Q-Dir
Q-Dir is a free file manager software for Windows that allows tabbed browsing for easy navigation between folders. Key features include quadro-view to visualize four folders simultaneously, customizable hotkeys, plugins to extend functionality, and portable mode.
tabbed
quad-view
hotkeys
plugins
portable
Q-Dir: Tabbed File Manager for Windows
A free file manager software with quadro-view, customizable hotkeys, plugins, and portable mode, ideal for easy navigation between folders on Windows.
What is Q-Dir?
Q-Dir is a free multi-tab file manager for Windows that makes browsing files and folders efficient with features like quadro-view, hotkeys, plugins and portable mode.
The quadro-view allows users to open up to four separate folders in one window, visualizing multiple locations simultaneously. This quad layout is customizable to user preference. Users can also set up customizable hotkeys for quick access instead of menu browsing.
Q-Dir has a wide selection of built-in and third-party plugins that add useful tools like archive support, hidden file management, and checksum calculators. As a portable application, Q-Dir can run from external drives or cloud storage without needing installation.
With small footprint, customizable interface, and efficient multi-tab file navigation, Q-Dir is aimed at power users who need to manage and transfer files quickly between numerous folders on internal or external drives.
Q-Dir Features
Features
- Tabbed interface for browsing multiple folders simultaneously
- Quadro-view to visualize four folders at once
- Customizable hotkeys
- Plugins to extend functionality
- Portable mode
Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
Pros
Efficient tabbed browsing
Quad view allows easy file comparisons
Highly customizable with hotkeys and plugins
Lightweight and fast
Portable version available
Cons
Dated looking interface
Limited features compared to more full-featured file managers
Not frequently updated
Lacks cloud/online storage integration
The Best Q-Dir Alternatives
Top File Management and File Browsers and other similar apps like Q-Dir
File Explorer
A file explorer is an essential piece of software that provides a graphical interface to access, manage, and manipulate the files and folders stored on your computer or other devices. It allows you to easily browse through the file system on your hard drives or external storage devices.Some key features...
Total Commander
Total Commander is a highly popular and versatile file manager and file explorer for the Windows operating system. Originally released in the 1990s as Windows Commander, it was later renamed to Total Commander.Some key features of Total Commander include:Dual-pane interface to allow fast file transfers by dragging-and-dropping between panesTabbed interface...
Midnight Commander
Midnight Commander (also known as mc) is an open-source visual file manager and shell for Unix-like systems. It provides a text-based user interface that allows users to efficiently manage files and directories, copy/move/delete files, view file contents, edit files, and execute shell commands.Some key features of Midnight Commander include:Two-panel interface...
Double Commander
Double Commander is an open-source, cross-platform file manager software that provides an orthodox file manager interface with two panels side-by-side, inspired by Total Commander and featuring some new ideas.It allows all the basic file operations like copy, move, delete, rename, create directory etc.Double Commander comes with multi-rename tool that enables...
FreeCommander
FreeCommander is a powerful, lightweight, yet easy-to-use file manager for Windows. It has been around since 2004 and has gained popularity as a free and open source alternative to commercial file managers like Total Commander.Some key features of FreeCommander include:Dual-pane interface to easily copy, move, delete, rename, etc. files and...
Dolphin File Manager
Dolphin is an open-source file manager originally designed as the default file manager for the KDE desktop environment. It runs on various Unix-like systems including Linux, FreeBSD, and other POSIX-compliant operating systems.Dolphin strives to be a lightweight file manager that offers extensive functionality and customization options in an easy-to-use interface....
Far Manager
Far Manager is a free and open-source file manager for Microsoft Windows. It provides a dual-pane interface that allows easy navigation through the file system, with a number of convenient features for power users:Multiple tabs for accessing different foldersPowerful search and replace functionality across filesBuilt-in text, hex, image and media...
Thunar
Thunar is a file manager designed for the Xfce desktop environment. It aims to provide a fast and easy-to-use interface for managing files while still including advanced features.Some key features of Thunar include:Lightweight and fast interface - Uses few system resources for smooth performanceCustomizable sidebar and toolbar - Easily add...
Directory Opus
Directory Opus is a file manager software for Windows that provides advanced tools and customization options beyond the basic Windows File Explorer. First released in the early 1990s, Directory Opus aims to be a file manager suited for power users.Some key features of Directory Opus include:Dual pane browsing for easily...
Krusader
Krusader is a twin panel (commander style) file manager for the KDE desktop environment and other *nix desktops. It is designed to provide an intuitive and efficient interface for managing files and directories, with a focus on advanced power users.Some key features of Krusader include:Twin panel interface showing two directories...
OneCommander
OneCommander is a powerful yet easy to use file manager for Windows. It provides multiple tabs to work with different folders at the same time, and supports all common file operations like copy, move, rename, delete, zip, extract and more.Key features of OneCommander include:Multi-tab interface to work with multiple folders...
XYplorer
XYplorer is a customizable, tabbed file manager for Windows designed to provide efficient file browsing and management. Some of the key features of XYplorer include:An intuitive, dual-pane interface allowing easy file transfer between folders, side-by-side previewing, and tabbed browsing.A highly customizable layout with optional panels for enhanced information like metadata,...
Windows Double Explorer
Windows Double Explorer is a free alternative file manager and explorer for Windows that enhances the default Windows Explorer in several ways. Key features include:Dual panels allow side-by-side folder browsing like old-school Norton CommanderTabbed browsing keeps multiple folders open in one windowAdvanced find helps locate files or folders by various...
Spacedrive
Spacedrive is a innovative cloud storage and file sharing service launched in 2019. It offers users 1TB of free storage space to store and backup files, along with advanced collaboration features.Some key features of Spacedrive include:Intuitive web and mobile apps allow accessing Spacedrive from anywhereReal-time collaboration on documents and files...
SpeedCommander
SpeedCommander is a powerful, multi-featured file manager and file transfer client for Windows. It provides a convenient way to access, manage, and transfer files on your local drives, remote servers via FTP/SFTP, and cloud storage like Amazon S3.Key features of SpeedCommander include:Dual-panel interface allows side-by-side file browsing and easy file...
NERD tree
NERD tree is a file system explorer plugin for the Vim text editor. It provides a sidebar that displays the file system and allows users to quickly navigate between files and folders.Some key features of NERD tree include:Tree-style view of the file system for easy navigationOpen, close, and change directories...
Vifm
Vifm is a terminal based file manager with Vim-like keybindings. It focuses on keyboard based operations and fast navigation, making it highly efficient for managing files and folders in the terminal.Some of the key features of Vifm include:Dual panel layout for side-by-side file comparisonsVim-like keybindings and modes for fast navigation...
Sigma File Manager
Sigma File Manager is a free and open source file manager application for Windows. It provides an efficient two-panel interface for browsing and managing files and folders on your local drives and network shares.Some key features of Sigma File Manager include:Tabbed browsing for opening multiple folders in tabsKeyboard shortcuts and...
WinNc
WinNc is a free, open-source file manager and FTP/SFTP client for Windows. It provides an intuitive dual-pane interface for easily managing your files and folders.Some key features of WinNc include:Tabbed browsing for accessing multiple foldersDrag-and-drop for copying/moving files and foldersBasic file operations like copy, delete, rename, create folder, etc.Bulk file...
Just Manager
Just Manager is an open source file manager and archive browser for Windows that offers advanced features compared to Windows Explorer while remaining fast and lightweight. Some key features of Just Manager include:Tabbed interface to open multiple folders in tabsColorized archives that color-code different file types inside archives (zip, rar,...
DoubleXplorer
DoubleXplorer is a powerful, yet lightweight file manager and explorer for Windows that offers advanced features over the default Windows Explorer. Key features include:Dual panel interface allowing side-by-side views of foldersTabbed browsing for managing multiple locationsAdvanced search with regex support and filtersCustomizable interface with different themes and layoutsArchive support for...
UltraExplorer
UltraExplorer is a powerful, feature-rich file manager and explorer replacement for Windows. It builds on the standard Windows Explorer with additional tools and customizations for power users.Key features of UltraExplorer include:Tabbed browsing for opening multiple folders in one windowDual panels to easily copy/move files between foldersBuilt-in text, code, image, media...
Better Explorer
Better Explorer is a freeware alternative to the default Windows Explorer file manager on Windows operating systems. It keeps the familiar interface of Windows Explorer but adds a variety of enhancements and customization options.Key features of Better Explorer include:Tabbed browsing for easier navigation of multiple foldersEnhanced search with advanced filters...
QTTabBar
QTTabBar is a free, open-source software that adds convenient tabbed browsing capabilities to Windows File Explorer. It seamlessly integrates tabs into File Explorer, allowing users to open multiple folders in tabs within a single window rather than having several File Explorer windows open at once.With QTTabBar installed, users can easily...
TotalFinder
TotalFinder is a plugin and replacement for the default Finder app on macOS. It provides a variety of enhancements and extra features for power users:Tabbed browsing allows you to open multiple Finder windows in tabs instead of separate windows.Cut and paste files across folders instead of only copy and paste.Visible...
Explorer Commander
Explorer Commander is a file manager for Windows that offers an improved alternative to Windows File Explorer. It has the following key features:Dual-pane file browsing allows easy file and folder navigation and comparison between two folders.Built-in file and folder comparison to quickly spot differences between files or folders based on...
Fileside
Fileside is a cloud-based file hosting service that focuses on security, privacy, and ease of use. It allows individuals and teams to store, share, and collaborate on files and folders from any device.Some key features of Fileside include:Intuitive web interface and mobile apps for uploading, organizing, and accessing files on...
Samsung My Files
Samsung My Files is a file manager application developed by Samsung for its Android smartphones and tablets. It comes pre-installed on most Samsung Galaxy devices and serves as an easy way for users to browse, access, and manage their files and folders.My Files allows users to easily navigate both internal...
Xinorbis
Xinorbis is a powerful software tool for analyzing disk space usage and optimizing storage on Windows computers. It provides a visual map of your disk volumes, allowing you to easily spot large unused files and folders that are taking up valuable space.Some key features of Xinorbis include:Intuitive tree-map views that...
Batch File Manager
Batch File Manager is a free utility program for Windows that allows users to easily create, edit, and manage batch files. It provides a graphical user interface as an alternative to manually editing batch scripts in Notepad or other text editors.With Batch File Manager, you can build batch files by...
Marlin
Marlin is an open source firmware for 3D printers based on RepRap technology. It is designed to work with the Arduino platform and can run on a variety of 8-bit microcontrollers. Marlin focuses on performance, stability, and configurability for a variety of printers and print materials.Some key features of Marlin...
Vole Windows Expedition
Vole Windows Expedition is a free and open-source desktop environment for Microsoft Windows operating systems. It is designed to be lightweight, customizable, and provide a modern computing experience even on older hardware.Some key features of Vole Windows Expedition include:Minimal system resource usage - Uses less RAM and CPU than Windows'...
Fileboss
Fileboss is a file management and organization software designed to help individuals and teams track, categorize, and organize files in a central location for easy access and sharing.Key features include:Advanced search allowing users to quickly locate files based on keywords, metadata tags, file types, etc.Customizable folder structure and permissions so...
Shrestha Files
Shrestha Files is a free and open-source file manager application developed for Windows, Linux, and macOS operating systems. Its key features include:Modern and intuitive user interface for easily browsing local drives, external drives, network locations, and cloud storage services.Inbuilt support for popular cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive. Users...
ExplorerXP
ExplorerXP is a free open source file manager and Windows Explorer replacement that builds on and enhances the standard Windows file browsing experience. It adds several useful features including:Tabbed browsing that allows opening multiple folders in tabs instead of separate windowsDual panel view to see two folders side-by-sideBuilt-in viewers for...
Tablacus Explorer
Tablacus Explorer is a free, open-source file manager program for Windows that provides an enhanced alternative to the default Windows Explorer. Some of the key features of Tablacus Explorer include:Tabbed interface allows for multiple folders to be open in the same windowDual pane view shows two folders side-by-sideAdvanced search functions...
V - The File Viewer
V - The File Viewer is a free, open-source program for Windows that allows you to preview over 300 different file types. It can open documents, images, videos, archives, and more without needing to have the program that created them installed on your computer.Some key features of V include:Quick view...
GNOME Commander
GNOME Commander is a powerful and versatile file manager for the GNOME desktop environment on Linux operating systems. It features a dual-pane interface that allows users to easily navigate directories, move files, and perform advanced management operations.Some key features of GNOME Commander include:Tabbed interface for working with multiple foldersAdvanced file...
CubicExplorer
CubicExplorer is a powerful 3D CAD (computer-aided design) software used primarily for industrial equipment design and optimization. It enables engineers and designers to easily build and visualize complex 3D models of their product concepts and simulate how they would perform in the real world.Key features of CubicExplorer include:Intuitive 3D modeling...
TaskSpace
TaskSpace is a cloud-based project management and task tracking application designed for teams. It provides a variety of tools for organizing, prioritizing, and managing projects, tasks, and teams including:Task lists with statuses, assignments, due dates, priorities, tags, comments, attachmentsKanban boards for visual task flowTime tracking of tasks and projectsCalendar views...
FenrirFS
FenrirFS is an open-source file system developed by researchers at North Carolina State University. It is designed to provide high performance for data-intensive workloads by optimizing for storage devices like SSDs and NVMe drives.Some key features of FenrirFS include:Compression and deduplication to reduce storage usageSupport for snapshots and clonesLow latency...
ZTreeWin
ZTreeWin is a versatile software designed specifically for conducting economic experiments. Developed by researchers at the University of Zurich, it has become one of the most widely used tools for experimental economics and related fields.Some key features of ZTreeWin include:Intuitive graphical user interface for programming experiments with different stages, parameters,...
Unreal Commander
Unreal Commander is an open source, tabbed dual-panel file manager for Windows. It provides an efficient way to manage your files and folders with a lightweight and fast interface.Some key features of Unreal Commander include:Tabbed browsing that allows you to open multiple folders in tabsDual-panel layout to easily transfer files...
FileVoyager
FileVoyager is a file manager and file transfer application designed for Windows. It provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface to browse, search, transfer, share and manage files across local drives, network locations, external devices, FTP sites and cloud storage services.Key features include:Dual pane interface to easily move files between different...
Polo File Manager
Polo File Manager is a free, open-source file manager for Windows, Linux, and macOS operating systems. It provides an intuitive graphical interface for browsing files and folders on your computer, network drives, and cloud storage services.Some of the key features of Polo File Manager include:Dual pane view for easy file...
TreePie
TreePie is mind mapping and brainstorming software designed to help users organize ideas and information visually. As the name suggests, it uses a tree diagram interface that allows you to create a central topic or idea (the tree trunk) and then build out branches and sub-branches of related concepts.Some key...
Moroshka
Moroshka is a free, open-source note taking and organization app available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. It provides a simple yet powerful way for users to take notes, organize them into notebooks, add tags to notes for easy searching and filtering, format text using Markdown syntax, attach files...
Universal Explorer
Universal Explorer is a feature-rich file manager and web browser program for Windows. It combines the functionality of a file/folder manager, FTP client, media player, image viewer, and web browser into one convenient application.Key features include:Tabbed browsing for managing multiple locations, including local/network folders, FTP sites, and websitesMedia playback capabilities...
A43
A43 is a lightweight yet powerful file compression software for Windows. It allows you to compress a wide variety of file types including documents, media files, executables and more to save disk space or reduce transfer times. What sets A43 apart from other compression tools is its use of advanced...
FastCommander
FastCommander is a free, open-source, dual-pane file manager for Windows that can serve as an alternative to the popular shareware program Total Commander. It offers similar core functionality, including:Dual-pane interface for easy file transfers and folder comparisonsTabbed browsing for working with multiple foldersBuilt-in FTP client for managing files on remote...
NexusFile
NexusFile is a cloud-based file hosting service that focuses on file sharing, synchronization, and collaboration. It allows users to store files online, share them with others, and keep them synchronized across multiple devices.Some key features of NexusFile include:Cloud storage - Store files securely in the cloud and access them from...
Saladin
Saladin is a free, open-source vector graphics editor that can be used as an alternative to commercial software like Adobe Illustrator. It has an intuitive user interface that is easy to navigate, making it ideal for designers, illustrators, and graphic artists.Some key features of Saladin include:Tools for creating and editing...
WinExt Free
WinExt Free is a free system enhancement utility for Windows that provides users with extra features and customization options to improve their experience. It serves as an all-in-one toolkit that enables tweaking, optimizing, personalizing and enhancing various aspects of the Windows operating system.Some of the key features of WinExt Free...
Elokab file manager
Elokab file manager is an open-source graphical file manager application for Linux operating systems. It provides an easy way to browse files and folders, move/copy files, create new folders, delete files and folders, rename files and folders, search for files, and more through an intuitive graphical user interface.Some key features...
SE-Explorer
SE-Explorer is a comprehensive search engine optimization software that provides a range of features to help optimize websites and track their visibility in search engines like Google.Key features include:Keyword research tools to find low competition, high traffic keywords.Ability to analyze websites to identify SEO issues and areas for improvement.Backlink analysis...
Fyctory
Fyctory is an open-source, browser-based diagramming and wireframing application for creating various types of diagrams like flowcharts, mind maps, site maps, and more. It has an easy-to-use drag and drop interface that allows users to quickly add shapes and connectors to their diagrams.Some key features of Fyctory include:Intuitive workflow to...
Risingware File Manager
Risingware File Manager is an open-source, cross-platform file manager and web browser. It is designed to be an all-in-one tool for managing files and browsing the web.Some of the key features of Risingware File Manager include:Tabbed file browsing for opening multiple foldersBookmarks for quick folder accessArchive creation and extraction (zip,...
Dopus5
Dopus5 is a powerful, flexible file manager and graphical shell replacement for Windows. Originally released in the 1990s, it has been continuously developed with regular updates adding new features.It provides extensive customization options, allowing users to tweak the interface and functionality to their needs. Some key features include:Dual panel interface...
4pane
4pane is an open-source tiling window manager for Linux operating systems. It automatically arranges open application windows in a grid-like layout, dividing the screen space into resizable frames or panes.This allows for an efficient use of screen real estate as window contents can occupy the entire pane space, eliminating the...
Mywe File manager
Mywe File Manager is a versatile, multi-platform file management application. It provides an intuitive graphical user interface to manage your files and folders across Windows, Linux, and macOS operating systems.Some key capabilities and benefits of Mywe File Manager include:Tabbed browsing for easily accessing multiple foldersThumbnail previews for images, videos, PDFs,...
Beesoft Commander
Beesoft Commander is a powerful file manager for Windows that offers advanced features while remaining lightweight and easy to use. Some key capabilities include:Dual-pane interface for convenient file transfers and directory comparisonTabs for accessing multiple folders in one windowBookmarks and navigation history for quick folder accessArchive support for creating and...
Disk Space Fan Pro
Disk Space Fan Pro is a powerful disk space analyzer and duplicate file finder for Windows. It provides a visual map of disk usage to easily identify large files and folders that are taking up the most space.Key features include:Intuitive tree-map interface that visually displays folder sizes and makes it...
Snowbird
Snowbird is a privacy-focused web browser launched in 2021. It is built on Chromium and competes with other privacy browsers like Brave and Firefox. Some key features of Snowbird include:Built-in ad blocking and tracker blocking to prevent websites from following users across the webA free built-in VPN that encrypts browsing...
Xfolders
Xfolders is a file manager and organizer software for Windows designed to enhance the default Windows File Explorer. Some of the key features of Xfolders include:Tabbed browsing for easily accessing multiple folders and locationsBookmarks panel to save shortcuts to frequently used files and foldersAdvanced search with filters for easily finding...
STDU Explorer
STDU Explorer is a free, open-source file manager for Windows that emphasizes usability and productivity. Developed as an alternative to Windows Explorer, STDU Explorer provides extensive file management capabilities, innovative features, and customization options.Key features of STDU Explorer include:Tabbed interface for browsing multiple foldersBookmarks and navigation history for quick folder...
DOS Navigator OSP
DOS Navigator OSP is an open-source, free file manager and program launcher designed for MS-DOS. It aims to provide a simple yet powerful graphical user interface to make working with DOS easier and more intuitive.As a file manager, DOS Navigator OSP allows users to browse drives and directories visually, view...
System Navigator
System Navigator is a system optimization and cleaning app designed specifically for Windows PCs. It helps keep your computer running smoothly by cleaning up unnecessary files, fixing registry errors, optimizing system settings, freeing up disk space, and monitoring key system resources.Key features include:Junk File Cleaner - Finds and removes unneeded...
ShellLess Explorer
ShellLess Explorer is a free, open source file manager for Windows that offers core file browsing and management capabilities without the overhead of the Windows Explorer shell. It provides a simplified, lightweight interface focused on key tasks like navigating folders, copying/moving files, creating new folders, searching, and viewing file properties.Key...