Dired — File Manager (Open Source)

Dired is an open-source File Manager solution from GNU Emacs. Compare it against 46 other File Manager tools on FreeSoftwareX — by features, licensing and price — and request a quote or demo free in 2026.

What is Dired?

Dired is open source — its source code is publicly available and free to use, modify and self-host, usually with an active community and no licensing fees. It is categorised under File Manager and published by GNU Emacs. Buyers typically evaluate Dired when they need a dependable File Manager option and want to weigh the trade-offs between free, open-source and paid tools before committing.

Dired alternatives

If Dired isn't the right fit, compare these File Manager alternatives side by side:

Altap SalamanderCommander OneDOS NavigatorDOS ShellDirectory OpusDouble CommanderExplorer++Far ManagerFile ExplorerFiles (Apple)Files by GoogleFinderForkLiftGNOME Commander

Frequently asked questions

Is Dired free?
Yes. Dired is open source and free to use, with no purchase cost for the core product.
What are the best Dired alternatives?
Popular File Manager alternatives to Dired include Altap Salamander, Commander One, DOS Navigator, DOS Shell. See the full list of File Manager on FreeSoftwareX.
What type of software is Dired?
Dired is an open-source File Manager tool developed by GNU Emacs.

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