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Best Finder alternative
- Thread starter JonL12345
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At the moment Cosmil does not support a dual pane view, but in the future I imagine I will implement it.
For the time being Cosmil does not support a queue or pausing/resuming file transfers. Additionally, connecting to remote servers is still in the works. I will post in Cosmil's thread here when that comes.
Give me some more time to flesh out and test these advanced features and then I'll be able to recommend Cosmil for what you need. You can be assured I'll post in Cosmil's MacRumors thread as soon as any major updates come out.
Also just a note, at the moment I wouldn't really suggest Cosmil to users that work with extremely large directories if you do work with them. You can read why below:
Cosmil is built upon a framework called Tauri. With Tauri, Cosmil's frontend GUI is a WebView (essentially a web renderer that comes bundled with your OS; no added app size), whereas its backend is written in pure Rust. The WebView is just used to display information, the backend does the heavy lifting of actually performing the operations you requested via the frontend, making operations like searching and moving files very performant.
Now with that being said, WebView has a big downside compared to native: performance. Opening large directories (>6,000) files has a noticeable delay, because the WebView has to interpret and render all the file information. Hundreds of thousands of files would likely break the GUI.
I'm really looking into ways to optimize Cosmil's frontend more but it's kind of a price it has to pay for such a beautiful UI experience. Once again, I'll post any major performance updates on the thread.
Currently, when you activate your license with an installation of Cosmil, it phones home and validates itself with the server. After that, the license is only cryptographically validated, no phoning home unless you disassociate your license. This functionality will probably change to what you are suggesting in the future (network validation every x days) but for now that's the way it is.
As I have stated prior I'm still sticking with the refundable route since Cosmil is not that expensive, especially with the launch sale. I have only heard from a couple people that are requesting a free trial option so for now I won't implement it, but if it keeps being requested I will for sure add it. I hope you understand that at the moment I'm trying to prioritize more important features over something like a free trial option.
I haven't really done any testing on Mac versions lower than 12, so there is a chance that it could work but I don't want to risk a broken product if that's not the case. As soon as I know more I'll update that, but for now it's not changing.
Let me know if you have any other questions and thank you for your interest in Cosmil!
Apps from the AppStore can't have access to all files, like stuff in the Library folder, other apps' sandbox, hence the AppStore version can't manage all files. I don't know if it can manage iCloud files though.
The files and folders on your desktop are shown by the Finder, if you use QSpace Desktop, those will be hidden, and they will be shown by QSpace. That means opening a folder on the desktop will open a QSpace windows instead of a Finder window.
This is from the rewrite I'm working on, Single/Dual/Tri/Quad pane will be supported along with remote locations.
If everything goes smoothly it should be out in the next 3-4 weeks.
The main feature I’d like in a Finder alternative is dual panes. Thus, after mainly lurking for a long time on this thread, I finally decided to test Forklift. Although I think it is a useful and solid program, there is one aspect of it that I don’t like: when you drag files from one pane to another to move them, the files do not remain highlighted in the destination pane. I always like to verify that the files I move get to the right place, and highlighting makes that easier. Thus, I’ll likely give Cosmil a closer look once it has dual panes, but regrettably, I am leaning to sticking with Finder as the alternatives don’t look appealing. (QSpace is not an option given where it originates.)
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I removed the launch discount since 2 weeks had passed since then. Unfortunately it won't be coming back but I think I may bring the prices down by a couple bucks (not a sale, just a pricing change) before the rewrite comes out.
That being said, a free trial option for the rewrite should be available when it comes out, but at this point I'm not going to promise anything.
Thank you for the interest!
I have installed Path Finder and I have tried to configure it to the best of my ability / understanding (the developer website is not much help).
I have a number of questions that I would appreciate assistance with noting I have the free / trial version which may explain some of my issues ( as the trial version may not be "full featured" nothing with apologies in advance that the developer website provides zero guidance on this):
- Bookmarks bar: Is their a bookmarks bar for the second pane and, if yes, how do I get it to appear? Is it possible to have the bookmarks take me to the folder rather than show a dropdown list for the folder and, if yes, how do I go that?
- Dropbox: If I link my Dropbox so that it appears in the sidebar will I be able to get Dropbox links to share directly from Path Finder?
- iCloud drive: How does the iCloud drive folders listed by Finder <> the iCloud drive folders listed by Path Finder? How can I determine which is correct?
These are the iCloud folders listed by Finder:
View attachment 2435811
These're the iCloud folders listed by Path Finder:
View attachment 2435812
- Path Navigator: how does one get the Path Navigator to collapse / shrink when one "backs up" in column view per the below image where a) I am back in the documents folder yet b) the deeper / subsequent folders I was in are still displayed (this seems wrong to me and is different than Finder)??
View attachment 2435813
- Preserve Collapse Pane: what is this?
- Reval in Path Finder: what is this?
- Show Command Notification: what is this?
- Spring loaded folders: what are these?
Thanks in advance for the help.
I have a number of questions that I would appreciate assistance with noting I have the free / trial version which may explain some of my issues ( as the trial version may not be "full featured" nothing with apologies in advance that the developer website provides zero guidance on this):
- Bookmarks bar: Is their a bookmarks bar for the second pane and, if yes, how do I get it to appear? Is it possible to have the bookmarks take me to the folder rather than show a dropdown list for the folder and, if yes, how do I go that?
- Dropbox: If I link my Dropbox so that it appears in the sidebar will I be able to get Dropbox links to share directly from Path Finder?
- iCloud drive: How does the iCloud drive folders listed by Finder <> the iCloud drive folders listed by Path Finder? How can I determine which is correct?
These are the iCloud folders listed by Finder:
View attachment 2435811
These're the iCloud folders listed by Path Finder:
View attachment 2435812
- Path Navigator: how does one get the Path Navigator to collapse / shrink when one "backs up" in column view per the below image where a) I am back in the documents folder yet b) the deeper / subsequent folders I was in are still displayed (this seems wrong to me and is different than Finder)??
View attachment 2435813
- Preserve Collapse Pane: what is this?
- Reval in Path Finder: what is this?
- Show Command Notification: what is this?
- Spring loaded folders: what are these?
Thanks in advance for the help.
Good morning!
I am also testing QSpace and have a few questions:
1. QSpace Desktop: Please explain what a QSpace Desktop is and what its benefit / purpose is?
2. QSapce Workspace: Please explain what a QSpace Workspace is and what its benefit / purpose is?
3. Server Connection: Please let me know whether this will allow me to get file links, shares files, etc. through Dropbox (i.e., I know that it will allow me to add / remove files from Dropbox but will provide all the other functionality as well)?
4. Status Bar: Can it be configured (i.e., arrange / remove the icons)? If yes then how as I cannot find a way?
5. Status Bar Icons: Kindly explain the status bar icons and in particular the Sync Browsing as I cannot observe / see what they do.
Thank you.
I am also testing QSpace and have a few questions:
1. QSpace Desktop: Please explain what a QSpace Desktop is and what its benefit / purpose is?
2. QSapce Workspace: Please explain what a QSpace Workspace is and what its benefit / purpose is?
3. Server Connection: Please let me know whether this will allow me to get file links, shares files, etc. through Dropbox (i.e., I know that it will allow me to add / remove files from Dropbox but will provide all the other functionality as well)?
4. Status Bar: Can it be configured (i.e., arrange / remove the icons)? If yes then how as I cannot find a way?
5. Status Bar Icons: Kindly explain the status bar icons and in particular the Sync Browsing as I cannot observe / see what they do.
Thank you.
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I have another question. In order for Desktop icons to open in QSpace one needs to set Desktop to QSpace Desktop (see the below image). The problem this creates is that i) the desktop widgets are "greyed out" and ii) the desktop icons no longer group. Wondering whether there is a workaround for this?
Interested in your comments / thoughts on how or whether this can be solved as it would be best to have one Finder / Finder Replacement application?
Interested in your comments / thoughts on how or whether this can be solved as it would be best to have one Finder / Finder Replacement application?
I do not know the answer to all your questions but let me introduce you to the beautiful world of AI answers. Here its free from Brave Search:
Code:
QSpace Desktop vs Workspace
Based on the provided search results, here’s a summary of the differences between QSpace Desktop and QSpace Workspace:
QSpace Desktop:
A feature available in QSpace Pro, allowing users to replace the traditional Finder desktop with a QSpace interface.
Enables users to configure the desktop differently, such as moving mounted disks/images/shares to the left instead of the right.
When enabled, clicking on a folder on the desktop opens QSpace instead of Finder.
Some users have reported issues with icon arrangement and disappearance when enabling QSpace Desktop.
QSpace Workspace:
A core feature of QSpace Pro, enabling users to create and manage multiple workspaces with customizable layouts.
Supports 12 window layouts with one-click flexible switching.
Each workspace can have its own set of panes, hotkeys, and quick launcher settings.
QSpace Workspace is designed for efficient file management and organization, allowing users to tailor their workflow to their needs.
Key differences:
QSpace Desktop is a replacement for the traditional Finder desktop, while QSpace Workspace is a feature for creating and managing multiple workspaces within QSpace.
QSpace Desktop focuses on desktop customization, whereas QSpace Workspace focuses on workspace management and layout customization.
In summary, QSpace Desktop is an alternative desktop interface, whereas QSpace Workspace is a feature for creating and managing multiple workspaces with customizable layouts.@cosmil , I am late to the thread but very interested in Cosmil.
I have tried Path Finder and QSpace lately and have a few nits with each.
I would appreciate answers to the following:
1. iCloud: Does the iCloud folder show the iCloud status?
2. Dropbox: Is there a Dropbox extension and, if yes, can I get the shares links, share files, etc. directly from the extension?
3. Dual pane: Does Cosmic support dual panes w/i i) column view and ii) columns that autosize (i.e., adapt automatically to longest file or folder name)? This is a must have for me!
4. Finder replacement: Is it true Finder replacement (i.e., can be used with Desktop folders, TimeMachine, etc.) without greying out the widgets, taking away the Finder desktop stacking feature, etc. (as QSpace does which makes it a non-starter for me)?
5. Other: Is there anything else worth noting before I dig in and try it?
Thank you.
I have tried Path Finder and QSpace lately and have a few nits with each.
I would appreciate answers to the following:
1. iCloud: Does the iCloud folder show the iCloud status?
2. Dropbox: Is there a Dropbox extension and, if yes, can I get the shares links, share files, etc. directly from the extension?
3. Dual pane: Does Cosmic support dual panes w/i i) column view and ii) columns that autosize (i.e., adapt automatically to longest file or folder name)? This is a must have for me!
4. Finder replacement: Is it true Finder replacement (i.e., can be used with Desktop folders, TimeMachine, etc.) without greying out the widgets, taking away the Finder desktop stacking feature, etc. (as QSpace does which makes it a non-starter for me)?
5. Other: Is there anything else worth noting before I dig in and try it?
Thank you.
I continue to search for the ideal Finder replacement and would appreciate Forklift users to answer the following as I cannot find consist answers through Google searches:
1. iCloud: Does the iCloud folder show the iCloud status?
2. Finder replacement: Is it true Finder replacement (i.e., can be used with Desktop folders, TimeMachine, etc.) without greying out the widgets, taking away the Finder desktop stacking feature, etc. (as QSpace does which makes it a non-starter for me)?
Thanks in advance.
1. iCloud: Does the iCloud folder show the iCloud status?
2. Finder replacement: Is it true Finder replacement (i.e., can be used with Desktop folders, TimeMachine, etc.) without greying out the widgets, taking away the Finder desktop stacking feature, etc. (as QSpace does which makes it a non-starter for me)?
Thanks in advance.
Glad to hear that, no problem!
As of now, Cosmil does not support iCloud. Due to some limitations with Tauri (the framework Cosmil is built upon), remote locations are not supported (technical details here). I hope to support it in the future but at this time I cannot make any guarantees.
I once again will have to say that Cosmil does not support remote file access for now. Refer to my answer to your previous question as to why.
Cosmil 1.1 does support single/dual/tri/quad pane views. However, it does not support column view yet, only Grid and List. I hope to implement column view sometime in the future, and I will take your desire into account.
What you are asking is not entirely clear to me. I am not familiar with "greying out widgets" or "taking away the Finder desktop stacking feature." If you would like to clarify further on those things, that would be greatly appreciated
In terms of being able to access Desktop and TimeMachine folders, given you grant Cosmil Full Disk Access, nearly any folder on your file system should be viewable.
Cosmil 1.1, a major overhaul update I have been working on for the past couple months, will be made available for purchase and free-trial testing this Saturday, the 19th. Until then, you will unfortunately have to sit tight and wait to try it. I will be posting in this thread when it comes out.
Once again, thank you for the interest and feel free to provide more feedback on features you might want!