Enhance Nautilus Functionality in Linux: Tips and Tricks

2024/01/29

Key Notes

Learn how to enable traditional path addresses for easier navigation.
Discover methods to create files quickly without opening a terminal.
Enhance navigation and optimize your file management efficiency.

Unlocking the Full Potential of Nautilus: Enhancements for Your Linux File Manager

Nautilus, the default file manager for the GNOME desktop, offers versatility through a robust set of features. However, it can be further enhanced with simple tweaks and extensions that improve functionality and user experience. This guide will navigate you through 12 practical enhancements to make navigating and managing files a breeze in Linux.

Step 1: Enable Traditional Path Addresses

Step 1: Activate the Full Path Display

To see the complete path of the current directory, press Ctrl + L. This toggles between the traditional layout and the default view. If you prefer the traditional view permanently, execute the necessary commands in the terminal. Reset Nautilus to apply changes using:

Step 2: Generate a Blank Text File Quickly

Step 2: Create a Blank Text File

Navigate to your home directory and find the “Templates” folder. Right-click and select “Open in Terminal.” Create a new text file template. After setting up, verify the functionality by right-clicking within Nautilus and checking the “New Document” menu.

Step 3: Modify the Sidebar Preferences

Access your home directory, reveal hidden files by pressing Ctrl + H, and open the “.config/user-dirs.dirs” file. Here, you can redefine directory paths as needed. Be sure to save your modifications and execute nautilus -q to refresh the settings.

Step 4: Enable Permanent Deletion for Files

Step 4: Activate Permanent Deletion Capability

Open the Nautilus settings menu, navigate to “Preferences”, and enable the “Delete Permanently” option. Confirm its functionality by checking for the option after right-clicking a file.

Step 5: Activate Secure File Deletion

Step 5: Implement Secure Deletion

To ensure files are deleted irretrievably, install the Nautilus-wipe extension. This will be added to your context menu. Reload Nautilus for changes to take effect.

Step 6: Switch to Administrator Mode

Step 6: Enable Admin Rights

For root access through Nautilus, install the Nautilus-admin extension. After installation, access files with administrative privileges right from the context menu.

Step 7: Conceal Files in Your Filesystem

Step 7: Hide Files/Folders with Ease

The nautilus-hide extension allows users to hide files through a convenient context menu option. Install it and use it as needed to manage visibility seamlessly.

Step 8: Edit and Convert Images Seamlessly

Step 8: Utilize Image Editing Features

For basic image manipulations, consider installing the Nautilus-image-converter. This tool leverages Imagemagick and supports batch edits for your convenience.

Step 9: Open a Preferred Terminal

Step 9: Set Your Custom Terminal

To extend Nautilus’s terminal capabilities, use nautilus-open-any-terminal. Install it and set your preferred terminal emulator for direct access from your file manager’s context menu.

Step 10: Set Up Path Copying in Nautilus

Step 10: Enable Path Copying Features

Install the nautilus-copy-path extension to gain new copying options for file paths. Set it up via terminal, and test the functionality in Nautilus’s context menu.

Step 11: Customize Context Menu Actions

With the Actions for Nautilus extension, create personalized commands and menus tailored to your workflow needs. Complete installation and test the functionality in your Nautilus interface.

Step 12: Execute Custom Scripts in Nautilus

Step 12: Execute Your Shell Scripts

For basic scripting, you can store custom shell scripts in the Nautilus scripts directory. Create your script, assign execution permissions, reload Nautilus, and execute it through the “Scripts” submenu in the context menu.

Additional Tips

Always verify your changes after modifying settings in Nautilus.
Utilize backup methods to preserve crucial data before applying extensions or scripts.
Explore the GNOME Shell Extensions repository for more customization options.

Summary

This guide provided a comprehensive overview of enhanceable features within the Nautilus file manager on Linux. From enabling path addresses to configuring custom scripts, users can tailor their experience to improve efficiency and productivity.

Conclusion

Transforming Nautilus into a robust file management tool involves simple tweaks and useful extensions. Implement these modifications to enhance your workflow, making navigation and file management tasks more intuitive and efficient in the GNOME desktop environment.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is Nautilus?

Nautilus is the default file manager for the GNOME desktop environment, known for its user-friendly interface and flexibility.

How do I install Nautilus extensions?

Extensions can be installed via the terminal using package managers or from source, often requiring specific commands detailed in the extension’s documentation.