Dolphin

Name: Dolphin
Brand: Dolphin

Fast, flexible file manager for KDE

softwareFile Managers file managerKDEdesktop

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Our Verdict

Best for

Linux KDE power users who want a customizable, tabbed file manager

Skip if

Anyone needing Windows/macOS support or a public extension API

What is Dolphin?

Dolphin is the default file manager for the KDE Plasma desktop, offering a clean interface and powerful navigation tools. It integrates tightly with KDE technologies to provide a seamless experience on Linux systems. Designed for both casual users and power users, Dolphin supports tabbed browsing, split view, and extensive customization through plugins and scripts, making file management efficient and adaptable.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

deploymentDesktop App

open source✅ Yes

api available❌ No

support optionsCommunity forums, mailing list

key integrationsKDE Plasma, Qt, KIO, GVfs

Key Features of Dolphin

Displays multiple folders side‑by‑side with a split‑view layout for easy comparison.

Allows opening several locations in tabs, reducing desktop clutter.

Shows thumbnails and previews for images, videos, and PDFs directly in the file list.

Provides built‑in support for remote protocols such as FTP, SFTP, and SMB.

Enables users to create custom context‑menu actions using scripts or KDE service menus.

Offers a powerful batch rename tool with pattern matching and preview capabilities.

Integrates with KDE Plasma’s activities and virtual desktops for context‑aware file access.

Supports drag‑and‑drop operations between panels, tabs, and external applications.

Use Cases for Dolphin

Everyday file browsing

Navigate local folders quickly with tabs and split view.

Remote file access

Connect to FTP/SFTP/SMB shares without leaving the desktop.

Bulk file organization

Rename large groups of files using the batch rename dialog.

Custom workflow automation

Add script‑based actions to the context menu for repetitive tasks.

Pros & Cons of Dolphin

Pros

Highly customizable via service menus and plugins
Native integration with KDE Plasma
Supports multiple tabs and split view
Free and open‑source

Cons

Limited to Linux/KDE environments
No official Windows/macOS native version
Lacks a public API for external extensions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dolphin available on Windows?

An unofficial build exists, but Dolphin is primarily developed for Linux/KDE.

Can I preview archives without extracting them?

Yes, Dolphin can show thumbnails for many archive formats using the ark backend.

How do I add custom actions to the right‑click menu?

Create a .desktop service file in ~/.local/share/kservices5/ServiceMenus/ with the desired command.

Does Dolphin support cloud storage services?

It can access cloud drives mounted via KDE’s KIO or third‑party tools like rclone.

Pricing Overview

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Free

Detailed plans are not listed. Visit the official website for pricing information.

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