yazi

Fast async terminal file manager

TLDR

Start file manager

$ yazi

Open specific directory

$ yazi [/path/to/directory]

Change directory on exit

$ ya () { local tmp="$(mktemp -t "yazi-cwd.XXXXX")"; yazi "$@" --cwd-file="$tmp"; cd "$(cat "$tmp")"; rm "$tmp"; }

Start with specific config directory

$ yazi --config-dir [~/.config/yazi]

Show debug information

$ yazi --debug

SYNOPSIS

yazi [path] [--cwd-file file] [--chooser-file file] [options]

yazi is a blazingly fast terminal file manager written in Rust. It emphasizes performance through async I/O and modern rendering.Navigation uses vim-like keybindings by default. Preview pane shows file contents, images (via terminal graphics), videos, PDFs, and archives. Syntax highlighting applies to code files.Selection works across directories. Multiple files can be yanked and pasted in batch operations. Cut/copy/paste mirrors GUI file manager behavior.Tabs enable multiple directory views. Split panes compare directories side by side. Marks bookmark frequently accessed locations.Plugins extend functionality through Lua scripting. Themes customize colors and icons. Configuration covers keybindings, sorting, and preview behavior.Image preview works in terminals supporting graphics protocols (Kitty, iTerm2, Sixel). Fallback uses ASCII art.

PARAMETERS

--cwd-file FILE

Write CWD to file on exit.

--chooser-file FILE

Write selected files to file.

--config-dir DIR

Custom config directory.

--clear-cache

Clear thumbnail cache.

--debug

Print debug information for bug reports.

--version

Show version.

--help

Show help.

KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS

h / l

Navigate parent / enter directory.

j / k

Move down / up.

gg / G

Go to first / last item.

Space

Toggle selection.

Enter

Open file.

Yank (copy) selection.

Delete selection.

Paste.

Rename.

Create file.

Search.

n / N

Next / previous search result.

Tab

Switch to next tab.

Quit.

Go to home directory.

Show help.

INSTALL

sudo pacman -S yazi

sudo apk add yazi

sudo zypper install yazi

brew install yazi

nix profile install nixpkgs#yazi

CAVEATS

Terminal graphics require compatible terminal. Some features need external tools (ffmpegthumbnailer for video). Configuration in Lua may have learning curve. Newer project with evolving features. Shell wrapper needed for cd-on-exit.

HISTORY

yazi was created by sxyazi around 2023. The name means "duck" in Chinese. Written in Rust with async architecture, it emerged as a faster alternative to ranger and lf. The project gained rapid adoption for its performance and modern features.