Introduction
Vifm is a file manager for Linux that combines the power and ergonomics of Vim with a dual-pane interface, allowing you to navigate, edit, and organize the filesystem without leaving the keyboard. Inspired by modal editors, Vifm offers a familiar experience for Vim and Neovim users while remaining accessible to those new to text-based interfaces. In this post we will explore its main features, how to install and configure it, and why it has become a favorite tool for many system administrators and developers.
What is Vifm?
What exactly is Vifm? In essence, it is a console file manager that displays two side panels, each capable of holding a different directory. This layout facilitates operations such as copying or moving files between folders with just a few keystrokes. Like Vim, Vifm operates in modes: normal mode for navigation, insert mode for editing filenames, and command mode for executing complex instructions. Its minimalist design dispenses with graphical toolbars, making it extremely lightweight and fast even on older hardware or in remote SSH sessions.
Installation
Installing Vifm on most Linux distributions is straightforward thanks to its presence in the official repositories. On Ubuntu or Debian simply run sudo apt install vifm, while on Fedora use sudo dnf install vifm and on Arch Linux sudo pacman -S vifm. For users who prefer to compile from source, the project is hosted on GitHub and requires only the ncurses development libraries and, optionally, Python for some plugins. After installation, simply type vifm in any terminal to launch the application and begin exploring its interface.
Interface and basic navigation
When starting Vifm, two side panels are presented: the left shows the current working directory and the right usually starts in the same path, although it can be configured to open in the last active panel. The bottom bar indicates the current mode (NORMAL, INSERT or COMMAND) and displays information about the file under the cursor, such as permissions, size, and modification date. To move between panels you use the Tab key, while the arrow keys or the h, j, k, l keys allow you to move the cursor up, down, left, and right, respectively, just like in Vim.
File operations and command mode
In normal mode, the most common operations are executed with intuitive shortcuts: ‘c’ creates a file or directory (adding ‘/’ for directories), ‘d’ deletes the item under the cursor after asking for confirmation, ‘r’ renames the selected file or directory, ‘y’ copies (yank) and ‘p’ pastes (paste) in the active panel. These keys recall Vim’s commands for change, delete, yank, and put. Pressing ‘:’ enters command mode, where you can execute shell instructions such as !ls -lh or !git status without leaving the manager.
Customization
The vifmrc configuration file, located at ~/.config/vifm/vifmrc, allows you to customize almost every aspect of the program. There you can change color schemes, define new key mappings, enable icon display via font patches such as Nerd Fonts, and show hidden files with the set showhidden command. It is also possible to adjust the default behavior of operations such as sort order or progress bar display. With just a few lines, each user adapts Vifm to their workflow and aesthetic preferences.
Integration with external tools
Vifm integrates easily with other command-line tools via its command mode and custom mappings. For example, you can launch fzf for fuzzy file searching with a mapping like map :!fzf, or use ripgrep to search file contents directly from the panel. Additionally, you can configure git hooks that update the panel when changes are detected in the repository, or call external scripts to rename batches of files. These extensions turn Vifm into a fully customizable productivity hub.
Comparison and conclusion
Compared to other console file managers such as ranger, nnn, or Midnight Commander, Vifm stands out for its modal approach and close similarity to Vim, making it ideal for those who already live in the text-editing environment. Ranger offers a content preview and deeper integration with images and videos, while nnn is extremely minimalist and fast, but lacks Vifm’s editing modes. Midnight Commander, on the other hand, provides a more visual environment with drop-down menus, although it is heavier. In summary, Vifm offers the best balance of power, customization, and familiarity for command-line lovers seeking efficiency without sacrificing comfort. If you haven’t tried it yet, install Vifm today and discover how it can transform the way you work with files on Linux.
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