Best Finder alternatives / File managers

[allan.nyholm]

I mean, Commander One Pro isn't bad either. I just have a difficult time understanding the need for two or three companies on the Mac App Store pushing their apps

Eltima, Elmedia and Electronic Team. No matter if they serve different needs. Seems sketchy and like a money grab to me.

Commander One is Eltima yet Commander One doesn't show up when searching for just the word "Eltima" in the Mac App Store.. yet when on the Commander One website it states at the very bottom that it's Electronic Team that's behind this.

Searching in the Mac App Store instead for Commander One.

I live in Denmark so the Mac App Store might be botched for search. Who knows. It's the EU after all.

 

[MacGizmo]

Considering the widely expressed frustration with Path Finder--both here and elsewhere--I've been reluctant to try it. Perhaps someone here could comment on whether they've gotten their act together?

I used it many years ago, but stopped because it was so buggy. I've tried the demo versions over the last few years to see if it has improved. They appear to have fixed a few things, but overall I still find it too buggy (it crashes at least once per day, if not more) and resource hungry (it just feels clunky and slow when using and requires a quit/restart of the app multiple times per day to "fix").

Considering how buggy it used to be, particularly when the macOS got updated, I can't see myself ever spending $10 more per year than Forklift costs (which doesn't have all the features that Pathfinder has, but is MUCH more stable).

 

[MacBH928]

i went to pathfinder website. really nice features. Is there another alternative that has these features:

-file size visualizer
-navigate ios folders
-Drop stack

price is nice to at $30/ year not too bad. But i keep hearing its buggy , and an app is only as good as it works. Are people being over critical of PathFinder or is it really bloated half working software?

 

[nebojsak]

Just installed Double Commander. Lots of options, very much Total Commander-alike. Will check out how it behaves.

 

[nebojsak]

i went to pathfinder website. really nice features. Is there another alternative that has these features:

-file size visualizer
-navigate ios folders
-Drop stack

price is nice to at $30/ year not too bad. But i keep hearing its buggy , and an app is only as good as it works. Are people being over critical of PathFinder or is it really bloated half working software?

I'm using it, no issues so far.

 

[svenmany]

Are people being over critical of PathFinder or is it really bloated half working software?

Who said it was bloated, half-working software?

 

[MacBH928]

I'm using it, no issues so far.

I thought double commander was depercated by the developer. I just checked and its in constant development. Would love to hear your comparison opinion with pathfinder since you use both

Who said it was bloated, half-working software?

general information build up over the years, stuff similar to what is in post #1102 . Since you chose Qspace, what did you find better over Pathfinder?

 

[svenmany]

general information build up over the years, stuff similar to what is in post #1102 . Since you chose Qspace, what did you find better over Pathfinder?

I guess "bloated, half-working" was an extreme hyperbole. You just meant buggy.

I only encountered one bug with Pathfinder that I couldn't work around. I used it for years and the bug came up when they implemented their module system. It's hard to describe the bug, but it relates to the placement of the divider when using dual pane. If I set the divider in the middle, then went back to single pane, then made the window much smaller, dual pain would no longer work. I have a suspicion about what their code was doing that completely explained it. They were simply recording the width of the left pane and weren't keeping it updated as a percentage of the total window width unless you stayed in dual-pane mode. Other people complained that dual pane often wouldn't open and I believe this was the cause.

I've thought about trying Pathfinder again to see if they've fixed that bug, but I would miss the QSpace's ability to have up to 4 panes at the same time. I have a few standard workspaces with 4 fixed panes that I used all the time.

Maybe, to give input to this thread, I'll give it a try.

 

[MacHeritage]

I guess "bloated, half-working" was an extreme hyperbole. You just meant buggy.

I only encountered one bug with Pathfinder that I couldn't work around. I used it for years and the bug came up when they implemented their module system. It's hard to describe the bug, but it relates to the placement of the divider when using dual pane. If I set the divider in the middle, then went back to single pane, then made the window much smaller, dual pain would no longer work. I have a suspicion about what their code was doing that completely explained it. They were simply recording the width of the left pane and weren't keeping it updated as a percentage of the total window width unless you stayed in dual-pane mode. Other people complained that dual pane often wouldn't open and I believe this was the cause.

I've thought about trying Pathfinder again to see if they've fixed that bug, but I would miss the QSpace's ability to have up to 4 panes at the same time. I have a few standard workspaces with 4 fixed panes that I used all the time.

Maybe, to give input to this thread, I'll give it a try.

I know this bug and have experienced it myself. I'm just trying to jog my memory about it. I haven't experienced it lately so it might be fixed now with the very latest version. The key would be making sure you don't have any previous preference files etc. from Path Finder from the past and trying the steps to enact the bug. Then you will know for sure.

I've noticed a lot of bugs that used to be issues are gone over the last few years. The first lot was with v10 and now v11 just feels so much better overall.

People at Apple use Path Finder too, so I am sure they have helped with nailing some of these bugs over the years.

 

[MacBH928]

I have found this reddit post that suggest using Finder extensions over dedicated file manager, but I wonder if using extensions will bloat and slow down the Finder itself.

 

[nebojsak]

I'm already using Default Folder X (can't live without it), Keka (advanced unarchiver) and BetterTouchTool (for gestures), they're great.

Another option

 

[gilby101]

I have found this reddit post that suggest using Finder extensions over dedicated file manager, but I wonder if using extensions will bloat and slow down the Finder itself.

My experience (with a slightly different set of tools) is that using extensions is surprisingly benign. No slowing down of Finder. Hard to distinguish between bloat (as high RAM usage) caused by an extension or inherent in Finder - but I have not found it a problem.

I use Automator (to build simple Quick Actions), Context Menu and, to a lesser extent, FileUtils to enhance the right-click (control-click) menu. Standalone apps like Keka and HoudahSpot integrate with Finder. Better Touch Tool and KeyboardMaestro can control Finder. A low level skill with AppleScript and shell scripting helps when creating your own actions.

I have given up the search for a Finder replacement, though I follow this thread with interest.

 

[MacBH928]

I'm already using Default Folder X (can't live without it), Keka (advanced unarchiver) and BetterTouchTool (for gestures), they're great.

Another option

I am eyeing FileUtils but I wonder if default folder X is better , are they the same, or have different features. Care to comment?

My experience (with a slightly different set of tools) is that using extensions is surprisingly benign. No slowing down of Finder. Hard to distinguish between bloat (as high RAM usage) caused by an extension or inherent in Finder - but I have not found it a problem.

I use Automator (to build simple Quick Actions), Context Menu and, to a lesser extent, FileUtils to enhance the right-click (control-click) menu. Standalone apps like Keka and HoudahSpot integrate with Finder. Better Touch Tool and KeyboardMaestro can control Finder. A low level skill with AppleScript and shell scripting helps when creating your own actions.

I have given up the search for a Finder replacement, though I follow this thread with interest.

FinAnyFile is a stable in my apps library and never let me down but I recently heard of HoudaSpot and was wondering if the grass is greener over there. Any comments on that?

 

[gilby101]

FinAnyFile is a stable in my apps library and never let me down but I recently heard of HoudaSpot and was wondering if the grass is greener over there. Any comments on that?

Find Any File (FAF) and HoudahSpot (HS) are different, except that they are both standalone tools (i.e. they don't depend on Finder).

The key difference: FAF does its searches by directly looking in the file system. HS uses the Spotlight index.

Following from that:
FAF can search anywhere (subject to permissions). HS can only search locations indexed by Spotlight.
FAF speed is very dependent on search request and its breadth. HS is consistently fast.
FAF is very slow when searching by file content (much quicker with file metadata). HS is fast with content searches.

Both integrate with Finder:
Both can be called from Finder's service menu. HS can also be added to Finder's toolbar.
Both can be added to the right-click menu using Automator (as Quick Action) or Context Menu.

I use both (mostly HS). They are complementary.

 

[allan.nyholm]

People at Apple use Path Finder too, so I am sure they have helped with nailing some of these bugs over the years.

I don't think we should put much trust in that statement. Path Finder has fallen from grace and it's been a statement of theirs for many years now.
It's easier to let it sit there that it is to take it down because it makes people go "WOW! Jim Cake Jeff Barber uses Path Finder as his Finder-style replacement application. Then I think I'll also install and use - to get closer to Jeff Barber at Apple"

 

[MacGizmo]

I am eyeing FileUtils but I wonder if default folder X is better , are they the same, or have different features. Care to comment?

They're not even close to the same. FileUtils is a nice little utility that adds very specific items to the Finder's contextual menus. DefaultFolder is a system-wide enhancement that offers a plethora of features not only to Open/Save/Export/Import dialog boxes, but to the entire file system (shortcuts, etc.).

They're both excellent utilities. DefaultFolder is the first thing I install on any new Mac I've used since the Mac OS 9 days.

 

[MacBH928]

Find Any File (FAF) and HoudahSpot (HS) are different, except that they are both standalone tools (i.e. they don't depend on Finder).

The key difference: FAF does its searches by directly looking in the file system. HS uses the Spotlight index.

Following from that:
FAF can search anywhere (subject to permissions). HS can only search locations indexed by Spotlight.
FAF speed is very dependent on search request and its breadth. HS is consistently fast.
FAF is very slow when searching by file content (much quicker with file metadata). HS is fast with content searches.

Both integrate with Finder:
Both can be called from Finder's service menu. HS can also be added to Finder's toolbar.
Both can be added to the right-click menu using Automator (as Quick Action) or Context Menu.

I use both (mostly HS). They are complementary.

They're not even close to the same. FileUtils is a nice little utility that adds very specific items to the Finder's contextual menus. DefaultFolder is a system-wide enhancement that offers a plethora of features not only to Open/Save/Export/Import dialog boxes, but to the entire file system (shortcuts, etc.).

They're both excellent utilities. DefaultFolder is the first thing I install on any new Mac I've used since the Mac OS 9 days.

thanks this been informative. I am surprised by how many of these apps advertise "Create new file..." . didn't know this was something in high demand.

 

[svenmany]

thanks this been informative. I am surprised by how many of these apps advertise "Create new file..." . didn't know this was something in high demand.

It's something I always missed in Finder. Maybe I just expected it because Windows Explorer offered that and I always used it.

 

[svenmany]

I just tested Path Finder. I did a fresh download just now and it's never been installed on my current computer. Let me try to describe the behavior that makes it unusable for me - someone who is constantly resizing windows and switching in and out of dual-pane mode.

QSpace maintains proportional sizes for all the panes as you resize the whole window. That is the behavior I expect and want. Forklift behaves the same way. Path Finder doesn't do this. What they do is inconsistent.

Path Finder allows you to set the dual-pane divider to the center and it snaps to that position when you do. Once you've done that, the two panes maintain a 50% allocation as you resize the window. Moving on from that...

Now I move the divider in either direction after having set it to the center. Now resizing the window keeps the left pane a fixed size. Well OK, that might be a reasonable choice. But, then I close the window and open a new one. Now, when resizing the window, the right pane stays a fixed size.

In a test I just did, I had the window set to the 50% position and then closed the window. I opened a new window and it restored the split to some different position with the right pane set at a fixed size.

I really can't work with it. In QSpace I'm constantly adjusting window sizes and how many panes I show. It just works in a predictable fashion, maintaining a proportional allocation of sizes.

App Cleaner will now remove Path Finder.

 

[MacGizmo]

It occurs to me that if Apple simply implemented Dual Pane Windows in the Finder (the existing Tabs feature is not the same), I would happily give up any and all the other features any of these apps bring to the table.

Even if it were just two window panes, I would love it! All these apps do some things really well, but other things poorly or not at all... they're all a compromise.

 

[MacBH928]

It occurs to me that if Apple simply implemented Dual Pane Windows in the Finder (the existing Tabs feature is not the same), I would happily give up any and all the other features any of these apps bring to the table.

Even if it were just two window panes, I would love it! All these apps do some things really well, but other things poorly or not at all... they're all a compromise.

i wonder why would Apple not "supercharge" the finder by default and adapt all those file manager alternatives into the Finder itself. Maybe something to do with "simplicity" for the average user and not to override with options. Keep the "pro" users buying those Finder alternatives?!

 

[MacHeritage]

I just tested Path Finder. I did a fresh download just now and it's never been installed on my current computer. Let me try to describe the behavior that makes it unusable for me - someone who is constantly resizing windows and switching in and out of dual-pane mode.

QSpace maintains proportional sizes for all the panes as you resize the whole window. That is the behavior I expect and want. Forklift behaves the same way. Path Finder doesn't do this. What they do is inconsistent.

Path Finder allows you to set the dual-pane divider to the center and it snaps to that position when you do. Once you've done that, the two panes maintain a 50% allocation as you resize the window. Moving on from that...

Now I move the divider in either direction after having set it to the center. Now resizing the window keeps the left pane a fixed size. Well OK, that might be a reasonable choice. But, then I close the window and open a new one. Now, when resizing the window, the right pane stays a fixed size.

In a test I just did, I had the window set to the 50% position and then closed the window. I opened a new window and it restored the split to some different position with the right pane set at a fixed size.

I really can't work with it. In QSpace I'm constantly adjusting window sizes and how many panes I show. It just works in a predictable fashion, maintaining a proportional allocation of sizes.

App Cleaner will now remove Path Finder.

Yes, that bug! Did you send that feedback to CocoaTech?

They have been asking for people's opinions and what people want them to work on etc. Sending that in and letting them know that it is a show stopper for you and the main reason you are not a customer, would be helpful.

 

[nebojsak]

Just suddenly ran into Path Finder bug. It won't mount one of the network drives, which is regularly mounted in Finder. Haven't occured before.

 

[MacBH928]

It occurs to me that if Apple simply implemented Dual Pane Windows in the Finder (the existing Tabs feature is not the same), I would happily give up any and all the other features any of these apps bring to the table.

Even if it were just two window panes, I would love it! All these apps do some things really well, but other things poorly or not at all... they're all a compromise.

commander one lets you use double pane for free, just saying

 

[svenmany]

Yes, that bug! Did you send that feedback to CocoaTech?

They have been asking for people's opinions and what people want them to work on etc. Sending that in and letting them know that it is a show stopper for you and the main reason you are not a customer, would be helpful.

Years ago I did - on their forums.

I've been struggling with the definition of "bug" these days. This behavior of Path Finder seems more of a design choice and lack of attention to its consequences. Sometimes developers think everything is fine even though a user doesn't like it. It can be a battle that's not worth fighting. If you have a link to where they are requesting feedback, I'll follow through and provide it.

This behavior began when they introduced their module system. Prior to that, resizing windows kept the panes proportionally allocated. I suspect they implemented a solution that would be expensive for them to change.