QtFM

Free plan Linux

What QtFM is

QtFM is a free Qt file manager for Linux and other listed desktop systems, including FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD and macOS. Its customizable interface supports tabs, drag-and-drop operations and user-defined key bindings. A custom command system and XDG integration add file and desktop controls. QtFM handles removable storage and includes a system-tray daemon that displays available storage and optical devices. The daemon can mount and open newly added devices or play CDs and DVDs automatically, although these actions are disabled by default. Thumbnail support covers images through ImageMagick, PDFs and related documents, videos through FFmpeg, and embedded media images. QtFM requires Qt 5.2 or newer and recommends hicolor plus Adwaita or similar icon themes. ImageMagick and FFmpeg are optional recommended dependencies. The project uses GPL-2.0, is maintained by rodlie, and directs support to GitHub Issues. The latest listed release is 6.2.1.

Who it suits

QtFM suits Linux and other supported desktop users who want a customizable file manager with tabs, removable-storage handling and optional thumbnail support.

What it does well

Customizable tabs, drag-and-drop and key bindings
Custom command system and XDG integration
Removable-storage and optical-device support
Thumbnail support through ImageMagick and FFmpeg
Free GPL-2.0 project

What to know first

Requires Qt 5.2 or higher
Automatic device actions are off by default
Thumbnail dependencies are optional installs
Linux is the listed supported platform

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
QtFM	Qt file manager for supported desktop operating systems	Free

As github.com lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Verdict

QtFM combines a customizable interface with commands, desktop integration and removable-storage tools. Its Qt 5.2 requirement and optional thumbnail dependencies matter when setting it up.

Facts from QtFM's own pages

Automatic actions: The tray daemon can automatically mount and open newly added storage or optical devices, and auto play CDs or DVDs; these actions are not enabled by default. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Build requirements: QtFM requires Qt 5.2 or higher, and the project recommends hicolor and Adwaita or similar icon themes. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Commands: QtFM includes a custom command system. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Desktop integration: QtFM provides XDG integration. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Free plan: Yes · github.com, 24 Sept 2026
Interface: The interface is customizable and supports tabs, drag and drop, and customizable key bindings. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
License: The repository identifies the project license as GPL-2.0. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Maintainer: The project site says QtFM is maintained by rodlie, and the AUTHORS file names Ole-André Rodlie as maintainer from version 6.0. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Notable limit: QtFM 6.2.0 ended Qt 4 support and requires Qt 5.2 or higher. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Optional dependencies: ImageMagick and FFmpeg can improve thumbnail support; the project describes them as recommended dependencies and provides build options to enable them. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Supported platforms: linux · github.com, 24 Sept 2026
Purpose: QtFM is a Qt file manager for Linux, FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD and macOS. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Release status: The latest release shown on the GitHub releases page is QtFM 6.2.1. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Removable storage: It supports removable storage and includes a system tray daemon for showing available storage and optical devices. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Support: The project links to GitHub Issues for bug reports and support discussion. · qtfm.eu, 12 Oct 2026
Thumbnails: QtFM supports image thumbnails through ImageMagick, PDF and related document thumbnails, video thumbnails through FFmpeg, and embedded images in media files. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026

Where QtFM stands on Freedom251

File Manager Software#72 of 100