nautilus

Browse and manage files graphically

TLDR

Launch Nautilus

$ nautilus

Launch Nautilus as root user

$ nautilus admin:/

Launch Nautilus and display a specific directory

$ nautilus [path/to/directory]

Launch Nautilus with a specific file or directory selected

$ nautilus --select [path/to/file_or_directory]

Launch Nautilus in a separated window

$ nautilus --new-window

Close all Nautilus instances

$ nautilus --quit

Display help

$ nautilus --help

--version
    Display version information and exit.

--help
    Display help information and exit.

--browser
    Open in browser mode (shows the places sidebar).

--no-default-window
    Only create windows for explicitly requested URIs.

--new-window
    Always open URIs in a new window.

[URI...]
    Open the given URIs. Can be local files or network locations.

DESCRIPTION

Nautilus is the official file manager for the GNOME desktop environment. It provides a graphical interface for managing files and directories, allowing users to browse, create, copy, move, rename, and delete files.

Nautilus supports various features including tabbed browsing, bookmarks, network browsing (supporting protocols like SMB, FTP, and SFTP), and integrates with GNOME's desktop settings for customization of appearance and behavior. It allows viewing of file metadata, thumbnail previews for images and videos, and executing files.

It provides a user-friendly environment for interacting with the filesystem. Users can customize the views, install extensions, and interact with other GNOME applications directly through the file manager's interface. Its primary goal is to offer a simple and intuitive way for users to organize and access their files.

URI SCHEMES

Nautilus supports a variety of URI schemes, including file:// for local files, ftp://, sftp://, and smb:// for network shares, and trash:// for the trash folder.

CUSTOMIZATION

Nautilus can be customized through GNOME Settings, allowing users to modify the default view (icon, list, or compact), sort order, side pane visibility, and other display options. Extensions can further enhance functionality.

HISTORY

Nautilus was originally developed by Eazel, Inc., and was initially named 'Espresso'. After Eazel's closure, the project was taken over by the GNOME community and renamed to Nautilus. It has undergone significant development over the years, transitioning from GTK+ to GTK3 and now GTK4, adopting new GNOME design principles and incorporating features like improved search, integration with online accounts, and enhanced user experience. It has been the default file manager for the GNOME desktop environment since GNOME 2.