7 Hidden Features in Ubuntu File Manager

Hidden Features of the Ubuntu Nautilus File Manager

The Nautilus file manager, standard with Ubuntu, possesses several helpful functionalities that aren't immediately apparent. Exploring its options reveals capabilities beyond basic file browsing.

Saved Searches and Remote File Systems

Users can establish saved searches within Nautilus, streamlining repetitive file location tasks. Furthermore, the file manager facilitates the mounting of remote file systems, expanding access beyond the local machine.

Tabbed browsing is also integrated into Nautilus, allowing for efficient navigation between multiple directories within a single window.

Network File Sharing

Ubuntu’s file manager provides native support for sharing folders across your local network. The Sharing Options dialog simplifies the process of creating and configuring network shares.

These shares are designed for compatibility with both Linux and Windows operating systems, ensuring seamless file access for diverse users.

This built-in functionality eliminates the need for complex server configurations for simple file sharing needs.

Utilizing Saved Searches in Nautilus

Within the Nautilus file manager, a Search function is readily available for locating files. This tool enables users to define specific criteria, such as location or file type, to refine their searches.

The ability to preserve search parameters for future use is also provided. After executing a search, navigate to the File menu and choose "Save Search As" to store the current search configuration.

Saving a Search

When saving, you will be prompted to designate a name and a storage location for the saved search. The saved search will be represented as a folder with the extension ".savedSearch".

This folder functions as a dynamic representation of the search results. Double-clicking this folder will re-execute the saved search and display the corresponding files.

How Saved Searches Function

It’s important to note that the contents of these folders are not static. They are updated automatically to reflect any changes made to the files on your system.

Therefore, the displayed results will always be current, providing a convenient way to monitor files matching your specified search criteria. Saved Searches offer a powerful way to quickly access frequently needed file sets.

Connecting to Remote File Systems

Remote file systems, such as SSH, FTP, Windows shares (SAMBA), and WebDAV, can be connected through the File menu by selecting "Connect To Server". Once mounted, these systems are integrated into the file manager's sidebar.

They function seamlessly, appearing as local folders within your system. Further details regarding the process of mounting remote folders in Ubuntu are available in a dedicated article.

How to Access Remote Servers

• Navigate to the File menu within the file manager.
• Choose the "Connect To Server" option.
• Enter the appropriate server address and credentials.

SSH, FTP, SAMBA, and WebDAV connections are all supported. This allows for convenient access to files stored on different servers.

The connected remote file systems will then be displayed in the sidebar for easy navigation and file management. This provides a unified experience for accessing both local and remote files.

File Manager Tabs in Nautilus

Nautilus, the default file manager in Ubuntu, incorporates a tabbed interface, much like contemporary web browsers.

A new tab can be initiated by navigating to the File menu and choosing the "New Tab" option.

Alternatively, a folder can be opened within a fresh tab by performing a middle mouse click on it.

This functionality allows for streamlined navigation between different directories without the need to open multiple windows.

Tabs provide a convenient method for managing several locations simultaneously within the file manager.

Using tabs enhances workflow efficiency, particularly when dealing with files and folders in disparate locations.

The tabbed interface in Nautilus contributes to a more organized and user-friendly file management experience.

File Transmission Methods

To transmit one or more files, a user can right-click on the desired files and choose "Send To" from the context menu. This action will launch the Send To dialog, presenting various options for file delivery.

Several methods are available through this dialog, including attaching the files to an email message, transmitting them via the Empathy instant messaging platform, or utilizing Bluetooth for wireless transfer.

Available Options

• Email Attachment: Directly attach files to a new email.
• Instant Messaging: Send files to contacts using Empathy.
• Bluetooth Transfer: Utilize Bluetooth connectivity for file sharing.
• Disc Burning: Create a disc containing the selected files.
• Removable Disk Copy: Copy files to a USB drive or other removable media.

Furthermore, the Send To dialog offers the capability to automatically create an archive file from the selected files. This feature is especially beneficial when sending numerous files across the internet, as it streamlines the process and reduces transmission time.

Compressing files into an archive before sending can also help to manage file size and improve transfer efficiency.

Identifying Files Based on Defined Patterns

The Edit menu provides a function to select files that correspond to a given pattern, known as "Select Items Matching." This feature allows users to isolate specific files within a directory based on naming conventions or extensions.

For instance, you can choose all files sharing a particular extension, or those containing designated text within their filenames.

Utilizing Wildcard Characters

The * symbol serves as a wildcard, representing any sequence of characters. Conversely, the ? character functions as a single-character wildcard.

As an illustration, the pattern *.png will successfully identify all files concluding with the .png extension.

Similarly, file-?.png will select files like file-1.png and file-2.png, but will exclude file-12.png due to the differing character count.

• The asterisk (*) matches zero or more characters.
• The question mark (?) matches exactly one character.

These wildcard characters offer a flexible method for pinpointing files based on partial or variable naming structures.

Leveraging Templates for Efficient File Creation

The Templates directory within your home folder provides a convenient method for generating files based on pre-defined structures. By storing template files in this location, users can quickly instantiate new files with a consistent format.

This functionality is accessed through a simple right-click menu option. Within any folder, selecting "Create New Document" will present the available templates for duplication.

How to Utilize Templates

To begin, simply copy the desired template file into the Templates folder located in your home directory.

Subsequently, when you need a new file based on that template, navigate to the target folder and right-click. Choose "Create New Document" from the context menu, and your template will be copied to that location.

This streamlines workflows and ensures consistency across documents. It's a particularly useful feature for frequently used file types.