File Explorer (Windows) and Finder (macOS) are essential for keeping your files and folders tidy. But if there is something about them that you don’t like, know that you have other options when it comes to file management tools. The best third-party alternatives come with a different feel and a few new features, and there are several worth checking out.
FreeOrder
First of all, FreeCommander is free to install and use, which immediately makes it attractive. But there are plenty of other reasons to try this tool, including the tabbed interface (just like your web browser), the built-in file viewer (capable of handling ZIP archives), and the way you can quickly view information. , such as the total size of a folder.
[Related: Find any file on your computer]
When it comes to the layout of your files and folders on the screen, you’ll have plenty of choices, including a two-pane view. FreeCommander also comes equipped with tools to easily rename multiple files at once, sync two folders, and spot duplicate files. It is possible that once you set it up, you won’t look back.
The program is portable too, so you can run it from a USB drive on any computer if you need to. There’s nothing to pay for and no features to unlock, although you can donate to the developer if you find the app useful (which we encourage).
FreeOrder is free to download.
TagSpaces
TagSpaces looks what File Explorer might look like if it were created today, and it features a new and modern multi-pane view to let you quickly navigate tasks and file operations. You can view many types of files right in the app itself, with all of your most used folders pinned to the left side of the interface by default.
TagSpaces offers many powerful features, including accessible search and sorting tools. But what really sets this app apart from other file management programs is the ability to set up a tagging system for your files. It can be as simple or as complex as you need it to be, and it will make it easier to group and organize files outside of a folder structure.
The basic version of TagSpaces is free to download and use. If you want to go beyond that, there’s also a Pro version starting at $ 47 per year, which gives you access to additional features like location-based tags, full-text search within files, and more. custom backgrounds.
TagSpaces is free to download and use, while its pro version starts at $ 47 per year.
Opus Directory
Directory Opus is an advanced and feature-rich file manager for Windows with a corresponding high price tag. But if you don’t want to take our word for it, you can try it for free for 60 days before splurging.
From a wide choice of layout options to support for archive (ZIP) files and FTP servers, Directory Opus can handle just about anything you want to do with your files on Windows. and more.
The program is particularly suited to image management, with tools such as image rotation and format conversion built right into the interface. The app can also batch rename your documents, tag your files, and use a color-coded system to organize them, as well as filter and sort them more easily than File Explorer. And despite all these features, this tool remains fast and easy to use.
Directory Opus offers a 60-day free trial, after which you’ll have to pay a one-time fee of $ 35 for the Light version or $ 64 for the Pro version. The latter has more features, like a duplicate file finder and FTP support.
Opus Directory starts at $ 35 after a 60-day free trial period.
Forklift
David Nield
ForkLift easily meets the first criteria of any file mining program, which is a sleek and intuitive interface. The two-pane layout makes it easy to navigate your Mac, and each pane can be customized to show exactly what you need. You can quickly preview and manipulate files, and you can easily access features like tagging and bookmarking.
The app can connect to network drives and FTP servers as well as local drives, and power users will appreciate tools like file comparison (to check for duplicates) and smart Dropbox integration. You can also customize the software, setting up your own custom toolbars and keyboard shortcuts to further increase productivity.
Commander a
Commander One is built for speed. With two file panes visible at all times, a plethora of customizable keyboard shortcuts, and an advanced search tool that lets you search within the directory as well as inside the files themselves, this tool aims to do everything quickly. .
While the Finder doesn’t really allow you to deviate from the standard default look, Commander One does give you options to change fonts and colors in the software. There are plenty of useful keys throughout, including a toggle switch to show hidden files and the ability to queue file operations (like copy) in any order you prefer.
The basic version of Commander One is free, but if you want additional features, including integration with popular cloud storage services and FTP support, you’ll be charged a one-time fee of $ 30.
Commander a is free to download and use, and you can get extras for $ 30.
Path search
David Nield
Path Finder makes it easy to navigate the most complicated hard drives. It does this by using features like Drop Stack (which lets you temporarily collect documents before deciding what to do with them), support for hidden files, and a comparison tool to spot duplicates. The program can even browse your iPhone when it is connected to your Mac.
[Related: Permanently delete files (for real)]
Simple tasks like changing permissions and accessing recent files and folders are all more intuitive than in Finder. Path Finder also gives you the ability to browse your system in a dual pane view, with plenty of options available in terms of layout customization.
The app comes with a 30-day trial period, after which you will need to pay a one-time fee of $ 36 to continue using it.
Path search is $ 36 after a 30-day free trial.
Comments are closed.