lf
About lf
lf is a terminal-based file manager written in Go, inspired by the ranger file manager. It is designed for efficient file management directly within the terminal environment. The tool is lightweight, fast, and suitable for users who prefer command-line interfaces.
lf operates as a single binary without runtime dependencies, making it easy to deploy and use across different platforms. It supports asynchronous IO operations to prevent UI locking and offers a server/client architecture for managing multiple instances.
The file manager is highly customizable, allowing users to configure keybindings, extend functionality with shell commands, and integrate with other tools. It focuses on core file management tasks while relying on external tools for operations like paging, editing, and file manipulation.
Key features
- Cross-platform support for Linux, macOS, BSDs, and Windows
- Single binary with no runtime dependencies
- Fast startup and low memory footprint
- Asynchronous IO operations to avoid UI locking
- Server/client architecture for managing multiple instances
- Extendable and configurable with shell commands
- Customizable keybindings with vi and readline defaults
Download r41
Feb 4, 2026WindowsWindows
LinuxLinux
AndroidAndroid
Frequently asked questions
- Is lf free?
- Yes. lf is free and open-source software, distributed under the MIT license.
- Which platforms does lf support?
- lf provides downloads for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android.
- What is the latest version of lf?
- The latest version is r41, released on Feb 4, 2026.
- What platforms does lf support?
- lf supports Linux, macOS, BSDs, and Windows.
- How is lf installed?
- lf can be installed via pre-built binaries from releases or built from source using Go. Community-maintained packages are also available.
- How do I start using lf?
- After installation, run the 'lf' command in the terminal to start the application in the current directory. Use 'lf -help' to see command line options.
- Is lf customizable?
- Yes, lf is highly customizable with configurable keybindings, shell commands for extension, and integration options with other tools.
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