trolCommander — A Fork of muCommander with a Classic Touch
trolCommander is a cross-platform, dual-pane file manager that started life as a fork of muCommander. The idea was simple: keep the lightweight feel but add fixes and improvements that the original project wasn’t shipping fast enough. It runs on Java, so it works on Windows, macOS, and Linux alike.
What using it feels like
If you’ve ever used a Commander-style manager, you’ll recognize the layout right away: two panels, shortcut keys, quick copy/move, and archive handling. It doesn’t overload the user with features — instead it tries to be predictable and familiar. Some describe it as “just enough tool” when Explorer feels clumsy but Total Commander is overkill.
Because it’s Java-based, it looks and behaves the same on every OS. That consistency appeals to admins who bounce between machines.
Quick reference
| Feature | Detail |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux (Java-based) |
| Layout | Dual-pane, Commander-style |
| Core features | Copy/move, rename, ZIP/TAR/GZ support, bookmarks |
| Networking | FTP, SFTP, SMB |
| Extensibility | Basic plugin system |
| License | Open source (GPL) |
Why people use it
– Lightweight compared to heavy commercial managers.
– Same look and feel across different operating systems.
– Handles archives and remote connections out of the box.
– Keyboard shortcuts make navigation quicker than Explorer.
Real-world cases
– A sysadmin uses it to move configs between Linux servers over SFTP without opening a separate client.
– A developer works with source archives, unpacking and repackaging them directly from the interface.
– A user who switches between macOS and Windows likes not having to adapt to different layouts.
Trade-offs
– Java dependency means startup can feel slower than native apps.
– Not as feature-rich or customizable as Total Commander or Directory Opus.
– Plugin ecosystem is limited compared to some rivals.
Comparison with alternatives
| Tool | Strength | When it fits |
| trolCommander | Cross-platform, simple, open | Users needing the same UI everywhere |
| muCommander | The original fork, lightweight | Minimalists who want barebones Java manager |
| Double Commander | Feature-rich, open source | Linux users or those who want a native app |
| Total Commander | Mature, packed with options | Windows users who want every feature |
| XYplorer Free | Tabs, scripting, portable | Windows-only users wanting extras |
Minimal checklist
□ Install Java if it’s not already present.
□ Download trolCommander binaries for your OS.
□ Configure bookmarks for frequent folders or servers.
□ Learn the main shortcuts for copy, move, and search.
□ Use it for archives or remote connections when Explorer falls short.