How to Use Double Commander: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Learn how to use Double Commander with this step-by-step beginner’s guide. Set up, explore features, and start managing files like a pro.

How to Use Double Commander

If you’re looking for a fast, efficient, and free file manager, Double Commander is an excellent choice. With its dual-pane interface and powerful features, it helps users perform file operations with ease. In this guide, you’ll learn how to use Double Commander, from installation to performing basic tasks—perfect for beginners.

What Is Double Commander?

Double Commander is an open-source file manager inspired by Total Commander. It works on Windows, Linux, and macOS, and supports a wide range of features including tabbed browsing, file previews, and plugin support.

Installing Double Commander

Before learning how to use Double Commander, make sure you have it installed. You can download it from the official website or use your system’s package manager if you’re on Linux. Portable versions are also available for Windows.

Getting Started: Interface Overview

Once you open Double Commander, you’ll see two side-by-side panels. Each panel can browse independent directories, making it easier to move, copy, or compare files.

Key Areas:

  • Menu bar: Access features like configuration, file operations, and help.

  • Toolbar: Quick access to common actions like copy, move, and delete.

  • Panels: Navigate your files and folders.

  • Tabs: Open multiple folders in the same panel.

Performing Basic Tasks

1. Navigating Folders

Click or use the arrow keys to move through folders. Double-click to open them.

2. Copying and Moving Files
  • Select a file or folder.

  • Use the F5 key to copy or F6 to move between panels.

3. Renaming Files

Select a file and press Shift + F6 to rename it.

4. Creating and Extracting Archives

Right-click a file or folder, choose Pack to compress, or Extract to unpack archives.

5. Using Tabs

Use Ctrl + T to open a new tab and Ctrl + W to close it. Tabs can be saved and restored.

Customizing Your Workspace

You can change the appearance, keyboard shortcuts, and default tools from Configuration > Options. Tailor the interface to your workflow and language preferences.

Helpful Keyboard Shortcuts

ActionShortcut
Copy fileF5
Move fileF6
Delete fileF8
Rename fileShift+F6
Open new tabCtrl+T
Close current tabCtrl+W
Configuration windowAlt+P

Saving and Loading Directory Hotlists

If you regularly access the same folders, add them to the directory hotlist (Ctrl+D) for quick access.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to use Double Commander, you’re ready to start managing your files more efficiently. With its dual-pane interface, shortcut keys, and customizable tools, it’s perfect for anyone looking to improve their workflow without paying for a commercial solution.

Give it a try and see how much time you can save!

Download Double Commander
Descarga Double Commander de forma rápida y segura desde nuestra web oficial. Elige entre versiones para Windows, Linux o macOS. Nuestro gestor de archivos de doble panel está diseñado para ofrecer una experiencia potente, personalizable y eficiente para usuarios de todos los niveles.
Double Commander
Windows
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Linux
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MacOS
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Portable

Double Commander es un proyecto gratuito y de código abierto desarrollado activamente por la comunidad.
Para ver el código fuente, informar problemas o contribuir, visite el repositorio oficial de GitHub.