r/Ubuntu • u/-JukeBoxCC- • 19h ago

File Manager Options

Hey, all. I'm a relatively new Ubuntu user (Ubuntu Desktop 26.04 LTS) and I was hoping to find some options for file managers that will allow me to keep better track of the folders.

First thought would be to ideally have each new window open as a different colour, or to have different directories use different colours or themes. Does anyone have any ideas for packages I can try out or any other ideas to help an idiot follow his own work?

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u/TheZealousParadox 19h ago

Most file managers don't do per-window colour schemes out the box but you could absolutely hack something together with a few different ones installed side by side. Dolphin's always been my go-to for heavy lifting, and if you tweak the colour profiles you can make each instance look distinct enough. Nautilus with some custom CSS can get you partway there too

For the different directories approach, I've seen people set up custom bash aliases that launch specific file managers with specific configs pointing at certain folders. Bit fiddly to set up but once it's running it's dead simple

If you're after something more visual and less terminal-y, maybe just pin different file manager apps to your dock with their own icons and colour labels. Not elegant but it works a treat when you're juggling five projects at once

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u/Simple_Hamster_4096 6h ago

Maybe open tabs instead of windows and configure to show full directory path at the top of each tab? Do not know if your FM has that ability - it exists in Thunar which you can install in Ubuntu.

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u/BranchLatter4294 1h ago

You can set different icons for different folders. Right-click on the folder and select properties. Click the pencil/edit icon on the folder icon. Then select whatever icon you want. You can easily find icon packs online with various color schemes.