Nautilus

What is Nautilus?

Nautilus, now called GNOME Files, has been the default file manager for the GNOME desktop since the early 2000s. It offers a clean pane‑based interface, integrates with GVFS to handle network shares, FTP, SFTP and cloud services, and receives regular updates across major distros. Its long history means most Linux users are familiar with its behaviour and it is well‑tested on Arch, Debian, Fedora, openSUSE and Ubuntu.

The program targets anyone who needs a graphical way to manage files, from casual desktop users to power users who rely on extensions and scripts. It works well with the GNOME Shell environment but can also be used under other desktops, though some shortcuts may differ.

Compared with Windows Explorer, Nautilus feels more minimalistic and less cluttered, but it lacks some of the deep integration features of Windows (like quick access to recent files in the taskbar). Navigation is keyboard‑friendly, and the side pane makes switching between local folders and remote locations straightforward.

Best for: Users who want a reliable, GNOME‑integrated file manager with solid remote‑file support.

Key features of Nautilus

• Integrated GVFS support for FTP, SFTP, SMB, and cloud services
• Search bar with live filtering
• Tabbed browsing and split‑view mode
• Customizable toolbar and extensions via GNOME Shell
• Batch rename and bulk operations
• Thumbnail previews for images and videos
• Drag‑and‑drop support across different locations
• Context‑aware right‑click menu

Tips for Windows users

Most file operations work the same—copy, move, delete—but shortcuts differ: use Ctrl+N for a new window, Ctrl+T for a new tab, and F2 to rename. Drag‑and‑drop works across local and remote locations without extra steps. Nautilus stores settings in dconf, so custom tweaks may require the dconf-editor. Remember that network shares appear as separate locations in the side pane rather than mapped drives.