Free alternative for windows file explorer?

[Mark Kaine]

Im trying out Freecommander right now and i "like" it, but the color scheme is killing me and i cant seem to be able to sort/group for example newest to oldest and movies first, pictures last (aka "group") which is like the bare minimum and only reason i need a file explorer to begin with (basically) 

 

what other programs could i try? 

[rikitikitavi]

Total Commander

 

I believe it is still a thing. Long time ago it was my favourite file manager

[Mark Kaine]

46 minutes ago, rikitikitavi said:

Total Commander

 

I believe it is still a thing. Long time ago it was my favourite file manager

honestly that's much better...!  but i still can't seem to seperate different file types (aka "group") is that an option somewhere? 

 

i think i just added some sorting options but, alas, no grouping of file types which is necessary for me.

 

 

(you see, i don't need the pngs there, videos should be on top [newest ‐‐> oldest] although at least its big enough to read the full(...) file types/names at a glance)

 

but otherwise yeah this looks good,  options are generally straight forward too.

 

ps: also no open in new window sadly? i know there are two "columns" but that's entirely counter productive - although for other tasks it might be useful.  

 

[rikitikitavi]

3 hours ago, Mark Kaine said:

ps: also no open in new window sadly? i know there are two "columns" but that's entirely counter productive - although for other tasks it might be useful.  

There should be, try some common shortcuts like ctrl-n, ctrl-t, ctrl-up/down, etc

 

3 hours ago, Mark Kaine said:

think i just added some sorting options but, alas, no grouping of file types which is necessary for me.

Try right clicking on sorting tabs.

 

Otherwise you can probably set up smart folders that filter by extension.

Also try F1 - they probably documented such things. Grouping is probably in sorting.

[Mark Kaine]

On 12/10/2024 at 7:47 AM, rikitikitavi said:

There should be, try some common shortcuts like ctrl-n, ctrl-t, ctrl-up/down, etc

 

Try right clicking on sorting tabs.

 

Otherwise you can probably set up smart folders that filter by extension.

Also try F1 - they probably documented such things. Grouping is probably in sorting.

ya, well sadly none of this works....(not even F1) i dunno if there's something wrong with it or... i also cant select multiple files... they say control + lmb... or shift + lmb, or "insert"??? or numpad + ... which none do anything and i don't have a numpad to begin with (not an excel enjoyer, lol) 

 

well. idk... its fast, but usage seems limited, as opening in "new tab" or selecting "multiple files" / copying is what i need most and none of that can be actually done (it seems)

[rikitikitavi]

2 hours ago, Mark Kaine said:

ya, well sadly none of this works....(not even F1) i dunno if there's something wrong with it or... i also cant select multiple files... they say control + lmb... or shift + lmb, or "insert"??? or numpad + ... which none do anything and i don't have a numpad to begin with (not an excel enjoyer, lol) 

 

well. idk... its fast, but usage seems limited, as opening in "new tab" or selecting "multiple files" / copying is what i need most and none of that can be actually done (it seems)

LMB - left mouse button

or you can use arrows. 

 

Shortcuts, just like in the file explorer:

CTRL for separate selection

SHIFT for continuous

 

Try online manual.

 

These type of double pane file managers should have all the basics, so I'm not sure why there is no obvious way to open tabs/windows.

Another note, these apps are usually KB heavy, so mouse friendliness is not guaranteed.

[Mark Kaine]

21 minutes ago, rikitikitavi said:

LMB - left mouse button

or you can use arrows. 

 

Shortcuts, just like in the file explorer:

CTRL for separate selection

SHIFT for continuous

yeah that's what i thought... thing is it literally doesn't work  (i have a feeling they want you to use numpad...)  i tried all options in "operation" settings... it doesn't work...

 

either it doesn't recognize these specific keys on my keyboard or the install is broken.

 

but thanks for confirming this us how it *should* work... (but it doesn't)  pretty weird.

[rikitikitavi]

2 hours ago, Mark Kaine said:

yeah that's what i thought... thing is it literally doesn't work  (i have a feeling they want you to use numpad...)  i tried all options in "operation" settings... it doesn't work...

 

either it doesn't recognize these specific keys on my keyboard or the install is broken.

 

but thanks for confirming this us how it *should* work... (but it doesn't)  pretty weird.

Yes, it is very weird.

I assume that there is no custom config on keyboard or shortcuts that is system-wide, or 3rd party software that filters input to blame?!