Files V2.5: A feature-packed Windows Explorer Alternative with swiping gestures, Git integration and improved previewing
In case you are not familiar with it yet, Files is an excellent third-party and open-source alternative to Windows File Explorer. Recently, they have made the exciting announcement of their new version 2.5, which brings numerous innovations to this useful and beautifully crafted file manager app alternative. Users who already have Files installed will receive a notification within the app, urging them to update to the latest version.
To access the updated Files app, users can simply head to the designated download page and download it for free. From there, they can choose to install it either through an .exe file or through the Microsoft Store. Version 2.5 comes with several notable additions based on user feedback, and one of those significant features making a comeback is the Acrylic backdrop material option, providing users with a visually pleasing interface tightly aligned with Fluent Design. To streamline navigation, Files now incorporates swiping gestures, allowing users to effortlessly move around the app. Compatible with touch screens and touch pads, a quick swipe to the left takes users back, while a swipe to the right propels them forward.
For developers and users using the Git integration, Files has made noteworthy improvements in version 2.5. The status bar now displays the branch name, empowering users to effortlessly switch between local and remote branches through the branches flyout. Additionally, users can pull commits from remote repositories, create new branches and track changes with the Git columns in the details layout, enhancing the efficiency of their Git workflow.
Files has also partnered with Seer Pro, a renowned file and document previewing app, to provide users with an enhanced preview feature. Users with SeerPro installed can now utilize the preview functionality directly from within Files. The update also introduces changes to the preview and details pane, separating them into two panes and offering a new pivot control for seamless switching between them. The preview pane now stretches to fill the available space, optimizing the layout for horizontal orientation. Users can also manage metadata more efficiently, as the properties window now allows the simultaneous display and editing of metadata for multiple files, removing the previous limitation of editing metadata for only one file at a time.
With its new and improved features, Files app version 2.5 presents a compelling alternative to the native Windows File Explorer. It is also my personal favorite since it doesn't radically alter the experience of the original file explorer and takes great care in its UI design, seamlessly integrating it within the visual language of the operating system. So take a look if you're looking for something similar!
