To display both files and folders in Far Manager, press F9 to open the main menu, navigate to Panels, select Options, and ensure the Show hidden files and Show all files checkboxes are enabled. If specific file types remain invisible, verify that the active filter pattern is set to *.* or cleared entirely using the Ctrl+P shortcut.
Understanding Far Manager File Visibility
Far Manager operates differently from standard Windows Explorer or other dual-pane file managers. By default, it may hide certain file types based on its configuration settings or active filters. This behavior is intentional for users who prefer a cleaner view of their directory structures, but it can be confusing when you need to see every item, including hidden system files and all extensions.
The visibility of files and folders is controlled by two distinct mechanisms: the global panel options and the local filter applied to the current pane. Understanding the difference between these two is crucial for troubleshooting why your files might not appear. The global options determine what Far Manager is allowed to show, while the local filter determines exactly which subset of those allowed items should be rendered in the list.
Enabling Hidden and All Files via Menu
The most common reason for missing files is that the "Show hidden files" option is disabled. To change this setting, follow these precise steps:
- Press
F9to open the main menu at the bottom of the screen. - Use the arrow keys to highlight Panels and press
Enter. - Select Options from the submenu and press
Enter. - In the Options dialog, locate the checkbox labeled Show hidden files. Ensure this box is checked.
- Locate the checkbox labeled Show all files. This option forces Far Manager to ignore extension-based filtering and display every file regardless of its type. Check this box as well if you want maximum visibility.
- Press
Escor click OK to save the changes and return to the main interface.
After making these changes, the pane should immediately refresh to include previously hidden items. Note that these settings are persistent across sessions, meaning they will apply to all future instances of Far Manager unless manually changed again.
Checking Active Panel Filters
Even with global options enabled, a local filter can restrict what you see. Far Manager allows you to apply a wildcard filter to any single pane. If a filter is active, only files matching that pattern will be displayed. For example, a filter of *.txt would hide all folders and non-text files.
To check if a filter is active, look at the top bar of the panel. If there is text indicating a filter, such as Filter: *.exe, it is currently restricting the view. To clear the filter and show everything, press Ctrl+P. This shortcut toggles the filter input line. If the filter line is empty, all files permitted by the global options will be shown.
If you accidentally applied a filter and cannot find the command to remove it, you can also right-click inside the panel and select Clear Filter from the context menu. This provides an alternative method for users who prefer mouse interactions over keyboard shortcuts.
Verifying Directory Structure
Sometimes, the issue is not a software setting but a misunderstanding of the directory structure. Far Manager displays folders as distinct entries. If you are looking for files inside a subdirectory, you must navigate into that folder using Enter. The main pane will only show the contents of the currently selected directory.
Ensure that you are not viewing a read-only or restricted directory where your user account lacks permissions to list contents. While Far Manager typically handles permission errors gracefully, some network drives or protected system folders may refuse to display their contents entirely.
Troubleshooting Persistent Issues
If files still do not appear after enabling all options and clearing filters, consider the following diagnostic steps:
- Restart Far Manager: Occasionally, the UI fails to refresh correctly. Closing and reopening the application can resolve temporary rendering glitches.
- Check Configuration File: Far Manager stores settings in
Far.ini. If your configuration file is corrupted, settings may not persist. Back up this file and reset it to defaults if necessary. - Plugin Interference: Some plugins modify panel behavior. Disable recently installed plugins to see if visibility returns to normal.
For more advanced customization, you can edit the Far.ini file directly. Look for the [Panels] section and verify the values for ShowHiddenFiles and ShowAllFiles. They should be set to 1 for enabled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Far Manager show only folders?
This usually happens because the Show all files option is unchecked in the Panel Options, or an active filter is limiting the view to directories. Enable both Show hidden files and Show all files in the F9 > Panels > Options menu to resolve this.
How do I clear a file filter in Far Manager?
Press Ctrl+P to toggle the filter input line. If text appears in the filter line, it is restricting the view. Pressing Ctrl+P again clears the filter, allowing all files to be displayed. You can also right-click and select Clear Filter.
Can I make Far Manager show hidden system files?
Yes. You must enable the Show hidden files option in the global Panel Options. Once enabled, Far Manager will display files with the hidden attribute, such as Thumbs.db or system configuration files, provided you have the necessary permissions to access them.
What is the difference between Show Hidden Files and Show All Files?
Show Hidden Files controls the visibility of files marked with the hidden attribute in the operating system. Show All Files disables extension-based filtering, ensuring that files with any extension (or no extension) are visible, even if Far Manager's default configuration excludes certain types.
Why did my files disappear after updating Far Manager?
Updates may reset configuration settings to defaults. Check your Far.ini file or the Panel Options menu to ensure Show hidden files and Show all files are still enabled. Also, verify that no new plugins were installed that might be altering panel views.