ranger

Start ranger in the current directory

$ ranger

$ ranger [path/to/directory]

$ ranger --show-hidden

$ ranger --copy-config=all

$ ranger --choosefile=[target_file]

ranger [--version] [--help] [--copy-config=which] [--choosefile=target] [path]

ranger is a console-based file manager with Vi-style keybindings. It features a three-column layout showing the parent directory, current directory, and file preview simultaneously.
The interface provides instant navigation using hjkl keys (or arrow keys): h moves to the parent directory, j/k moves up/down in the file list, and l opens directories or files. Additional Vim-like commands include gg for top of list, G for bottom, and / for search.
File operations follow Vim patterns: yy yanks (copies), dd cuts, pp pastes, dD deletes. Rename with cw, create directories with :mkdir, and open files with r to select an application.
Ranger includes rifle, a file opener that automatically selects appropriate applications based on file type. It supports image previews (with appropriate terminal support), syntax-highlighted text previews, and archive content viewing.

--copy-config=which

Copy default configuration files to ~/.config/ranger (rc, scope, rifle, commands, or all)

Write selected file path to target file on exit (for shell integration)

Write last visited directory to target file on exit

Show hidden files by default

Execute ranger command after startup

Display version information

Display help information

~/.config/ranger/rc.conf

Main configuration file controlling keybindings, settings, and startup commands.

File opener rules defining which applications handle each file type.

File preview script determining how files are previewed in the third column.

Custom Python commands extending ranger's built-in functionality.

h/j/k/l or arrows: Navigate directories and files
gg/G: Jump to top/bottom of list
zh: Toggle hidden files
yy: Copy (yank) file
dd: Cut file
pp: Paste file
dD: Delete file
cw: Rename file
Space: Select file
:: Enter command mode
q or ZZ: Quit ranger
mx: Set bookmark x
\`x: Jump to bookmark x
S: Open shell in current directory

Image previews require a terminal with image support (kitty, iTerm2, w3m) and appropriate configuration. Text previews may require additional tools like highlight for syntax coloring.
Ranger is written in Python and may be slower than native file managers for directories with many files. Consider using lf or nnn for faster performance.
Configuration is stored in ~/.config/ranger/. Run ranger --copy-config=all to generate editable configuration files.

Ranger was created by Roman Zimbelmann with the first release in 2009. It was designed to bring Vim's efficient keybinding philosophy to file management. The project is open source and continues to be actively maintained on GitHub.

mc(1), vifm(1), nnn(1), lf(1)