9 Best File Management Tools for Mac

Properly organizing your computer files is like keeping your room tidy. Just as things can get cluttered if you don't put them in order, digital resources can become a jumble of papers, photos, and apps over time. There are special tools to help you work more efficiently and keep your Mac computer organized. Think of these tools as helpers that make everything easier. They help you find content quickly, make sure files are the same on all devices, and put content in the right place.

In this article, we'll cover 9 useful tools that really help your Mac. Each tool has its own great features. Because it's easy to use and has a really good search function. Whether you're an artist, a student, or just someone who likes to keep your computer organized, these tools have the magic power to make your Mac life easier and smoother.

Top 9 List of the Best File Managers for Mac

ForkLift 3
Commander One
Nimble Commander
Total Finder
Path Finder
CRAX Commander
Xtra Finder
Dropover
Transmit 5

1. ForkLift 3

ForkLift is an excellent file manager that can be used on Mac. It features a dual-pane interface and functions as both a file manager and a file transfer client for macOS. The app offers many features, including the ability to connect to various services such as SFTP, FTP, WebDAV, Amazon S3, Backblaze B2, Google Drive, Rackspace CloudFiles, SMB, AFP, and NFS.

One of this application's most attractive aspects is the menu bar's functionality. It enables you to mount previously saved remote connections as hard drives. Using the drag-and-drop function, you can conveniently upload files to a remote server directly from Finder. Even if the Forklift is not actively running, you can still run saved Synclet for added convenience.

Key Features

Dual-pane Interface
File Manager
File Transfer Client
Remote Connections (SFTP, FTP, WebDAV, Amazon S3, Backblaze B2, Google Drive, etc.)
Mount Remote Connections as Hard Drives
Drag-and-Drop File Upload
Synclet (Saved Synchronization)
ForkLift Mini
Dark Mode
Multi Rename
Quick Open
Preview
Sync Dual Pane
Favorite Sync
Dropbox Support
Transfers
Tags
Disklet
Sync Browsing
Tabs
Search
Quick Select
App Deleter
Remote Editing
Archive Management
Keyboard Control
Multilingual Support
Workspaces
FXP Copy
Tools
Git Support
Open in Terminal
Hidden Files Support
Share Functionality
Default File Viewer
File Compare

ForkLift 3 Pro Pack Purchase

Single-user License - You can now purchase the single-user license at $19.95 for personal use on your Mac. This one-pack license includes free updates for one year with potential local tax implications.

Family License - The Family license costs $29.95, comes with a one (1) year warranty with free updates, and can be installed on any user account on any Mac in your home using any user account.

Small Business License - For individuals opting for a Small Business License, the pack is priced at $69.95 and allows installation on up to 5 Macs. This package includes a 1-year warranty of free updates for added value.

Pros

The dual pane layout improves file management efficiency by allowing easy drag and drop between different folders.
ForkLift Works as both a file manager and transfer client, and supports multiple protocols such as SFT, WebDAV, cloud services, and network shares.
The ability to connect to various services like SFTP, Google Drive, Amazon S3, Backblaze B2, Google Drive, Rackspace CloudFiles, SMB, AFP, and NFS increases versatility for managing files across platforms.
The feature in the menu bar allows users to mount remote connections as hard drives
Easy Drag-and-Drop Uploading makes file transfer smoother
Saved sync lets can be run even when Forklift is not active, improving user experience
ForkLift provides an extensive range of features, including remote editing, archive management, Git support, and more.
Pricing is available for users, including single users, families, and those seeking a small business license.
All licensing options come with free one-year upgrades, allowing users to enjoy the latest features and enhancements at no additional cost.

Cons

The wide range of features can create a learning curve for new users who are not yet familiar with all the features.
Full access to ForkLift's functionality requires a purchase, which can be a disadvantage for users looking for a free alternative.
To continue receiving updates and support after the first year, users must purchase license renewals
Local taxes should be considered, especially for single-user licensing.
The Small Business license allows you to install up to 5 Macs, which may not be enough for larger companies with larger infrastructures.
The app does not refer to any technical support that may cause problems for users who need help or troubleshooting.
While a small business license may be affordable for some businesses, the $69.95 price may be considered a bit high for some small businesses or startups with limited budgets.

2. Commander One

Commander One is a well-designed software and the best file manager for managing files on Mac. The app makes managing files efficient and easy with its dual-pane interface, allowing you to work with two different folders or directories within the same app. Commander One offers exciting features such as sorting options, an easy toggle to show hidden files and useful keyboard shortcuts for easy navigation.

In addition, the app has a unified search function that not only supports Regex but also allows users to delve into file contents and utilizes the speed of spotlight search. These three search functions allow you to seamlessly and quickly find files, information, and resources in your Mac system.

Key Features

2 Panels with 3 view modes and unlimited tabs
Multiple Selection
File operations Queue.
Renaming files during copy and move operations.
Set up custom hotkeys for any action
Work with Local and network drives.
Customizable fonts & colors
Spotlight search
Show hidden files
Advanced search with regular expressions
ZIP archives support compressing, extracting, and full access
Network Computers
Root Access
Preview multiple types of files including binary and hex
Work with .ipa, .apk, jar, .ear, and .war files as regular folders.
Support for Finder Extensions.
RAR Support with extracting, full access, and search.
TarGz with compressing, extracting, searching, and full access
Mount iOS devices.
Mount Android devices.
Mount MTP devices.
Process viewer.
Mount Dropbox account as drive.
Share Dropbox Links.
Dropbox Business support.
Terminal Emulator.
FTP Client.
Amazon S3
Google Drive Integration.
WebDav protocol support
OneDrive Business support.
Backblaze B2.
Opentack Swift.
Box Support., Support for encryption on online connections

Commander One Pro Pack Purchase

Personal License (for 1 Mac) - The Commander One Pro package for a single user is priced at $29.99.
Team (for 5 Macs) - This package covers 5 Mac computers with a single license priced at $99.99.

Pros

The dual-penny interface enables efficient multitasking, allowing users to work with two different folders side by side.
Commander One streamlines your file management tasks and makes them easy to do.
The software offers a variety of sorting options so you can better organize your files.
You can manage your system files more effectively by quickly toggling the visibility of hidden files.
The use of keyboard shortcuts makes navigation and actions faster
The integrated search function supports searching Regex and file content, making it easy and fast to retrieve files.
Enqueuing file operations allows users to organize their tasks.
Personalized hotkeys can be set for different actions, improving workflow efficiency
Commander One works with local, network drives, iOS, Android, and cloud storage services.
The software supports ZIP, RAR, and TarGz archives, providing full access and search capabilities.
Easily connect iOS, Android, and MTP devices for seamless data access.
Integration with Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and more enhances cloud file management.
Compatibility with Finder extensions expands the functionality.

Cons

The wide range of features can take a long time to learn for new users.
Due to the extensive functionality, the user interface can be confusing for some users.
Rich features require a lot of system resources and can impact performance on low-end Macs
Extensive features might require significant system resources, affecting performance on lower-end Macs.
Compatibility issues may occur due to macOS updates and cloud service changes.
Users looking for a basic file manager may find Commander One overwhelming
Casual users may find the user interface too complex for basic file management needs.

3. Nimble Commander

Nimble Commander is a traditional file manager packed with extensive features. The software is designed to run smoothly on various Mac systems and to provide users with an effective performance. The features that come with Nible Commander go beyond what you are to expect from this file management software. The app has a custom search and a Spotlight integration that makes finding information and navigation through the app a breeze. Additionally, it includes a viewer to display content in text or hexadecimal format. This app is definitely an excellent choice for those looking for the ultimate file manager to effectively manage your Mac system.

Key Features

Classic tabbed dual-pane interface with different presentation modes: traditional UI and monospaced text-based variant
Full keyboard access with the fastest way to handle file management tasks
Nearly instantaneous launch, small memory footprint, and blazing-fast operation
Configurable keyboard shortcuts
Background operations processing
Font and color customization
Different file panel viewing modes: short, medium, full, and wide
Instant file searching and filtering by typing
File editing in editors of your choice, based on file extensions
File search by name, size, or content
QuickLook supports Advanced Features Built-in file attributes editor and a file viewer with textual/hexadecimal presentation
Showing file search results as a file panel
Lightweight search with Spotlight
Browsing archives (zip, tar, bz2, gz, pax, cpio, lha, ar, cab, mtree, iso, warc, rar) like folders
Archives building
Extended attributes modification
Powerful batch renaming
External tools integration
Ability to connect to remote FTP, SFTP, and WebDAV servers, Dropbox service
System and volume information, showing processes list as a folder
Checksum calculation

Advanced Features

Built-in file attributes editor and file viewer with textual/hexadecimal presentation
Showing file search results as a file panel
Lightweight search with Spotlight
Browsing archives (zip, tar, bz2, gz, pax, cpio, lha, ar, cab, mtree, iso, warc, rar) like folders
Archives building
Extended attributes modification
Powerful batch renaming
External tools integration
Ability to connect to remote FTP, SFTP, and WebDAV servers, Dropbox service
System and volume information, showing processes list as a folder
Checksum calculation

Nimble Commander Pro Pack Purchase

Single-User Licence - The Nimble Commander single-user license is priced at $29.99. This license offers you full access to the functionality of Nimble Commander.

Pros

It is specially designed to run smoothly on various Mac systems, ensuring compatibility and optimization.
The software objective is to offer users efficient and seamless performance in managing their files.
The inclusion of a custom search feature allows users to quickly find information within the app.
File Viewer can display content in both text and hexadecimal formats to suit different needs.
Full keyboard access allows you to perform file management tasks quickly and efficiently.
The software's powerful batch renaming and integration with external tools improve file organization and manipulation.
Users can configure keyboard shortcuts, customize fonts and colors, and tune the software to their liking.
Including a checksum calculation helps maintain file integrity and security.
The software supports connecting to remote FTP, SFTP, WebDAV servers, and Dropbox to improve usability.
A powerful batch renaming tool is included so you can easily manage large numbers of files with consistent naming.

Cons

Access to the Nimble Commander Pro Pack requires a purchase price of $29.99, which may turn off cost-conscious users
With its extensive feature set, new users might need some time to learn and master all the functionalities.
While the ability to treat archives like folders is convenient, users who are involved in extensive archive management may prefer dedicated archive management tools.
Nimble Commander supports remote connections, but may not offer the same functionality as dedicated FTP/SFTP/WebDAV clients.
Pro Pack purchases are restricted to single-user licenses, which may limit use in a multi-user environment.

4. TotalFinder

TotalFinder is a powerful plugin designed to enhance the functionality of the native macOS Finder, rather than replacing it entirely. It introduces a range of features to improve file management on Mac.TotalFinder provides a "Show System Files" option, that gives users access to normally hidden files, which help gives you more control over your operating system. The dual mode feature provides a dual pane view to copy files and organize files more efficiently. Additionally, TotalFinder brings back the popular Colored Labels feature that allows users to visually categorize and prioritize their files. Other file Managers offer similar features, but TotalFinder stands out for its seamless integration into the macOS environment ensuring a familiar and intuitive. which guarantees a comfortable and simple user experience.

Key Features

Keyboard Shortcuts
Remapping keyboard shortcuts
Preferences
Toggle Dual Mode
Dual Mode:
Freelance Windows
Visor
Colored Labels like in the old times™
Colored Labels in Icon View
Colored Labels in List View
Colored Labels in Column View
Colored Labels on Desktop
Folders on Top
Content Menu
Show CutPaste buttons in Context Menus
Tweaks

TotalFinder Pro Pack Purchase

Total Finder Pack Pro is priced at $12.00 but does not include information on the maximum number of users that can use the license key.

Pros

Efficient keyboard shortcuts to quickly perform tasks without using a mouse.
Customize keyboard shortcuts to suit your preferences and workflow.
Customize keyboard shortcuts to suit your preferences and workflow.
A feature that enhances multitasking by allowing you to have two active windows side by side.
Improved window management for better organization and control.
A handy tool that provides quick access to information or functions without leaving your current task.
A nostalgic touch where you can assign colors to labels for better organization.
Apply colored labels to items in Icon View for visual categorization.
Assign colored labels to items in List View to easily identify and sort them.
Utilize colored labels in Column View for a structured and visually appealing display.
Bring the organizational benefits of colored labels to your desktop environment.
Arrange your files with folders displayed at the top for smoother navigation.
A contextual menu offering relevant actions based on the selected item.
Conveniently access Cut and Paste actions directly from context menus.
Fine-tune various settings to suit your specific preferences and needs.

Cons

To purchase the Pro Pack, you must purchase it at the price of $12.00. This cost may make users opt for free alternatives or hesitate to spend money on the software.
The app doesn't specify the maximum number of users that can use the license key. This lack of clarity can be a problem for users who want to know if the software can be used on multiple devices or if one license can be used by multiple users.
TotalFinder aims for seamless integration, but some users may find it difficult to get used to the new features and functionality of the plugin.
TotalFinder enhances the existing macOS Finder but doesn't replace it entirely. This means that users might need to navigate between the enhanced features of TotalFinder and the standard features of the native Finder, which could potentially lead to confusion or inefficiency in the workflow.

5. Path Finder

In our collection, is another impressive file manager by Cocoatech, known as Path Finder. With this application, you can effectively monitor all your files. It also offers a range of powerful features, such as Dropbox integration that allows you to synchronize and gain full access to your account from anywhere. Thanks to the folder sync feature, which enables users in keeping their files up to date across different devices. Plus, with the easy-to-use, one-click, dual-pane copy feature you can easily copy files between different locations. In addition, the app's Drop Stack feature provides a convenient way to collect files during batch operations making it a great choice for users to effectively manage files on their system.

Key Features

Dual Pane View
Drop Stack
Modules Everywhere
Cloud Files Uploader
Manage iOS Device
Size Browser
Command Line Tools
Archives
Integrated Terminal
ACL Editor
Hex Editor
Batch Renaming
Application Launcher
Editable Path Navigator
Dropbox integration
Native support for Apple Silicon
Redesigned for Ventura
Folder Sync
Browse your iPhone
One-Click Dual Pane Copy
Secure Delete
Smart Sorting
Advanced Selection

Path Finder Pro Pack Purchase

Path Finder's subscription plans offer a number of different packages tailored to your specific needs. Here's an overview of these options.

Yearly Plan - This yearly subscription plan covers a complete year, which can be opted for at any time. The plan is priced at $29.95 and provides users with uninterrupted access and benefits throughout the entire year.

Monthly Plan - The Monthly Subscription offers convenient access at an affordable rate of just $2.95 per month. With the freedom to cancel at any time.

Half-Yearly Plan - The half-year Subscription costs $16.50 for a 6-month period. This option allows subscribers to enjoy enhanced benefits while maintaining users' freedom to cancel at any time.

License Plan - The 1-year License offers a comprehensive package for users, available at a cost of $32.95 per year. With the convenience of an easy one-time payment, this license provides uninterrupted access and benefits throughout the entire year. This option is designed for those who want more time to fully explore and utilize the service. By opting for the 1-year License, you can enjoy a seamless experience without the need for recurring payments, making it a hassle-free and cost-effective option.

Pros

Path Finder allows you to monitor all your files
The application seamlessly integrates with Dropbox, allowing you to sync and fully access your accounts from anywhere.
The Folder Sync feature allows users to keep their files up to date across different devices.
The dual-pane view simplifies file operations by allowing users to easily copy and move files between different locations.
The drop stack feature streamlines stack operations by providing a convenient way to collect files.
The application offers various modules and tools including cloud file uploader, iOS device manager, size browser, command line tool, archive, embedded terminal, ACL editor, hex editor, batch renamer, and more.
It includes an application launcher for quick access to frequently used apps.
The app has been optimized for Apple Silicon and will perform better on newer Mac hardware.
Path Finder offers intelligent sorting and advanced selection options to improve file management efficiency.
Secure delete and other security features improve users' privacy

Cons

Some users might find the pricing plans relatively high compared to other file manager options.
The app primarily offers subscription-based plans, which might not be preferred by users who prefer one-time purchases.
With a wide range of features and modules, the learning curve for new users can be steep.
Features such as Dropbox integration may have limited functionality if there are issues with the cloud service or if the user does not want to use cloud storage.
It offers iOS device management, but users may find dedicated tools better suited for this purpose.
Canceling a subscription might involve dealing with customer support or navigating through account settings, which could be a hassle.

6. CRAX Commander

CRAX Commander stands out as a versatile file manager designed for macOS. It features a dual-pane interface that enables users to efficiently carry out various tasks, activities, and procedures within the app. The software comes with built-in support for SVN, FTP, and SSH protocols, enhancing remote file management capabilities. However, CRAX Commander offers a customizable view, allowing you to tailor the interface by toggling panels, sidebars, and the menu bar according to your preferences. The Editable Path Navigator ensures quick navigation within file systems, and Remote file Viewing & editing capabilities enable seamless interaction with files on remote servers. This rich feature set makes CRAX Commander a robust solution for users seeking a powerful and customizable file management experience on macOS.

Key Features

Dual-pane Browser
Tabs & Bookmarks
Definition of keyboard shortcuts
Customizable view (show/hide: panels, sidebar, menubar)
Definition of external tools
Customizable toolbar
Files & folders coloring based on extension and attributes
Advanced searching for files and folders
Advanced table data filtering
Advanced archives handling
Built-in support for SVN
Built-in editor with syntax highlighting
Background file transfer using configurable queue
Editable Path Navigator
Connect to FTP, SFTP, SMB, AFP
Multi-rename files
Folder Merging
Calculate File Checksums (MD5, SHA)
Split and Combine
Compare files and folders by content
Remote files view & edit

CRAX Commander Price

The price of the CRAX Commander is $25.99.

Pros

Dual-pane interface for efficient multitasking.
Built-in support for SVN, FTP, and SSH protocols.
Customizable view with toggling panels and more.
Editable Path Navigator for quick navigation.
The rich feature set, including advanced searching and archives handling.
Built-in editor with syntax highlighting.
Background file transfer for improved efficiency.
Seamless remote file viewing and editing.
Offers various advanced functions like file comparison and splitting.

Cons

The relatively high price of $25.99.
Learning curve due to extensive features.
Limited to macOS platform.
Remote file management depends on external protocols.
Excessive for primary users.
Potential system requirements.
Interface complexity for some users.
Lack of mobile version.
Irregular updates might affect support.
Some features might be unused by specific users.

7. Xtra Finder

Xtra Finder is another excellent tool for efficiently managing your files on Mac. This software is designed to be compatible with macOS Ventura, both Intel and Apple Silicon architectures. The app comes packed with a diverse range of features. It introduces tabs and a dual-panel interface, along with quick commands that enable swift access to perform various actions on your system. Furthermore, the tool offers the capability to adjust column widths for added convenience.

Key Features

Tabbed and Dual Panel file management
Copy Path, Attributes, Contents, Workspace, New Terminal Here, New File, Copy to, Move to, Compress / Expand to, Delete permanently, Hide Desktop, etc.
Press Command + X to cut, and press Command + P to paste.
Natural cut-and-paste experience.
Copy and move files one by one, regardless of how many times you press the Copy/Cut/Paste shortcut without waiting for previous operations to complete.
Keep folders above files.
Applicable for all sorting types.
Automatically adjust the column width to display complete file names of all files without manual adjustment.
Pretty label drawing like Legacy Finder. Full row label.
Custom coloring.
Colorful icons in the Sidebar.
Transparent window.
Press Enter or Return to open selection.
Middle-click to open a folder in a new window or new tab.
Shift-Select in Icons View.
Display the folder's item count in List view.
Display the size of selected items in the Status Bar

Xtra Finder Price

The price of purchasing a license for XtraFinder is $4.99.

Pros

Tabbed and dual-panel interface streamline file management tasks.
Offers quick actions like copy, move, compress, and delete, enhancing productivity.
Keeps folders above files for consistent hierarchy viewing.
Adjusts columns for complete name visibility without manual effort.
Offers shortcuts for quicker file access and folder opening.
Displays item counts and selected items' sizes for better insights.
Reasonably priced at $4.99 for added functionalities.

Cons

Requires payment despite macOS's native file management.
It may take time to adapt to new interfaces and shortcuts.
Dependence on a developer for updates and support.
Some users may prefer native Finder's simplicity.
Unnecessary functionalities for some user's needs.
Could impact system performance, especially on older Macs.

8. Dropover

Dropover is a helpful tool for Mac computers that simplifies moving things around. You don't need to open multiple windows to handle the items you want to drag and drop – Dropover handles that. It's like shaking and shifting things without any hassle. You can utilize it to store and arrange your files effortlessly. It's not limited to just moving items; you can accomplish much more with your files using Dropover. It's compatible with all sorts of items you want to move. You can even create distinct sections to arrange your files according to your preference. Dropover is an incredibly useful application that greatly facilitates file management on your Mac.

Key Features

Drop onto the notch
Custom Actions
Watched Folders.
Share extensions
Menubar
Dock Shelves
Keyboard Shortcuts
Recent shelves
Siri Shortcuts.
Clipboard support.
Quick Look
Adjust shake sensibility.
Services menu.
Ignore applications
Custom Scripts.
Dropover speaks 4 Languages.
Favorite actions.
Alfred extension.
Frequently updated

Dropover Price and Purchase

The app is available for free but offers the option to upgrade to Dropover Pro for $4.99 through in-app purchases.

Pros

Simplifies drag and drop on Mac.
Effortless file management and organization.
Versatile functionality for various tasks.
Compatibility with different file types.
Section creation for better organization.
Multilingual support (4 languages).
Customizable with shortcuts and actions.
Integration with Siri, clipboard, and Quick Look.
Regular updates with potential improvements.
The app offers a free version and an affordable Pro upgrade.

Cons

Limited to Mac platform.
Some advanced features require a Pro upgrade.
Limited functionality in the free version.
Exclusive to macOS, no Windows support.

9. Transmit5

Transmit 5 is the ultimate tool for managing files on your Mac. The app takes file management to the next level, making tasks incredibly easy and efficient. Thanks to its elegant user interface and seamless functionality, you can easily transfer files between your computer and various online storage services. Best of all, Transmit 5 is compatible with 11 other online storage services including Backblaze B2, Box, Google Drive, DreamObjects, Dropbox, Microsoft Azure, and Rackspace Cloud Files. But while everything is modern and sophisticated, it also knows how to handle old-school file-moving methods such as FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, and S3. So, if you want the best when it comes to handling all sorts of files, Transmit 5 is the way-to-go solution.

Key Features

Tags
2-Factor Login
Open in Terminal.
Improved remote URL Copy
Sort in Column View
Selectable file sync
NFC filename support
Amazon S3 API V4 support
Brand new UI. Extra-large Amazon S3 files
Copy and paste for files
NTLM & HTTP Digest authentication
Local-local sync
Remote-remote sync
Improved File Rule options.
New Places bar.
More text size options.
Improved file sync progress bar.
English, Chinese, French & German 5.1.
Amazon GovCloud S3 5.1
SFTP ProxyCommand 5.1
OpenStack Swift 5.1, YubikKey support 5.1
Krypton support 5.1

Price

The price for purchasing Transmit 5 is $45 plus tax each.

Pros

Efficient file management.
User-friendly interface.
Seamless integration with various online storage services.
Versatile file transfer methods.
Key features like tags, 2-factor login, and terminal access.
Local and remote file synchronization options.
Multilingual support.
Strong security features.

Cons

Relatively high price ($45 plus tax).
Limited to Mac users.
It's a learning curve for some advanced features.
Dependency on online storage service availability.
Extensive features might overwhelm casual users.
A potential future transition to a subscription model.

Conclusion

In summary, the mentioned file management tools provide users with access to a diverse selection of high-quality file management applications for Mac. These applications offer simplified and effective choices to manage, organize, and access files within the app. The extensive range of tools caters to users' preferences and needs, offering features that span from the seamless functionality of ForkLift 3 to the advanced capabilities found in Commander One and Nimble Commander.

Additionally, these apps facilitate cloud synchronization with services like Dropbox and Google Drive, along with flexible file compression using BetterZip.

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