nnn(1)
nnn is a terminal file manager that navigates directories and manages files with a keyboard-centric interface.
Synopsis
nnn [-bCdDeEfFgHhJkKpPqQrRsStTuUVwxX] [-a ASSOC] [-c N] [-l LEVEL] [-n NNN_TMPFILE] [-o NNN_OPENER] [-P key] [-e EDITOR] [DIR]Description
nnn is a lightweight, full-featured terminal file manager that emphasizes speed and keyboard navigation. It displays files and directories in a single-column list, allowing you to quickly browse and manage the filesystem without leaving your terminal.
The interface supports multiple tabs, bookmarks, search, and file previews. You can open files with external programs, create archives, perform batch operations, and customize behavior through plugins and environment variables.
Common options
| Flag | What it does |
|---|---|
-e | Open files in specified text editor (default: VISUAL or EDITOR env var) |
-p | Start in file picker mode (outputs selected file path on exit) |
-P | Run script/plugin with key binding; useful for custom actions |
-d | Start in detail view (shows file sizes, dates, and permissions) |
-H | Show hidden files by default |
-t | Sort files by modification time (newest first) |
-s | Sort files by size (largest first) |
-r | Reverse sort order |
-A | Disable directory auto-open on single key navigation |
-V | Print version and exit |
-h | Print help message and exit |
Examples
Open nnn file manager in current directory with default settings
nnnOpen nnn in Downloads folder and show hidden files
nnn -H ~/DownloadsOpen nnn and use vim as the default editor for opening files
nnn -e vimStart in detail view mode with files sorted by modification time
nnn -d -tRun nnn in picker mode; selected file path is written to file on exit
nnn -p /tmp/nnn_selectionOpen nnn in Documents folder, sorted by size in reverse (smallest first)
nnn -r -s /home/user/DocumentsBrowse /var/log directory with auto-open disabled for single-key navigation
nnn -A /var/log