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Flow Finder

A beautiful macOS file browser that brings back the classic Cover Flow view from older versions of Finder.

https://github.com/elliotttate/FlowFinder/releases/download/v1.0.0/FlowFinder-demo.mp4

Flow Finder Screenshot

Features

  • Cover Flow View - Browse your files with the iconic 3D carousel effect, complete with smooth animations and reflections
  • Multiple View Modes - Switch between Cover Flow, Icons, List, Columns, and Dual Pane views
  • Dual Pane Mode - Two independent file browsers side by side for easy file management
  • Quad Pane Mode - Four independent panes for rapid comparison and organization
  • Quick Look Integration - Press Space to preview any file with Quick Look
  • Full File Browser - Navigate your entire file system with a familiar Finder-like interface
  • Sidebar Navigation - Quick access to Favorites, iCloud, and mounted volumes
  • Sorting & Search - Sort files by name, date, size, or kind; search to filter files instantly
  • ZIP Archive Browsing - Navigate ZIP contents without extracting the whole archive
  • Clipboard Operations - Copy, Cut, Paste, and Duplicate files with keyboard shortcuts
  • Context Menus - Right-click for quick access to file operations
  • Type-Ahead Search - Start typing to jump to matching files instantly

Requirements

  • macOS 13.0 (Ventura) or later
  • Apple Silicon or Intel Mac

Installation

Download

Download the latest DMG from the Releases page.

Build from Source

  1. Clone the repository:
    git clone https://github.com/elliotttate/FlowFinder.git
  2. Open FlowFinder.xcodeproj in Xcode
  3. Build and run (⌘R)

Development

See DEVELOPMENT.md for architecture details and how to add a new view mode.

Usage

Navigation

  • Click on a cover to select it
  • Double-click or press Return to open files/folders
  • Arrow keys to navigate between items
  • Scroll wheel for smooth momentum scrolling through covers

Keyboard Shortcuts

Shortcut Action
Space Quick Look preview
Return Open selected item
← → ↑ ↓ Navigate items
⌘C Copy
⌘X Cut
⌘V Paste
⌘D Duplicate
⌘⌫ Move to Trash
⌘[ Go back
⌘] Go forward
⌘⇧N New Folder
A-Z, 0-9 Type-ahead search

View Modes

Use the toolbar buttons or View menu to switch between:

  • Cover Flow (default)
  • Icons
  • List
  • Columns
  • Dual Pane
  • Quad Pane

Technical Details

Architecture

  • Built with SwiftUI for the main interface
  • Native AppKit/Core Animation for the Cover Flow view (for optimal performance)
  • QuickLookThumbnailing framework for generating file previews

Performance Optimizations

  • Lazy thumbnail loading with prioritization based on proximity to selection
  • GPU-accelerated Core Animation transforms
  • Efficient layer management with recycling for smooth scrolling

License

MIT License - see LICENSE for details.

Acknowledgments

Inspired by the classic Cover Flow view from iTunes and older versions of macOS Finder.

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A beautiful macOS file browser with classic Cover Flow view

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