RTFM
RTFM is a free terminal file manager written in pure Ruby for Linux and macOS.
What RTFM is
RTFM is a free terminal file manager written in pure Ruby for Linux and macOS. Its dual-pane interface supports file operations including delete, move, rename, copy, symlink creation, and changes to permissions or ownership, with undo available for these actions. The preview options include syntax highlighting, inline images, video thumbnails, and views of archives and documents. RTFM can browse remote directories over SSH/SFTP, open remote shells, and transfer files. Listed integrations include Git status, fzf fuzzy search, Navi command cheatsheets, and OpenAI. The OpenAI integration can describe files and directories and provide interactive chat using an API key configured by the user. File contents are sent to OpenAI when the user invokes analysis; the README says nothing is sent unless the user presses I or Ctrl-a. API usage costs extra, with a stated typical cost of $0.001–0.01 per request using gpt-4o-mini. A Ruby plugin manager enables or disables plugins without restarting. RTFM requires Ruby 2.7 or later plus the rcurses and termpix gems. The project recommends RubyGems installation and provides setup instructions for Ubuntu/Debian, Arch Linux, and macOS.
Good
- Dual-pane interface with undo for file operations.
- Previews include images, video thumbnails, and documents.
- Supports remote browsing and transfers over SSH/SFTP.
- Plugins can be enabled or disabled without restarting.
- Free software under the Unlicense.
Watch out
- Requires Ruby 2.7 or later and two gems.
- OpenAI API calls cost extra.
- File analysis sends contents to OpenAI when invoked.
Who it suits
RTFM suits Linux and macOS power users who want a terminal-based file manager with SSH/SFTP workflows, undo, and previews. Its OpenAI features are optional and require a user-configured API key.
Verdict
RTFM combines terminal file management with remote access, previews, and extensibility. Users considering its AI features should note the extra API cost and that invoked analysis sends file contents to OpenAI.
Plans and prices
From RTFM's own pricing page, checked 3 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | Unlicense public domain software · OpenAI API calls cost extra |
The facts
Each one read from RTFM's own pages, with the date it was checked.
Money
- AI cost
- OpenAI API calls cost money; the README estimates typically $0.001–0.01 per request with gpt-4o-mini.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 21 Sep 2026
What it does
- AI features
- OpenAI integration provides file and directory descriptions and an interactive chat assistant.checked 3 Oct 2026
- AI integration
- Its OpenAI integration provides file descriptions and interactive chat using an API key configured by the user.checked 2 Oct 2026
- AI privacy
- The README says file contents are sent to OpenAI when the user invokes file analysis, and no data is sent unless the user presses the analysis or chat command.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Archive support
- Yeschecked 21 Sep 2026
- Dual-pane layout
- Yeschecked 21 Sep 2026
- Extensibility
- RTFM has a Ruby plugin system with a built-in manager that can enable or disable plugins live without restarting.checked 3 Oct 2026
- File operations
- It supports bulk file operations, pattern-based bulk rename, optional trash with restore, and undo for common operations.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Installation
- The README recommends installation with RubyGems and provides full-installation instructions for Ubuntu/Debian, Arch Linux, and macOS.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The project lists Git status, fzf fuzzy search, Navi command cheatsheets, and OpenAI among its integrations.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The README describes RTFM as suited to power users wanting SSH workflows, undo, AI integration, and a broad feature set.checked 3 Oct 2026
- License
- The repository identifies the license as Unlicense and describes the software as public domain.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Preview pane
- Yeschecked 21 Sep 2026
- Previews
- It offers syntax-highlighted previews, inline terminal images, video thumbnails, and archive and document previews.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Product
- RTFM is a feature-rich terminal file manager written in pure Ruby.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- RTFM is a feature-rich terminal file manager written in pure Ruby.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Remote access
- It supports browsing remote directories over SSH/SFTP, opening remote shells, and transferring files.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Remote file access
- Yeschecked 21 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Linux support
- Yeschecked 21 Sep 2026
- macOS support
- Yeschecked 21 Sep 2026
- Platforms
- The installation instructions list Ubuntu/Debian, Arch Linux derivatives, and macOS.checked 3 Oct 2026
The company
- Maker
- The repository names Geir Isene as author and links to his personal website.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Maker location
- Geir Isene's GitHub profile lists Oslo, Norway.checked 2 Oct 2026
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