Nautilus
Default file manager of the GNOME desktop, also called Files
- #8 of 10 in best file managers
- Free and open source
- Free to use
- Open source
- Linux
Ranked 8 of 10 in best file managers
The default file manager of the GNOME desktop, simple and well integrated, with icon grid, list and tree views. It has no dual-panel mode and runs on Linux only.
Best for GNOME desktop users who want a simple default manager
About Nautilus
Nautilus is the default file manager on the GNOME desktop, and the GNOME project now names it Files. It handles the basic work of a file manager: it searches and manages files and folders, reads and writes data on removable media, and browses locations on the network. It offers three views, icon grid, icon list and tree list, and its functions can be extended with plugins and scripts.
Nautilus is a single-pane manager, so people who want two folders side by side need another app. Its simple layout suits users who want a plain file browser that matches the rest of GNOME. It runs on Linux only. The app is licensed under GPL-3.0-or-later, and users can install the latest version from Flathub.
Key features
- Icon grid, icon list and tree list views
- Local and network browsing
- Scripts and plugins
- Installs from Flathub
Strengths
- Default file manager of the GNOME desktop
- Plugins and scripts extend its functions
Limits
- Runs on Linux only
- Single-pane layout, unlike dual-panel managers
Where Nautilus ranks
How Nautilus compares
| Product | Score | Price | Platforms | Layout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
#6 Midnight Commander | 86.0 | Free and open source | LinuxmacOSCommand line | Dual-pane, text mode |
#7 Files | 84.5 | Free and open source | Windows | Single pane with tabs |
| #8Nautilus | 82.0 | Free and open source | Linux | Single pane |
#9 Nemo | 81.5 | Free and open source | Linux | Fork of GNOME Files |
#10 Q-Dir | 80.5 | Free | Windows | Up to four folder windows |
The full comparison table for best file managers has all 10 products.
Questions about Nautilus
- Is Nautilus free?
- Nautilus can be used without paying: Free and open source; install from Flathub. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.
- Is Nautilus open source?
- Yes. Nautilus publishes its source code under the GPL-3.0-or-later license.
- Which platforms does Nautilus support?
- Nautilus is available on: Linux.
- What is Nautilus best for?
- GNOME desktop users who want a simple default manager. In our ranking of file managers it is number 8 of 10 with a score of 82.0.
- What are the best alternatives to Nautilus?
- The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are Total Commander, Directory Opus, Double Commander, Dolphin.
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