Ranger is an open source console based file manager that gives users greater flexibility and a good overview of files without having to leave the *nix console. It visualizes the directory tree in two dimensions: the directory hierarchy on one, lists of files on the other, with a preview to the right so you know where you will be going.
The default keys are similar to those of Vim, Emacs and Midnight Commander, though Ranger is easily controllable with just the arrow keys or the mouse.
After starting Ranger, you can use the arrow keys (or hjkl) to navigate, Enter to open a file or type Q to quit. The third column shows a preview of the current file. The second is the main column and the first shows the parent directory. The program is written in Python and uses curses for the text-based user interface.
It comes bundled with rifle, a file launcher that automatically determines which program to use for each file type.
Features include:
- Quick way to switch directories and browse the file system.
- Multi-pane view. It displays the current directory of all the open tabs next to each other.
- Integration into the unix shell.
- Multi-column display.
- Preview of the selected file/directory.
- Common file operations (create / chmod / copy / delete /…).
- VIM-like console and hotkeys.
- Macros which can be used in commands to abbreviate things.
- Automatically determine file types and run them with correct programs.
- Change the directory of your shell after exiting Ranger.
- Tags.
- Bookmarks.
- Mouse support.
- Midnight Commander-like bindings.
- Change the directory of your shell after exiting Ranger.
- UTF-8 Support.
- Run Ranger in a Docker container.
Website: ranger.github.io
Support: GitHub Code Repository
Developer: Wojciech Siewierski, nfnty, Toon Nolten, hut, and many other contributors
License: GNU General Public License v3.0
Ranger is written in Python. Learn Python with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
Return to File Managers | Return to Survey: Console Based File Managers | Return to Orthodox File Managers | Return to Console File Managers | Return to Terminal-Based Image Viewers
| Popular series | |
|---|---|
 | The largest compilation of the best free and open source software in the universe. Each article is supplied with a legendary ratings chart helping you to make informed decisions. |
 | Hundreds of in-depth reviews offering our unbiased and expert opinion on software. We offer helpful and impartial information. |
 | The Big List of Active Linux Distros is a large compilation of actively developed Linux distributions. |
 | Replace proprietary software with open source alternatives: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Autodesk, Oracle, Atlassian, Corel, Cisco, Intuit, and SAS. |
 | Awesome Free Linux Games Tools showcases a series of tools that making gaming on Linux a more pleasurable experience. This is a new series. |
 | Machine Learning explores practical applications of machine learning and deep learning from a Linux perspective. We've written reviews of more than 40 self-hosted apps. All are free and open source. |
 | New to Linux? Read our Linux for Starters series. We start right at the basics and teach you everything you need to know to get started with Linux. |
 | Alternatives to popular CLI tools showcases essential tools that are modern replacements for core Linux utilities. |
 | Essential Linux system tools focuses on small, indispensable utilities, useful for system administrators as well as regular users. |
 | Linux utilities to maximise your productivity. Small, indispensable tools, useful for anyone running a Linux machine. |
 | Surveys popular streaming services from a Linux perspective: Amazon Music Unlimited, Myuzi, Spotify, Deezer, Tidal. |
 | Saving Money with Linux looks at how you can reduce your energy bills running Linux. |
 | Home computers became commonplace in the 1980s. Emulate home computers including the Commodore 64, Amiga, Atari ST, ZX81, Amstrad CPC, and ZX Spectrum. |
 | Now and Then examines how promising open source software fared over the years. It can be a bumpy ride. |
 | Linux at Home looks at a range of home activities where Linux can play its part, making the most of our time at home, keeping active and engaged. |
 | Linux Candy reveals the lighter side of Linux. Have some fun and escape from the daily drudgery. |
 | Getting Started with Docker helps you master Docker, a set of platform as a service products that delivers software in packages called containers. |
 | Best Free Android Apps. We showcase free Android apps that are definitely worth downloading. There's a strict eligibility criteria for inclusion in this series. |
 | These best free books accelerate your learning of every programming language. Learn a new language today! |
 | These free tutorials offer the perfect tonic to our free programming books series. |
 | Linux Around The World showcases usergroups that are relevant to Linux enthusiasts. Great ways to meet up with fellow enthusiasts. |
 | Stars and Stripes is an occasional series looking at the impact of Linux in the USA. |