Vifm

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

What Vifm is

Vifm is a file manager for Linux, macOS, and Windows, built for people who prefer controlling files from the keyboard. Its curses-based interface gives vi users familiar commands for filesystem tasks without requiring a new command set. Work in one or two panes arranged within tabs, and choose table, grid, tree, or miller views. Vifm includes archive support and batch renaming, and file operations can be undone, redone, or run in the background. Files can also be sent to trash.

For navigation and organization, Vifm offers named bookmarks, advanced filtering and renaming, and remembered positions in previously visited directories. Configuration options include Vim-like mappings, command-line mode, color schemes, file decorations, and scripts for individual directories. It supports FUSE file systems, remote command execution, and integration with GNU Screen and tmux. The project provides source code, Windows binaries, and an x86 64 AppImage for version 0.14.4. That release's notes describe a fix for a trie-implementation buffer overflow identified as CVE 2026 8997. General usage questions can be taken to its Q&A site without registration; other contact routes include GitHub issues, the SourceForge tracker, and email.

Who it suits

Vifm suits vi users who want to manage filesystems with familiar keyboard commands. Its pane layouts, views, and customization options also suit users who want to tailor file navigation and organization.

What it does well

Free plan with no usage limits stated.
Available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
One- or two-pane views within tabs.
File operations can be undone, redone, or backgrounded.
Supports FUSE, remote commands, GNU Screen, and tmux.

What to know first

No free trial is offered.
The interface is curses-based and aimed at vi-style keyboard control.

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
Vifm	No price or usage limits stated on the opened pages	Free

As vifm.info lists them, read 8 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

Visit https://vifm.info/.
Choose the source code, Windows binaries, or x86 64 AppImage download for version 0.14.4.
Use the free Vifm plan.

Verdict

Choose Vifm if you use vi and want a keyboard-controlled file manager with flexible views and file operations. Look elsewhere if you want a non-curses interface or do not want vi-style controls.

Questions

How much does Vifm cost?

Vifm is free, with a listed price of $0.

Which platforms does Vifm support?

Vifm supports Linux, Windows, and macOS.

Does Vifm offer a free trial?

No free trial is listed.

What views does Vifm provide?

It supports one or two panes within tabs, with table, grid, tree, and miller views.

Where can users get help?

General usage questions go to its Q&A site, where registration is not required. Other contact options include GitHub issues, the SourceForge tracker, and email.

Facts from Vifm's own pages

Archive support: Yes · vifm.info, 20 Sept 2026
Batch rename: Yes · vifm.info, 20 Sept 2026
Customization: Vifm supports Vim like mappings and command line mode, color schemes, file decorations, and directory specific configuration scripts. · vifm.info, 8 Oct 2026
Download formats: The homepage lists source code, Windows binaries, and an x86 64 AppImage for version 0.14.4. · vifm.info, 8 Oct 2026
Dual-pane layout: Yes · vifm.info, 20 Sept 2026
File operations: Features include undoing, redoing, and backgrounding operations, as well as trash. · vifm.info, 8 Oct 2026
Free plan: Yes · vifm.info, 20 Sept 2026
FUSE: Vifm supports FUSE file systems. · vifm.info, 8 Oct 2026
Intended users: The site describes Vifm for people who use vi and want keyboard control over files using familiar commands. · vifm.info, 8 Oct 2026
Keyboard control: The site says vi users can control files with the keyboard without learning a new set of commands. · vifm.info, 8 Oct 2026
Platforms: The site describes Vifm as cross platform for GNU/Linux, *BSD, Solaris, Windows, and Mac OS, and UTF 8 aware. · vifm.info, 8 Oct 2026
Purpose: Vifm is a curses based file manager that provides a Vim like environment for managing filesystems. · vifm.info, 8 Oct 2026
Remote commands: Vifm supports remote command execution. · vifm.info, 8 Oct 2026
Search and organization: The site lists named bookmarks, advanced filtering and renaming, and remembering positions in previously visited directories. · vifm.info, 8 Oct 2026
Security: The v0.14.4 notes say the release fixed a buffer overflow in the trie implementation identified as CVE 2026 8997. · vifm.info, 8 Oct 2026
Support: The site directs general usage questions to its Q&A site, where registration is not required, and lists GitHub issues, SourceForge tracker, and email for other contact. · vifm.info, 8 Oct 2026
Tabbed interface: Yes · vifm.info, 20 Sept 2026
Terminal integrations: The site lists built in integration with GNU Screen and tmux. · vifm.info, 8 Oct 2026
Version and release: The latest news shown is Vifm v0.14.4, dated 31 May 2026. · vifm.info, 8 Oct 2026
Views: Vifm supports one or two pane views within tabs, including table, grid, tree, and miller views. · vifm.info, 8 Oct 2026