emelFM2

emelFM2 is an open source file manager that boasts a two-pane graphical user interface (GUI) design, similar to the old-school Norton Commander or Total Commander applications that many of us used at the beginning of their computing journey.

Provides an easy-to-use and straightforward interface

The program provides users with an easy-to-use and straightforward interface that features bookmarks and history lists, an adjustable filetyping scheme, filters for filename, size and date, as well as built-in command line support.

Allows users to select multiple actions

In addition to the above, the application allows users to select multiple actions for each file type, configurable keyboard bindings, configurable toolbars, and support for several plugins that will be loaded when the program starts in order to extend its functionality.

Supports numerous Linux and UNIX-like OSes

emelFM2 is known to run on numerous Linux and UNIX-like operating systems, including Debian GNU/Linux, Ubuntu, Fedora, openSUSE, OpenMandriva, Gentoo, Slackware, Zenwalk, VectorLinux, Arch Linux, dyne:bolic, Slitaz GNU/Linux, Centos, Thinstation, FreeBSD, NetBSD, as well as on Nokia OS2008/Maemo.

Can be used to replace the default file manager

It was written in GTK+ so it should be supported on many open source desktop environments, such as GNOME, Xfce, Openbox, Fluxbox or LXDE. Additionally, the software can be used to replace the default file manager of your Linux distribution.

Bottom line

There are many great two-pane file commander application out there like Krusader or 4Pane, and keeping up with the competition is quite a challenge these days. Because of the fact that emelFM2 is not so popular and because it uses a user interface from a decade ago, we feel obliged to recommend this app to old-school Linux users who dig its design.

You will find the emelFM2 in some minimalistic and obscure Linux distributions, but the truth is that no mainstream operating system will add it, as it confuses novice and modern Linux users who just want a standard file manager like Nautilus, Thunar, PCManFM, SpaceFM or Dolphin.

What is new in this release:

• retain selection of renamed items
• show updated filelist during multiple renames, moves, deletions etc
• support filepath as a command-line argument (i.e. without - or -- prefix)
• some path-interpretation for relevant commandline options, allows relative paths etc
• add -a commandline option, to load config data from a specified place after any data from the default location or as specified by a -c option. No data is saved to DIR
• re-purpose -u commandline option
• single 'level' for all items in plugin-actions menu
• add config-page context-menu items to [un]load and un[menu] all listed plugins
• user may choose text colour for output pane commands
• add config option to show directory path in main-window title
• add copy to output context menu
• work around gtk 3.8, 3.10 deprecated objects & API (except threads setup)
• extra make option WITH_SYSTEM_ICONS=1 to install default icons
• unpack plugin supports .iso files - but only works for superuser
• updated translations (except pl)
• bugfixes
• fix handle-position on vertical toolbars
• fix position of toolbar-related menus on gtk3
• check encoding of all, not just initial, text in view dialog
• correct cleanup after closing any 'blocked' dialog
• revert 7za pack command
• fix action-parameter parsing to support embedded ','

What is new in version 0.9.0:

• can choose old-style auto-updating of dirline histories
• extra archive types in the unpack plugin
• new plugin for 'destroying' selected items
• build-time support for some customised UI arrangements
• bug fixes

What is new in version 0.8.2:

• This version provides minor UI refinements, minor feature additions, better operation on gtk3, and bugfixes.

What is new in version 0.8.1:

• This version includes an additional default filetype for xz archives, more tolerant file copying when the ACL plugin is loaded, improved behaviour on GTK+ 3, several bugfixes, and updated translations.

What is new in version 0.7.5:

• improved usability of glob plugin
• debian-unofficial build-files work again
• removed support for change-monitoring using dnotify
• bugfixes including some types of crash and freeze

What is new in version 0.7.4:

• Minor revisions to: thumbnails plugin, file.du action, inotify backend, plus minor bugs fixed.

What is new in version 0.7.3:

• Minor enhancements to: pack and unpack plugins, text-file printing, info about directories. Several obscure bugs fixed.

What is new in version 0.7.1:

• Minor bugfixes.

What is new in version 0.6.2:

• Minor refinements and bugfixes

Requirements:

• gtk+
• GCC