Vifm is a simple terminal file manager that lets you manage your files and folders in Termux. It uses a two-pane layout to make file navigation easier and provides commands for copying, moving, renaming, deleting, and opening files. You can use it to organize and work with your files from the terminal.
Here’s what you can do with Vifm in Termux:
- Browse files and folders.
- Navigate through directories.
- Copy, move, rename, and delete files.
- Choose files and folders.
- Open files with a handler or editor.
- Use a two-pane file manager.
- Use custom plugins.
- Connect to a running Vifm server.
Install Vifm in Termux
You only need one simple command to install Vifm in Termux. Run the command below in the terminal to install it.
Update Termux packages.
pkg update && pkg upgrade -yInstall Vifm.
pkg install vifm -yVifm is now installed and ready to use.
Use Vifm in Termux
After installing Vifm, you can use different commands to open directories, manage files, select paths, and customize how the file manager starts.
Run Vifm.
vifmOpen a specific directory.
vifm ~/DownloadsOpen two directories in the two panes.
vifm ~/Downloads ~/DocumentsSelect a path instead of opening it.
vifm --select ~/DownloadsRun a command after Vifm starts.
vifm -c 'cd ~/Downloads'Show the help menu.
vifm -hDisplay the installed version.
vifm -vStart Vifm without loading configuration files.
vifm --no-configsChoose files and save the selected paths to a file.
vifm --choose-files selected.txtChoose files and print the selected paths in the terminal.
vifm --choose-files -Choose a directory and save the current location to a file.
vifm --choose-dir current-dir.txtChoose a directory and print its path in the terminal.
vifm --choose-dir -List active Vifm servers.
vifm --server-listSpecify a server name.
vifm --server-name myserverSend arguments to a running Vifm server.
vifm --remote ~/DownloadsEvaluate an expression on a running Vifm server.
vifm --remote-expr 'pwd'Basic File Management
Once Vifm is running, you can use keyboard shortcuts to navigate and manage your files.
Move up and down through files.
j
k
Enter a directory.
Enter
Go to the parent directory.
h
Open the selected file.
l
Copy a selected file.
yy
Paste a copied file.
p
Move a selected file.
dd
Delete a selected file.
dd
Create a new directory.
:mkdir dirname
Rename a file.
cw
Quit Vifm.
:q
You can use these commands and shortcuts to browse directories and manage your files in the Vifm interface.
End Note
Vifm is a simple and useful file manager for managing files and folders from the Termux terminal. It provides a clean two-pane interface that makes file management easier. You can use its commands and keyboard shortcuts to quickly browse and organize your files.

