanced Search: The search function is more detailed, allowing you to search not just by name but by file type, size, and modification date.
- Better Integration: Nemo integrates well with the Cinnamon desktop and offers superior support for external drives and networked file systems.
- Custom Scripts: You can add your own custom scripts to automate repetitive tasks.
Pro Tip: Nemo is great for users who find Nautilus limiting but still want a user-friendly file manager.
Installing Nemo:
To install Nemo, run the following command:
sudo apt install nemo3. Thunar: Lightweight and Fast
Thunar is the default file manager for the Xfce desktop environment. It’s known for being lightweight and extremely fast, which makes it ideal for older machines or users who prioritize speed over extra features.
Key Features of Thunar:
- Low Resource Usage: Thunar is designed to use minimal system resources, which keeps your computer running smoothly.
- Custom Actions: You can set up custom actions, allowing you to perform complex file operations with just a click.
- Bulk Renaming: Thunar includes a powerful bulk renaming tool, which is handy when dealing with many files at once.
Pro Tip: If you’re running Ubuntu on a lower-end machine or prefer a faster, lightweight option, Thunar is an excellent choice.
Installing Thunar:
To install Thunar, use this command:
sudo apt install thunar4. PCManFM: Simple Yet Powerful
PCManFM is a lightweight file manager made for the LXDE desktop. It’s similar to Thunar, but built to be even faster. It’s a good choice for advanced users who like a basic, no-frills design while still having helpful features to manage files easily.
Key Features of PCManFM:
- Tabbed Browsing: You can open multiple folders in tabs, similar to web browsers.
- Bookmark Support: It offers easy bookmarking for frequently accessed folders.
- Drag and Drop Support: Allows quick file transfers between different locations using drag-and-drop.
Pro Tip: PCManFM is perfect for users who need a balance of simplicity and power, especially those using LXDE or a lightweight Ubuntu variant.
Installing PCManFM:
To install PCManFM, run this command:
sudo apt install pcmanfm5. Dolphin: The Feature-Packed Option
Dolphin is the default file manager for the KDE Plasma desktop environment. While it might be overkill for some, Dolphin is an excellent option if you need a file manager that’s packed with advanced features.
Key Features of Dolphin:
- Multi-Panel Views: You can split the window into multiple panels for advanced file management.
- File Previews: Dolphin shows file previews, making it easier to find what you’re looking for without opening each file.
- Powerful Search: Dolphin’s search function lets you search not only by name but also by content and metadata.
- Advanced Customization: You can tweak almost every part of Dolphin’s appearance and functionality.
Pro Tip: Dolphin is ideal for power users who need a versatile and highly customizable file manager.
Installing Dolphin:
To install Dolphin, type the following:
sudo apt install dolphinFile Permission Syntax in Ubuntu
File permissions are important for managing files in Ubuntu. They help control who can open, edit, or run a file. To change file permissions, you can use a simple command called chmod. Knowing how this works can help you manage file security and ownership easily.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
r: Readw: Writex: Execute
If you want to give a file read, write, and execute permissions for the owner, and read permissions for everyone else, you would use this command:
chmod 744 filenameIn this example:
- The first digit (7) means the owner has read, write, and execute permissions.
- The second digit (4) gives group members read-only access.
- The third digit (4) gives others read-only access.
If you want to learn Ubuntu File Permissions in detail then you can read our blog post – Complete Guide to File Permissions in Ubuntu
FAQs
1. Can I switch file managers easily on Ubuntu?
Yes, you can switch file managers without affecting your files. Simply install the new file manager and set it as the default.
2. Which file manager is best for older systems?
Thunar or PCManFM are great options for older or less powerful systems due to their low resource usage.
3. How do I change the default file manager?
You can change the default file manager by editing your system’s MIME settings or using tools like update-alternatives.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right File Manager
Picking the right file manager for Ubuntu depends on what you need. Nautilus is great if you’re just starting out because it’s simple. Nemo gives you more features but still keeps things easy to use. If you have an older computer or want something lightweight, Thunar and PCManFM are good options. For those who like to customize a lot, Dolphin is a great choice with plenty of features.
No matter which one you choose, each of these file managers can help streamline your workflow, making file management on Ubuntu a breeze. Try a few and see which one works best for your daily tasks.