leo-arch/clifm
Free💾 The shell-like, command line terminal file manager
FreeFree tier
About leo-arch/clifm
Clifm is a shell-like, command-line terminal file manager that operates entirely without GUI or TUI, focusing on a pure CLI interface. It is designed to be lightweight, fast, and compatible with minimal terminals (e.g., VT100, Rxvt) and remote sessions (SSH). Features include bookmarks, file search, selection, tags, filters, previews (including image previews), bulk rename, archiving, trash, file opener, directory jumper, autocommands, workspaces, plugins, autosuggestions, and command line expansions. It emphasizes privacy (zero data collection) and security, with options like stealth mode and secure commands.
Key Features
Pure CLI interface (no GUI or TUI)
Bookmarks and file selection (glob/regex, multi-instance)
File previews including image previews
Bulk operations: rename, create, remove, and symlink in bulk
File tags and filters (including .hidden files support)
File search with glob and regular expressions
Archiving and compression (Zstandard, ISO 9660)
Freedesktop-compliant trash system
File encryption/decryption (plugin)
Directory jumper, autocommands, workspaces, plugins, autosuggestions
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and fast, even on old hardware
- Runs on kernel console, SSH, and minimal terminals (VT100-compatible)
- Rich feature set including previews, bulk ops, and plugins
- Strong privacy focus: no data collection or external connections
- Highly customizable with plugins, autocommands, and workspaces
- Open source and free
Cons
- Steep learning curve for users unfamiliar with command-line interfaces
- Not suitable for users expecting a graphical or TUI file manager
- Limited appeal for those preferring mouse-driven navigation
- Documentation and community support may be less accessible than mainstream tools
Best For
Terminal-based file management on minimal hardware or old terminalsManaging files via SSH or other remote sessions without GUIUsers who prefer command-line efficiency for file operationsPrivacy-conscious users needing a file manager with zero telemetryBulk file renaming or archiving tasks in a scriptable environment