fman: Minimalist File Manager for Power Users Who Like the Keyboard
What Is fman?
fman is a dual-pane file manager for Windows, macOS, and Linux — but it doesn’t look like Total Commander, and it doesn’t try to copy it line by line. Instead, it borrows the core idea (two panels, fast operations) and rebuilds it with a minimalist design, fuzzy search, plugin support, and a keyboard-first interface.
It’s lightweight, extensible, and aimed squarely at developers, sysadmins, and technical users who want speed and workflow — not eye candy or drag-and-drop gadgets.
How It Feels to Use
There are no toolbars. No menus. No buttons cluttering the screen. You open fman, and it’s two panels and a command bar. Every action — copy, move, jump, mount — is done via keyboard. Hit Ctrl+P to fuzzy-jump between folders. Use Tab to switch panes. Type to navigate. It’s dead simple and super fast.
And because it’s built with Python and Qt, it’s cross-platform and scriptable. The UI stays out of the way. You stay in flow.
Why It’s Not Like the Others
| Feature | What It Does |
| Dual-pane layout | Navigate two directories side by side |
| Command palette | Type-based execution of all major actions |
| GoTo (Ctrl+P) | Fuzzy search across directories |
| Plugin system | Extend functionality with Python-based plugins |
| Cross-platform | Runs natively on Windows, macOS, and Linux |
| Minimal dependencies | No installer bloat, fast startup |
| Keyboard-centric UX | Do everything without touching a mouse |
Installing and Getting Started
1. Download from fman.io
Choose the correct build for your OS.
2. Install (or unzip)
Windows: standard installer. Linux/macOS: extract and run.
3. Start Navigating
Use Tab, Ctrl+P, Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V, and Cmd palette (F1 or via command bar).
4. Add Plugins (optional)
There’s a plugin ecosystem — from Git navigation to folder sync.
When fman Makes Sense
– You use the terminal more than the mouse
– You want a fast, distraction-free file tool
– You’re on a Mac or Linux and want something like Total Commander
– You need to extend file handling with your own Python scripts
– You want to navigate gigabyte-size directories without lag
Compared to Other Managers
| App | Known For | How fman Is Different |
| Total Commander | Feature-rich, legacy UI | fman is minimal, cleaner, cross-platform |
| Double Commander | Powerful, customizable | fman is faster, less cluttered |
| Finder/Explorer | Default GUI tools | fman skips visuals for raw efficiency |
| Midnight Commander | Terminal-based navigation | fman offers similar speed with a GUI |
Bottom Line
fman isn’t for everyone — and that’s the point. It’s for people who’d rather jump between folders by name than click through trees. It’s for those who want to script, extend, and stay fast. If you’re tired of bloated file managers and ready to run lean, fman is worth a look.
