vifm

Vim-like dual-pane file manager

TLDR

Start vifm

$ vifm

Start in a specific directory

$ vifm [/path/to/dir]

Start with two panes in different directories

$ vifm [/left/path] [/right/path]

Execute a command on startup

$ vifm -c "[command]"

Choose files and write selection to a file

$ vifm --choose-files [output_file]

Open and highlight a specific file

$ vifm --select [/path/to/file]

Read file list from stdin for a custom view

$ find . -name "[*.txt]" | vifm -

SYNOPSIS

vifm [options] [lwinpath] [rwinpath]

vifm is a curses-based file manager with vim-like keybindings. It provides dual-pane navigation with familiar modal editing.Vi keybindings make navigation fast. j/k moves, h goes up, l enters directories. Marks, registers, and macros work similarly to vim.Dual pane layout enables easy file operations between directories. Tab switches focus. Operations can target the other pane.File operations use familiar patterns. yy yanks, p pastes, dd deletes. Visual mode selects multiple files.Customization through vifmrc configures keybindings, colors, and behavior. File previews, icons, and scripts extend functionality. The --choose-dir and --choose-files options enable integration with shell scripts and other programs.The --remote option allows sending commands to a running instance, and --server-name supports managing multiple named instances.

PARAMETERS

-c CMD

Execute command-line mode command on startup.

+CMD

Execute command-line mode command on startup (alternate syntax).

--choose-files FILE

Write selected file paths to FILE on exit (use - for stdout).

--choose-dir FILE

Write last visited directory to FILE on exit (use - for stdout).

--delimiter DELIM

Set separator for file path lists (default: newline).

--select PATH

Open parent directory and highlight the specified file.

--on-choose CMD

Execute command on chosen files instead of opening them.

-f

Write selection to $VIFM/vimfiles (used by vifm.vim plugin).

--remote

Send remaining arguments to an already running vifm instance.

--remote-expr EXPR

Pass expression to vifm server and print result.

--server-name NAME

Set or target a named vifm server instance.

--server-list

List available vifm server names and exit.

--plugins-dir PATH

Add plugin directory (can be specified multiple times).

--no-configs

Skip reading vifmrc and vifminfo files.

--logging[=PATH]

Enable logging to $VIFM/log or specified path.

-h, --help

Show help.

-v, --version

Show version.

KEY BINDINGS

j/k

Move down/up.

h/l

Parent/enter directory.

Yank (copy).

Delete.

Paste.

Rename.

Search.

Quit.

Tab

Switch pane.

Space

Select file.

Toggle hidden files.

CAVEATS

Learning curve for non-vim users. Some operations differ from vim. Configuration needed for optimal experience.

HISTORY

vifm was created around 2001 as a curses-based file manager with vim-style keybindings. It continues active development with modern features, including plugin support added in recent versions.