Baobab as a Linux alternative to WinDirStat
Updated
Our verdict
Baobab can replace WinDirStat for most everyday users who need a quick visual overview of disk usage on a Linux system. It shows a treemap, lets you drill into folders, and displays file types and sizes. It is ideal for GNOME users or those who prefer a native GTK application. However, it lacks some of WinDirStat’s advanced features such as deleting or moving files directly from the interface and detailed file‑extension statistics. For power users who rely on those features, a more feature‑rich tool might be preferable.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 50.0
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both provide a treemap visualisation of disk usage
- Both allow navigation through a directory tree
- Both can scan entire partitions or specific folders
- Both display file types and sizes
- Both show free and used space
What is different
- Baobab does not offer direct file deletion or moving from the UI
- Baobab lacks the detailed file‑extension grouping statistics that WinDirStat provides
- Baobab does not support exporting data to a file format readable by WinDirStat
- Baobab’s interface is more GNOME‑centric and may not integrate with non‑GTK desktop environments
- Baobab’s scanning speed can be slower on very large drives compared to WinDirStat
Opening your WinDirStat files
Baobab does not read or write WinDirStat’s proprietary data files. Users cannot import WinDirStat reports directly into Baobab. If you need to share data between the two, export the WinDirStat data as a CSV or text file and manually compare it with Baobab’s output.
Switching from WinDirStat to Baobab, step by step
- Install Baobab via your distribution’s package manager (e.g., apt install baobab).
- Open Baobab and select the filesystem or folder you want to analyse.
- Use the treemap view to locate large files or directories.
- If you need to delete or move files, right‑click the item and use the file manager that opens.
- Export Baobab results to a CSV if you need a textual record (File → Export).
Key features of Baobab
- Treemap visualisation of disk usage
- Scan local and remote filesystems
- Shows free space and used space in a single view
- Provides a detailed file list on click
- Supports scanning of mounted volumes
- Can exclude directories from scans
- Displays file types and sizes
How to install Baobab on Linux
sudo apt install baobabsudo apt install baobabsudo dnf install baobabsudo pacman -S baobabsudo zypper install baobabFrequently asked questions
Can I delete files directly from Baobab?
No, Baobab does not provide a delete or move function. You must use a file manager to act on the items shown.
Does Baobab support scanning remote filesystems?
Yes, Baobab can scan mounted remote filesystems such as NFS or Samba shares, provided they are mounted on the system.
Will Baobab work on non‑GNOME desktops?
Baobab is a GTK application and runs on any desktop that supports GTK, but its appearance is best on GNOME. It will still function on other environments like KDE or XFCE.
