Midnight Commander

Introduction#

Midnight Commander or mc is a console file manager. This topic includes the descripton of it’s functionalities and examples and tips of how to use it to it’s full potential.

Midnight Commander function keys in browsing mode

Here is a list of actions which can be triggered in the Midnight Commander filesystem browsing mode by using function keys on your keyboard.

F1 Displays help

F2 Opens user menu

F3 Displays the contents of the selected file

F4 Opens the selected file in the internal file editor

F5 Copies the selected file to the directory open in the second panel

F6 Moves the selected file to the directory open in the second panel

F7 Makes a new directory in the directory open in the current panel

F8 Deletes the selected file or directory

F9 Focuses to the main menu on the top of the screen

F10 Exits mc

Midnight Commander function keys in file editing mode

Midnight Commander has a built in editor which is started by F4 function key when over the desired file in the browse mode. It can also be invoked in standalone mode by executing

mcedit <filename>

Here is a list of actions which can be triggered in the edit mode.

F1 Displays help

F2 Saves current file

F3 Marks the start of the text selection. Move cursor any direction to select. Second hit marks the end of the selection.

F4 Brings up the text search/replace dialog

F5 Copies selected text to the cursor location (copy/paste)

F6 Moves selected text to the cursor location (cut/paste)

F7 Brings up the text search dialog

F8 Deletes selected text

F9 Focuses to the main menu on the top of the screen

F10 Exits the editor