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CNET Editors' review
As an avid producer, I deal with a lot of files that I need to organize on a frequent basis. I'm constantly opening dozens of windows and having to resize and layer them in ways that would make the average user's head explode. Today, modern browsers support tabbed views to help users be more efficient in navigating the Internet. Isn't it about time we get a similar solution for navigating our own file systems?
Enter XYplorer, an intuitive solution to navigating and managing your files on the PC.
When you first install and open XYplorer, you'll notice that it looks like a generic Explorer window, with a ribbon of icons that you'd probably rather ignore at first glance. The ingenuity of XYplorer starts manifesting itself when you learn to understand the layout.
XYPlorer organizes your files via three panels. The far left panel displays the general root structure of your computer, and the two right panels show you two folders. Each of the tabs is enabled by whatever folder or directory is active on the left. The behavior is similar to using tabbed browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and the modern Internet Explorer. There are plenty of useful features to help maintain your sanity, like visual filters for frequently used folders, viewing recent locations, and keyboard shortcuts to speed up your management. Advanced users can also take advantage of the scripting features that remain present from the previous editions (a help file is also provided for those who wish to learn). XYplorer was designed to cater to the needs of both standard and power users. There are many different features to help you maneuver your way around your files, but its core setup remains excellent compared with the stock Explorer that comes with Windows.
This file comes with a 30-day trial, with the full version being offered at around 30 bucks. Should you get it? That depends on how long you're willing to put up with a limited methodology of managing your files. As long as you have your OS, you're stuck with what it gives you. Try out the program and see if it simplifies your computing life.
Publisher's Description
From Donald Lessau:
XYplorer is a multi-tabbed dual pane file manager for Windows, featuring file search, versatile preview facilities, a highly customizable interface, and a large array of unique ways to efficiently automate frequently recurring tasks. XYplorer is a portable file manager. It stores all data in the program's folder, and running it does not change your system or registry. XYplorer features tabbed browsing, a powerful file search, multi-level undo or redo, queued file operations, a duplicate file finder, branch view, folder view settings, batch rename, the mini tree, user-defined commands, scripting, color filters, reports and directory print, file tags, and comments.
What's new in this version: Version 12.40 includes new feature Custom File Icons.
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All versions:
4.3 starsout of 63 votes
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Current version:
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My rating:
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"Fantastic Explorer with superb out of the box add ons"
Version: XYplorer 12.20
Pros
Like to be able to color code files like the Mac?
Or one-click open of all sorts of files with Notepad++ without setting file associations?
Put an icon in the toolbar and the supported scripting language lets you do all that and more. I can only say Wow...
And today, after doing a clean install in one of my VM's, I found out per accident the nifty Tree Path Tracing that gives you a birds eye overview of where you are in your file structure. After 25+ years of work, your archives tend to become huge, so this really helps. Another one I found today: the floating preview. Lightweight for a quick glance at textfiles and pictures. VERY handy if you have doings with stuff like .ini, html or php files.
And then a one-click powerfilter (toggle visual filter) to quickly list only certain types of files, or big files or recent files.
Yep, organize all your favourite one click icons in your toolbar and it will save you tons of time.Cons
None. Of course a tool like this is complex with all the possibilities. But your time investment is just once, and after that you'll have all kinds of functionality that really makes PC life VERY simple without all the right-clicks. For example, I want to keep the PDF association with Adobe, but I like the Foxit tabs of multiple PDF's. Instead of right-click...open with... etc I now have my own foxit button in the toolbar to immediately open a new PDF tab if I want to. Simple...but a big joy for me.
Summary
What a fantastic piece of software. Customization with your own user buttons, like adding colors to files like Mac, one-click changing directory icons for work in progress, or just one click open of all files in Notepad++, has a little bit of a learning curve (at least for me), but you can do it all and the scripting language has endless functionality.
Oh yeah, what somebody else said here: having multiple tabs instead of 20 separate open explorer windows. HOW on earth can one live without this???
I bought the life time version at the time and of course that's exceptional value for money.
I hadn't been using xyplorer that much, but getting more and more fed up with the XP explorer, I'm switching to it full time. Yeah, I'm still using XP, downgrading all new assets to it. I can blindly find my way in standard PC functionality, so I'm not interested in vista, 7 or 8. If I want eye-candy and a WOW feeling, I'll use Linux, thank you very much.
But really, buy this software, it gives you limitless possibilities, and you can also use it like a simple Win Explorer which is fine for most of the times.
Bob
Updated on Mar 10, 2013 -
"Outstanding!"
Version: XYplorer 12.10
Pros
Developer really listen and implement users' wish. He visits forum regularly, replies to users' suggestions and incorporate good ideas into his product really fast.
A lot of innovative features: Scripting; tree path tracing; Visual filter; mini tree; branch view... just to name a fewCons
Little control over statusbar
Summary
This is already a very powerful product but keeps on developing super fast (and in right direction, unlike Microsoft's Windows)
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"It's Not Just For Power Users!"
Version: XYplorer 11.90.0200
Pros
Excellent alternative to Windows Explorer. Solid tech-support from the developer and through the user forum. Also includes searchable comprehensive "Help" documentaion. Reasonable price considering all the benefits. Runs from an executable so does not change registry settings.
Cons
At first glance, configuration options might seem a bit complicated to some users.
Summary
Although I'm not a so called "Power User", I recognize that Windows Explorer lacks many features that would be of great value to most users. Since the CNET reviewer has done a good job of explaining the overall use of this application there's really no need to rehash it. Just suffice to say that a few hours of experimenting with the trial version of XYplorer should be enough to convince anyone of it's "must have" status. Yes, there are an almost unlimited number of configuration options available, but even at it's default (or near-default) level XY will make your computer so much easier to use. File related operations that were once a time consuming hassle can be carried out with just a click or two. Then, as you become more familiar with the configuration options you'll realize that understanding and utilizing many of the advanced features is not difficult.
I also like that the application runs from a single executable file that doesn't actually "install" anything on your computer or change registry settings. After a day of experimentation I purchasded the software and gladly made it the default file manager in lieu of Explorer. This can easily be reversed by simply unchecking the 'make default' box so no worries.
In any case, the free trial is 30 days which is plenty of time to evaluate the application and determine if it's worthwhile. Highly recommended! -
"Threatfire... all kinds of alerts"
Version: XYplorer 11.90.0200
Pros
don't know didn't finish install
Cons
Threatfire popped up an said it was wanting to change the security that would allow malware, the next screen said it was making changes that are open to viruses,popus, etc. At that point I stopped the installation.
Summary
Don't do it.
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"By far the best of all"
Version: XYplorer 11.90.0200
Pros
I have used a lot of file mangers,including directory opus,speed commander..etc but this one tops all of them in many ways,It really has lot's of features like undo/redo,tabbed browsing and remembers the scroll position,view mode for tabs,hotkeys can be customized to single keys for most actions.
Cons
Almost none
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"Great product, must have for Windows 7 and later"
Version: XYplorer 11.60
Pros
XYplorer provides a fast consistent interface to the file system for all versions of Windows. Crucially it provides the same UI for XP, Vista, Windows 7, etc. The interface is a very improved version of the XP Explorer. That's good for XP, but essential for Windows 7 where the built-in Explorer is hopeless for serious work.
Cons
XYplorer is not free. However, one license can be used on several personal machines. On very rare occasions, XYplorer hangs and has to be restarted. Overall it is very reliable.
Summary
XYPlorer is basically a Swiss Army knife for the file system. It provides fast search (with many potential criteria), file preview, tabbed browsing, multiple panes, etc. This is one of the few products that I use my own money (versus an employer) to pay for.
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"A PowerDesk Replacement That Works!"
Version: XYplorer 11.50
Pros
Reliable
Rock Solid
Easy to useCons
Would someday like to see a built in Zip program and also a "convert picture file" then I will be completely happy.
Summary
I started with PowerDesk Version One and like a dope, rode it all the way to Version 8.5. It just got worse and worse and I still stayed with it.
When I graduated to Windows 7, I couldn't find a PowerDesk Version that could handle it.
Because of that I started a search for another file manager that met my needs and as it turned out, XYplorer was it!
I settled for the Home Lifetime Version which met my needs. It also features Lifetime Updates which is great.
I wish I had discovered XYplorer a few hundred dollars ago. It's a real bargain -
"I deinstalled it after 5 minutes"
Version: XYplorer 11.40.0100
Pros
Potentially good idea
Cons
Offers nothing new. Deja vu many times
Summary
Summary: Why to pay $30 when I have Explorer?
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"This is XYplorer, Microsoft left on cutting room floor."
Version: XYplorer 10.80.0300
Pros
Ultimate file manager, you can configure more options than you can shake a stick at. Preview MP3 and picture files. Tabs, dual panes, file copying all easy and really fast. I use this program daily. I am also an owner xplorer2 and Powerdesk 4,5,6 and 7. If you have a thousands of pictures and music files you need this program. It is portable so you can even install the program on a virtual image just by copying it over.
Cons
None known. Full 64 bit coming soon.
Summary
If you like tinkering under the hood and configuring things exactly how you like them this program is for you. Easy to use, easy to master but very powerful.If it does not do something you want it to someone on the forums will most likely have a workaround. No serious computer user should be without this file manager.Disregard negative reviews, they are total BS by people with nothing better to do. The program comes with a free 30 day trial.
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"Potentially useful product, 0 support, not intuitive."
Version: XYplorer 10.80.0000
Pros
Explorer like interface, fast search function, synchronized scrolling
Cons
No useful help-function. No support from developer. Developer referred for some specific product questions to XY forum with over 300 entries and neither a search function nor any other form of categorization. I tried to find some "how to" within the program, screened all tabs, but could not find what I was looking for: The program is not sufficiently intuitive to master its abilities without the said support.
Summary
I de-installed it again and go for another file manager.
