Midnight Commander
UnclaimedA visual, dual-pane file manager for text-mode environments.
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13 reviews trackedThe Bottom Line
Entry price
Free, no paid tier
Biggest pro
Free and open-source software
Biggest con
Text-mode interface may not appeal to all users
TL;DR - Midnight Commander
- Dual-pane, text-mode file manager for efficient file operations.
- Includes integrated file viewer, editor, and diff tool.
- Works across various terminal environments, including SSH.
Pricing: Free forever
Best for: Individuals & startups
4.6/5 across review platforms
What is Midnight Commander?
Midnight Commander (mc) is a powerful, full-screen, text-mode file manager designed for command-line environments. It provides a visual, dual-pane interface that simplifies file management tasks such as copying, moving, deleting, and searching for files and directories. Built using versatile text interface libraries like ncurses or S-Lang, it operates seamlessly on regular consoles, within X Window terminals, and over SSH connections, making it ideal for remote server management and users who prefer a keyboard-driven workflow.
This open-source tool includes an internal viewer, editor (mcedit), and diff viewer (mcdiff), enhancing its utility for developers, system administrators, and power users who frequently interact with file systems in a terminal. Its GNU General Public License ensures it is free software, promoting accessibility and community contributions. Users can also customize its appearance with various color schemes and themes.
Available on: Linux, macOS
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free and open-source software
- Efficient for keyboard-driven file management
- Versatile across different terminal environments
- Includes essential built-in tools (editor, viewer, diff)
- Customizable with themes
Cons
- Text-mode interface may not appeal to all users
- Requires familiarity with command-line environments
- Learning curve for new users unfamiliar with similar tools
Ratings Across the Web
4.6(13 reviews)
Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more
Key Features
Visual dual-pane interfaceCopy, move, delete files and directoriesSearch for filesExecute commands in subshellInternal file viewer (mcview)Internal text editor (mcedit)Internal diff viewer (mcdiff)Context-sensitive online help (F1)
Pricing Plans
Pricing checked Jun 17, 2026
Free
Free
- visual, dual-pane file manager
- copy, move, and delete files and entire directory trees
- search for files
- execute commands in the subshell
- internal viewer
- editor
- diff viewer
- works on a regular console, inside an X Window terminal, over ssh connections, and in all kinds of remote shells
Reviews
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4.6/5
Across 13 verified user reviews on SourceForge, G2
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Midnight Commander FAQ
How does Midnight Commander assist with remote server management?
Midnight Commander operates seamlessly over SSH connections, making it an ideal tool for managing files and directories on remote servers. Its text-mode interface is efficient in command-line environments, providing a visual way to handle server files.
Which teams would benefit most from using Midnight Commander?
Developers, system administrators, and power users who frequently interact with file systems in a terminal environment would find Midnight Commander most beneficial. It supports a keyboard-driven workflow and includes built-in tools like an editor and diff viewer.
How is Midnight Commander priced?
Midnight Commander is free to use, as it is distributed under the GNU General Public License. There are no paid plans required to access its features.
What kind of trade-offs does Midnight Commander present to new users?
Midnight Commander's text-mode interface might not appeal to all users, especially those accustomed to graphical user interfaces. It also has a learning curve for individuals unfamiliar with command-line environments or similar tools.
Can Midnight Commander be customized?
Yes, Midnight Commander allows users to customize its appearance. It supports various color schemes and themes, enabling personalization of the interface.
How does Midnight Commander compare to Nushell?
Midnight Commander provides a visual, dual-pane file manager for text-mode environments, focusing on file management tasks like copying and moving. Nushell, in contrast, is a shell that aims to be a modern command-line environment, offering structured data capabilities.
Does Midnight Commander include an integrated text editor?
Yes, Midnight Commander includes an internal editor called mcedit. This built-in tool enhances its utility for users who need to view and modify files directly within the file manager.
Source: midnight-commander.org