What file operations and features does superfile offer?

superfile is a terminal file manager built with Go and Bubble Tea, aimed at developers who work primarily in the terminal. It covers the core file operations you'd expect — copy, move, delete, rename, fuzzy search, and bulk operations — and adds image preview, multiple directory panels, plugin support, and 20+ built-in themes. It runs on macOS, Linux, and Windows, is MIT licensed, and requires Go 1.21+ if you build from source. If your work happens mostly in a terminal and you want file management without leaving it, superfile is worth evaluating; if you need a graphical file manager or deep OS-level file integration, it isn't a fit.

Core file operations

The site lists the following as the complete functional set:

• Copy and move — including copying and pasting across separate directory panels.
• Delete and rename — standard operations on files and directories.
• Fuzzy search — jump to files by approximate name rather than exact paths.
• Bulk operations — act on multiple selected items at once, which is where a terminal manager saves the most time compared with typing individual commands.
• Image preview — preview images inside the terminal instead of opening a separate viewer.

The stated design principle is "everything you need, nothing you don't," so expect a focused set rather than a full desktop file manager's feature list.

Multiple panels and cross-panel workflows

superfile lets you split the view into several directory panes at once. The practical use: open your source directory in one panel and the destination in another, then copy and paste between them with a few keystrokes instead of navigating back and forth or typing full paths. The site's showcase includes dedicated demos for multiple panels, panel movement, panel navigation, and selection mode, which suggests these are first-class interactions rather than an afterthought.

Customization: hotkeys, themes, and layout

• Hotkey remapping — every hotkey can be reassigned, so the tool can match an existing workflow rather than forcing a new one.
• Themes — 20+ built-in options including Catppuccin, Nord, Tokyo Night, Dracula, Gruvbox, and Rose Pine.
• Visual tuning — borders and colors are adjustable.

This matters if you already have muscle memory from another terminal tool; remapping is the difference between adopting superfile and fighting it.

Plugins

Community plugins extend the tool with things like Git status integration, system monitoring, and custom commands. Plugin support is the main path for adding capabilities beyond the built-in set — useful if you want repository state visible while managing files, for example.

Installation options

The site provides one-line installers and package-manager commands:

After installing, run spf to start. A full install guide is linked from the site.

How to decide

Choose superfile if you live in the terminal, want fast bulk file operations with fuzzy search, and value a polished, themeable interface with remappable keys. Look elsewhere if you need a GUI, or if your file work depends on OS-specific integrations the site doesn't describe. The site doesn't publish pricing details, so check the project's GitHub and install guide for licensing and current release information before standardizing on it.