ranger

What is it?

Ranger is a terminal file manager built around three columns: the parent directory, the current directory, and a preview of the selected file. It uses Vim-style keybindings for navigation, marks, and bulk operations, and it can preview text, images, PDFs, and archives without leaving the terminal. Configuration and commands are written in Python.

Why use it?

Ranger is for people who already think in Vim motions and want file management to feel the same. The preview pane alone saves time when sorting through directories of images or documents, and :shell commands let you run any tool against the current selection. Because it is scriptable in Python, custom commands are straightforward.

Key features

• Miller-column layout with live file previews
• Vim-style keybindings, marks, and bulk rename
• Tabs, bookmarks, and directory history
• Preview support for text, images, PDFs, and archives
• Python configuration and command API
• rifle launcher chooses the right program per file type

How it compares

Against nnn, Ranger is heavier — Python startup is noticeable — but more discoverable and scriptable. Against yazi it is slower and lacks a built-in async preview engine, though its ecosystem and documentation are more mature. Against GUI managers it trades icons and mouse support for speed and keyboard control.