Far Manager
Far Manager: A free, extensible dual-panel manager for keyboard-focused Windows workflows. Ranked #11 of 100 in File Manager Software by our editors (7.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for windows users preferring a keyboard-driven manager.
At a glance
- Editor score7.9 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forWindows users preferring a keyboard-driven manager
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Supported platformsWindows
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Dual panels support side-by-side file operations.
- Batch renaming uses masks and templates.
- Open-source plugin API extends archives and FTP access.
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only platform support limits cross-platform use.
- Text-mode design may not suit mouse-first workflows.
- Archive handling is extended through plugins.
Our verdict on Far Manager
Far Manager is a free, open-source file and archive manager for Windows, built primarily for keyboard-driven file management. Its dual file panels support browsing and operating on files and folders, while core commands cover viewing, editing, copying, moving, renaming, searching, and filtering. A configurable multilingual interface adds color highlighting and sort groups, giving users control over how panels present files. It is a strong fit for Windows users who prefer command-oriented navigation and side-by-side work.
The feature set covers common file-management tasks without stopping at basic transfers. Users can select and filter files in panels, rename groups with masks and templates, and work with a built-in text viewer and editor. Archive browsing and management, FTP access, temporary panels, and network browsing are available through DLL-based plugins, with 7-Zip also listed among its integrations. This makes Far Manager more adaptable than a narrowly focused file browser, but archive-related workflows depend on the relevant plugin extensions rather than only the core interface.
Far Manager’s main trade-off is its platform and interaction model. It supports Windows and is designed around a text-mode, keyboard-driven experience, so users seeking a broadly cross-platform manager or a primarily mouse-oriented interface should consider alternatives. For Windows users who value dual panels, batch renaming, filtering, built-in viewing and editing, archive support, and extensibility without a paid plan, Far Manager is a focused choice. Its open-source model and plugin API also suit users who want to extend the manager around their own workflows.
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Far Manager pricing
Far Manager fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | Windows |
| Dual-pane view | Yes |
| Tabbed interface | Not verified |
| Batch rename | Yes |
| Archive support | Yes |
| Cloud storage access | Not verified |
| Portable version | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 2 integrations: FTP, 7-Zip |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | farmanager.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Far Manager integrations
Far Manager lists 2 integrations on its own site.
- FTP
- 7-Zip
Alternatives to Far Manager
- Total CommanderA feature-rich file manager for Windows users who want power beyond Explorer.9.3
- DolphinA capable free file manager, especially for Linux and KDE-oriented desktops.9.1
- WinSCPA capable Windows file manager for secure transfers, automation, and synchronization.9.0
See all Far Manager alternatives →
Also Ranked In
Far Manager is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Featured on iTechGuides
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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