vifm/vifm
FreeVifm is a file manager with curses interface, which provides Vim-like environment for managing objects within file systems, extended with some useful ideas from mutt.
About vifm/vifm
Vifm is a curses-based file manager that emulates the Vim environment for managing files and directories, extended with ideas from mutt. It provides Vim-like keybindings, modes, options, registers, and commands, allowing users who are familiar with Vim to control their file system without learning new commands. Vifm adheres to the Unix philosophy, offering high customizability through a vifmrc configuration file, support for colorschemes, devicons, and image previews (via Überzug or sixel). It is open-source and available for multiple platforms, with version 0.15 as of February 2026.
Key Features
Pros & Cons
- Complete keyboard control over files without leaving the terminal
- Vim-like environment reduces learning curve for Vim users
- Highly customizable to fit individual workflows
- Adheres to Unix philosophy – provides building blocks for customization
- Open-source and free with active community support
- Steep learning curve for users not familiar with Vim
- Terminal-based interface; no graphical mode
- Limited to systems with curses support
- Some advanced features require external dependencies (e.g., image preview)