Clifm
Clifm: A feature-rich terminal file manager for advanced Unix-like system workflows. Ranked #15 of 29 in Terminal File Managers by our editors (7.7/10); pricing: Open source; best for command-line users who prefer flexible workflows.
At a glance
- Editor score7.7 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forCommand-line users who prefer flexible workflows
- Paid fromFree
- Dual-pane layoutNo
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Previews, search, filters, tags, bookmarks, and file selection
- Bulk operations, archives, compression, and remote filesystem management
- Plugins, workspaces, fzf, Git, SSH, and rsync integration
Where it doesn't
- No graphical or text-based user interface
- Windows is not supported
- Command-line workflows may not suit users seeking visual navigation
Our verdict on Clifm
Clifm is a command-line file manager for Unix-like terminals, built for advanced command-line users such as programmers, power users, and system administrators. It handles navigation and file operations through shell-like commands instead of a graphical or text-based interface. The feature set covers everyday file management as well as more specialized workflows, including previews, bookmarks, search, filters, tags, selection, archives, symbolic links, trash, and remote filesystems. Clifm runs on Linux, macOS, and Android through Termux.
Its strongest differentiator is the breadth of terminal-native workflow tools in one application. Users can preview files, including images, perform bulk renames and other bulk operations, manage archives and compression, and organize work across up to eight workspaces. Plugins, autosuggestions, syntax highlighting, and fzf integration extend the command-line experience, while Git integration and desktop notifications add useful context for development and system tasks. SSH and rsync support further suit users who manage files across remote systems.
Clifm is free and open source, making it a practical choice for users who want an extensible command-line tool without a commercial plan structure. Its main trade-off is interface and platform scope: there is no GUI or TUI, and Windows is not supported. Users who prefer visual file navigation, dual-pane interaction, or a Windows-compatible file manager should choose an alternative. For Linux, macOS, or Termux users who already work comfortably in a shell and want previews, workspaces, plugins, Git, and remote file operations, Clifm offers a focused command-line approach with substantial workflow depth.
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Clifm pricing
Clifm fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Dual-pane layout | No |
| Linux support | Yes |
| macOS support | Yes |
| Windows support | No |
| Preview pane | Yes |
| Remote file access | Yes |
| Archive support | Yes |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 4 integrations: fzf, Git, SSH, rsync |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Clifm integrations
Clifm lists 4 integrations on its own site.
- fzf
- Git
- SSH
- rsync
Alternatives to Clifm
- NewtA free, open-source file manager for local work, remote sessions, archives, and search.9.4
- Rat CommanderA free, open-source file manager for keyboard-driven work across three desktop platforms.9.2
- FileManagerTUIA Vim-oriented, cross-platform terminal manager with previews, editing, batch actions, and S3 browsing.9.0
Also Ranked In
Clifm is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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