clifm
Manage files and directories in terminal
TLDR
Start CliFM
Open the file or directory whose ELN (entry list number) is 12
Create a new file and a new directory
Search for PDF files in the current directory
Select all PNG files in the current directory
Remove the previously selected files (use
Exit CliFM
Display help
SYNOPSIS
clifm [OPTIONS] [DIRECTORY]
PARAMETERS
-c, --config-dir DIR
Specify config directory
-C, --client
Connect to running instance (client mode)
-d, --debug
Enable debug mode
-D, --directories-only
List directories only
-f, --filter PATTERN
Filter files by pattern
-h, --help
Show help and exit
-i, --ignore-case
Case-insensitive filtering/sorting
-l, --last-dir
Jump to last visited directory
-m, --mini
Mini mode (no TUI)
-o, --open FILE
Open file with opener
-p, --profile NAME
Load specific profile
-s, --search QUERY
Search files
-t, --tabs
Enable tabs
-V, --version
Show version and exit
--no-clear-screen
Don't clear screen on startup
--single
Single instance mode
DESCRIPTION
Clifm is a full-featured, minimalist command-line file manager (CLI FM) for Linux and Unix-like systems, written in C for speed and low resource usage.
It provides a shell-like interface with tabs, auto-suggestions, fuzzy finding, brace expansion, bulk rename, and previewers for images, videos, and archives.
Key features include: visual mode for selections, customizable keybindings (Vim/emacs), TUI with mouse support, FUSE mounting, and integration with rifle for opening files. It emphasizes extensibility via config files, scripts, and plugins.
Unlike traditional shells, clifm offers directory navigation (cd, .., ~), file operations (cp, mv, rm), and advanced sorting/filtering. It's highly configurable, with themes, colorschemes, and profiles for different workflows.
Suitable for power users seeking a ranger-like experience with superior performance and POSIX compliance.
CAVEATS
Requires a terminal with 256 colors for full UI; some features like previews need additional tools (e.g., ueberzug, ffmpeg). Not all options work in mini mode.
KEYBINDINGS
Defaults to Emacs-style (customizable to Vim). Use hjkl for navigation, yy to yank, pp to paste, ? for help.
INSTALLATION
Available via package managers (e.g., Arch: AUR clifm; Debian: apt clifm) or build from source with make.
CONFIG
Main config in ~/.config/cliffm/init; supports profiles and themes.
HISTORY
Developed by Leo (Aleo), first released in 2020. Actively maintained on GitHub with regular updates focusing on performance, POSIX compliance, and new features like S-Lang support. Gained popularity as a lightweight alternative to ranger.
