How to Install superfile on Linux, macOS, or Windows

Updated

superfile is a terminal file manager written in Go, and you can install it on Linux or macOS with Homebrew, on Linux/macOS with the official install script, on Windows with a PowerShell one-liner, or through Arch Linux and Nix package managers. After installation, run spf to start it. The site lists macOS, Linux, and Windows support, requires Go 1.21+, and is MIT licensed.

Pick your install method

Platform Method Command
Linux / macOS Homebrew brew install superfile
Linux / macOS Install script bash -c "$(curl -sLo- https://superfile.dev/install.sh)"
Windows PowerShell powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Command "Invoke-Expression ((New-Object System.Net.WebClient).DownloadString('https://superfile.dev/install.ps1'))"
Arch Linux pacman sudo pacman -S superfile
Any (with Nix) Nix profile nix profile install github:yorukot/superfile#superfile

Homebrew (macOS and Linux)

Use this if Homebrew is already set up. The command installs the superfile package; when it finishes, spf should be on your PATH.

brew install superfile
spf

Install script (Linux and macOS)

The script downloads and runs the project's installer. It pipes a remote script into bash, so the expected result is that the installer places the binary and you can launch it with spf. If spf is not found afterward, check that the install location is on your PATH.

bash -c "$(curl -sLo- https://superfile.dev/install.sh)"
spf

PowerShell (Windows)

Run this in PowerShell. It downloads and executes the Windows install script, then you start the app with spf.

powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Command "Invoke-Expression ((New-Object System.Net.WebClient).DownloadString('https://superfile.dev/install.ps1'))"
spf

Arch Linux and Nix

Arch users can install from the package manager directly:

sudo pacman -S superfile
spf

Nix users can install from the GitHub flake:

nix profile install github:yorukot/superfile#superfile
spf

Verify the install

The site's stated way to start superfile is the spf command. Run it in a terminal; if the interface opens, the install worked. The site also documents a showcase mode, superfile --showcase, which you can use to confirm the binary runs and to preview features.

What you get after installing

superfile is built for developers who work in the terminal, using Go and Bubble Tea. Its listed features include:

  • File operations: copy, move, delete, rename, fuzzy search, bulk operations, and image preview.
  • Multiple panels: split into several directory panes and copy/paste across them.
  • Customization: remap hotkeys, choose themes, and adjust borders and colors.
  • Themes: 20+ built-in options such as Catppuccin, Nord, Tokyo Night, Dracula, Gruvbox, and Rose Pine.
  • Plugins: community extensions for Git status, system monitoring, and custom commands.

Common snags

  • spf not found after install: the binary's directory is probably not on your PATH. Reopen the terminal or add the install location to PATH.
  • Script install fails: the curl-based installer needs network access to superfile.dev. If it fails, use Homebrew or your platform package manager instead.
  • Windows execution policy: the command includes -ExecutionPolicy Bypass for the current process; if your organization blocks script execution, the PowerShell route may not work and you should check with your administrator.
  • Version and requirements: the site lists Go 1.21+ and a latest version marker (v latest) but does not publish a specific version number, so check the GitHub releases for the current build.

For full details, the site links a full install guide from its install section.