{
  "reviewed": "September 6, 2026",
  "sources": [
    {
      "id": "rfile",
      "label": "RFile: shipped features and release limitations",
      "href": "https://rfile.app/docs/feature-status"
    },
    {
      "id": "explorer",
      "label": "Microsoft: File Explorer in Windows",
      "href": "https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/experience/fileexplorer/file-explorer-in-windows"
    },
    {
      "id": "snap",
      "label": "Microsoft: arrange separate windows with Snap",
      "href": "https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/experience/snap-your-windows"
    },
    {
      "id": "preview",
      "label": "Microsoft: PowerToys File Explorer preview add-ons",
      "href": "https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/powertoys/file-explorer"
    },
    {
      "id": "rename",
      "label": "Microsoft: PowerRename with before-and-after preview",
      "href": "https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/powertoys/powerrename"
    },
    {
      "id": "keyboard",
      "label": "Microsoft: PowerToys Keyboard Manager",
      "href": "https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/powertoys/keyboard-manager"
    },
    {
      "id": "ocr",
      "label": "Microsoft: PowerToys Text Extractor",
      "href": "https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/powertoys/text-extractor"
    },
    {
      "id": "windows-archives",
      "label": "Microsoft: supported archives and encryption limitation",
      "href": "https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/experience/storage-filemanagement/zip-and-unzip-files"
    },
    {
      "id": "nearby",
      "label": "Microsoft: Nearby sharing",
      "href": "https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/experience/connectivity-networking/share-things-with-nearby-devices-in-windows"
    },
    {
      "id": "network",
      "label": "Microsoft: network folder sharing",
      "href": "https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/experience/connectivity-networking/file-sharing-over-a-network-in-windows"
    },
    {
      "id": "files",
      "label": "Files: current features and free distribution",
      "href": "https://files.community/"
    },
    {
      "id": "files-dual",
      "label": "Files: dual pane and tab docking",
      "href": "https://files.community/docs/features/dual-pane"
    },
    {
      "id": "files-actions",
      "label": "Files: customizable keyboard actions",
      "href": "https://files.community/docs/customize-settings/actions"
    },
    {
      "id": "files-git",
      "label": "Files: Git status and repository operations",
      "href": "https://files.community/docs/features/git"
    },
    {
      "id": "files-commands",
      "label": "Files: commands, including share and archive actions",
      "href": "https://files.community/docs/features/command-palette"
    },
    {
      "id": "files-encryption",
      "label": "Files: password-encrypted archive extraction",
      "href": "https://files.community/blog/posts/introducing-v2-4-preview"
    },
    {
      "id": "files-ftp",
      "label": "Files: FTP and FTPS connections",
      "href": "https://files.community/docs/features/ftp"
    },
    {
      "id": "opus",
      "label": "Directory Opus: features, customization, and paid licence",
      "href": "https://www.gpsoft.com.au/"
    },
    {
      "id": "opus-verify",
      "label": "Directory Opus vendor FAQ: no automatic copy verification option",
      "href": "https://resource.dopus.com/t/can-opus-verify-file-copies/41032"
    },
    {
      "id": "opus-plugins",
      "label": "Directory Opus: additional viewer plugins, including 3D",
      "href": "https://resource.dopus.com/c/viewer-plugins/34"
    },
    {
      "id": "opus-editor",
      "label": "DopusWorX author: optional code, Markdown, and editing plugin",
      "href": "https://github.com/HyperWorX/DopusWorX"
    },
    {
      "id": "opus-encryption",
      "label": "Directory Opus manual: ZIP password and encryption options",
      "href": "https://docs.dopus.com/doku.php?id=file_operations%3Acreating_archives%3Aadd_to_archive_dialog%3Azip_options"
    },
    {
      "id": "opus-rename",
      "label": "Directory Opus manual: advanced rename and preview",
      "href": "https://docs.dopus.com/doku.php?id=release_history%3Aopus13_detailed%3Arename"
    },
    {
      "id": "filepilot",
      "label": "File Pilot: panels, search, Inspector and batch rename",
      "href": "https://filepilot.tech/"
    },
    {
      "id": "filepilot-roadmap",
      "label": "File Pilot: launched features and planned indexing",
      "href": "https://filepilot.tech/roadmap"
    },
    {
      "id": "filepilot-pricing",
      "label": "File Pilot: free public beta and paid perpetual licences",
      "href": "https://filepilot.tech/pricing"
    },
    {
      "id": "files-tags",
      "label": "Files: file and folder tags",
      "href": "https://files.community/docs/features/tags"
    },
    {
      "id": "rfile-inspector",
      "label": "RFile: current Inspector tools and supported formats",
      "href": "https://rfile.app/docs/inspector"
    },
    {
      "id": "rfile-analysis",
      "label": "RFile: Search & storage, tags and duplicate-review scope",
      "href": "https://rfile.app/docs/feature-status"
    }
  ],
  "groups": [
    {
      "id": "workspace",
      "label": "Your everyday workspace",
      "description": "Keep folders within reach and make the controls yours."
    },
    {
      "id": "organize",
      "label": "Find it. Understand your space.",
      "description": "Search, folder sizes, tags and duplicate review without leaving your workspace."
    },
    {
      "id": "inspector",
      "label": "See more before you open",
      "description": "Preview, read, and work with files beside the list."
    },
    {
      "id": "transfers",
      "label": "More control over your files",
      "description": "Copy engines, verification, and archive workflows."
    },
    {
      "id": "connected",
      "label": "Across PCs and projects",
      "description": "Connected folders, developer context, and ongoing cost."
    }
  ],
  "rows": [
    {
      "id": "tabs",
      "group": "workspace",
      "feature": "Tabbed folder browsing",
      "rfile": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Reorder, detach, and reattach tabs",
        "source": "rfile"
      },
      "explorer": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Included in Windows 11",
        "source": "explorer"
      },
      "files": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Multiple folders in one window",
        "source": "files"
      },
      "opus": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Tabbed folder displays",
        "source": "opus"
      },
      "filepilot": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Rearrange tabs and panels",
        "source": "filepilot"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "split",
      "group": "workspace",
      "feature": "Two folders side by side",
      "rfile": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Independent panes in one window",
        "source": "rfile"
      },
      "explorer": {
        "status": "partial",
        "detail": "Snap two separate windows",
        "source": "snap"
      },
      "files": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Built-in dual pane",
        "source": "files-dual"
      },
      "opus": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Built-in dual display",
        "source": "opus"
      },
      "filepilot": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Flexible multi-panel layout",
        "source": "filepilot"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "rename",
      "group": "workspace",
      "feature": "Batch rename with a results preview",
      "rfile": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Review names and conflicts first",
        "source": "rfile"
      },
      "explorer": {
        "status": "addon",
        "detail": "PowerToys PowerRename",
        "source": "rename"
      },
      "files": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "files-commands"
      },
      "opus": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Advanced batch rename",
        "source": "opus-rename"
      },
      "filepilot": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Interactive batch renaming",
        "source": "filepilot"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "shortcuts",
      "group": "workspace",
      "feature": "Customize keyboard shortcuts",
      "rfile": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Built-in shortcut editor",
        "source": "rfile"
      },
      "explorer": {
        "status": "addon",
        "detail": "PowerToys Keyboard Manager",
        "source": "keyboard"
      },
      "files": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Remap actions in Settings",
        "source": "files-actions"
      },
      "opus": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Configurable app and global hotkeys",
        "source": "opus"
      },
      "filepilot": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Custom hotkeys and command palette",
        "source": "filepilot"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "folder-sizes",
      "group": "organize",
      "feature": "Folder sizes while browsing",
      "rfile": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Cached local totals; affected visible folders refresh in the background",
        "source": "rfile"
      },
      "explorer": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "explorer"
      },
      "filepilot": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Folder usage columns and bars",
        "source": "filepilot-roadmap"
      },
      "files": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "files"
      },
      "opus": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Folder size calculation",
        "source": "opus"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "indexed-search",
      "group": "organize",
      "feature": "Search a PC-wide filename index",
      "rfile": {
        "status": "preview",
        "detail": "Opt-in local-drive metadata index and filters",
        "source": "rfile"
      },
      "explorer": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Windows Search; indexed scope depends on setup",
        "source": "explorer"
      },
      "filepilot": {
        "status": "partial",
        "detail": "Folder search now; NTFS indexing on roadmap",
        "source": "filepilot-roadmap"
      },
      "files": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "files"
      },
      "opus": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Windows Search / Everything integration",
        "source": "opus"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "tags",
      "group": "organize",
      "feature": "Tag files without moving them",
      "rfile": {
        "status": "preview",
        "detail": "Local tags and filtered views",
        "source": "rfile"
      },
      "explorer": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "explorer"
      },
      "filepilot": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "filepilot"
      },
      "files": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Custom tags for files and folders",
        "source": "files-tags"
      },
      "opus": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Tags, labels and file metadata",
        "source": "opus"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "smart-folders",
      "group": "organize",
      "feature": "Save searches as smart folders",
      "rfile": {
        "status": "preview",
        "detail": "Saved local filters, not copied files",
        "source": "rfile"
      },
      "explorer": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "explorer"
      },
      "filepilot": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "filepilot"
      },
      "files": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "files"
      },
      "opus": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "opus"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "storage-map",
      "group": "organize",
      "feature": "Visual storage breakdown",
      "rfile": {
        "status": "preview",
        "detail": "Folder and file logical-size analysis",
        "source": "rfile"
      },
      "explorer": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "explorer"
      },
      "filepilot": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "filepilot"
      },
      "files": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "files"
      },
      "opus": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "opus"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "duplicates",
      "group": "organize",
      "feature": "Find identical file content",
      "rfile": {
        "status": "preview",
        "detail": "Content-checked groups; review only, no automatic deletion",
        "source": "rfile"
      },
      "explorer": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "explorer"
      },
      "filepilot": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "filepilot"
      },
      "files": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "files"
      },
      "opus": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Built-in duplicate finder",
        "source": "opus"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "media",
      "group": "inspector",
      "feature": "Image and media preview pane",
      "rfile": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Inspector; codec limits apply",
        "source": "rfile"
      },
      "explorer": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Installed preview handlers apply",
        "source": "preview"
      },
      "files": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Photos, video, and documents",
        "source": "files"
      },
      "opus": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Integrated viewer",
        "source": "opus"
      },
      "filepilot": {
        "status": "partial",
        "detail": "Text, image and folder Inspector documented",
        "source": "filepilot"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "code",
      "group": "inspector",
      "feature": "Syntax-highlighted source preview",
      "rfile": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Built in, with bounded reads",
        "source": "rfile"
      },
      "explorer": {
        "status": "addon",
        "detail": "PowerToys source-code handler",
        "source": "preview"
      },
      "files": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "files"
      },
      "opus": {
        "status": "addon",
        "detail": "Source viewers / DopusWorX",
        "source": "opus-editor"
      },
      "filepilot": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "filepilot"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "markdown",
      "group": "inspector",
      "feature": "Rendered Markdown preview",
      "rfile": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Built-in reading and source modes",
        "source": "rfile"
      },
      "explorer": {
        "status": "addon",
        "detail": "PowerToys Markdown handler",
        "source": "preview"
      },
      "files": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "files"
      },
      "opus": {
        "status": "addon",
        "detail": "DopusWorX viewer plugin",
        "source": "opus-editor"
      },
      "filepilot": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "filepilot"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "text-editor",
      "group": "inspector",
      "feature": "Edit text inside the preview pane",
      "rfile": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Eligible local files; conflict checks",
        "source": "rfile"
      },
      "explorer": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "preview"
      },
      "files": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "files"
      },
      "opus": {
        "status": "addon",
        "detail": "DopusWorX editor plugin",
        "source": "opus-editor"
      },
      "filepilot": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "filepilot"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "models",
      "group": "inspector",
      "feature": "Interactive 3D model inspection",
      "rfile": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Supported meshes; bounded resources",
        "source": "rfile"
      },
      "explorer": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "preview"
      },
      "files": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "files"
      },
      "opus": {
        "status": "addon",
        "detail": "Additional 3D viewer plugins",
        "source": "opus-plugins"
      },
      "filepilot": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "filepilot"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "ocr",
      "group": "inspector",
      "feature": "Copy text from a local image",
      "rfile": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Offline OCR for eligible images",
        "source": "rfile"
      },
      "explorer": {
        "status": "addon",
        "detail": "PowerToys Text Extractor",
        "source": "ocr"
      },
      "files": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "files"
      },
      "opus": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "opus"
      },
      "filepilot": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "filepilot"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "html-preview",
      "group": "inspector",
      "feature": "HTML preview with viewport and zoom controls",
      "rfile": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Desktop/mobile viewports and local CSS; scripts blocked",
        "source": "rfile-inspector"
      },
      "explorer": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "explorer"
      },
      "filepilot": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "filepilot"
      },
      "files": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "files"
      },
      "opus": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "opus"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "structured",
      "group": "inspector",
      "feature": "CSV tables and collapsible JSON trees",
      "rfile": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Sortable CSV and expandable JSON, with bounded reads",
        "source": "rfile-inspector"
      },
      "explorer": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "explorer"
      },
      "filepilot": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "filepilot"
      },
      "files": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "files"
      },
      "opus": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "opus"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "image-edit",
      "group": "inspector",
      "feature": "Rotate, flip and crop images",
      "rfile": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Save a new PNG copy; originals stay unchanged",
        "source": "rfile-inspector"
      },
      "explorer": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "explorer"
      },
      "filepilot": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "filepilot"
      },
      "files": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "files"
      },
      "opus": {
        "status": "partial",
        "detail": "Image conversion and rotation",
        "source": "opus"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "engines",
      "group": "transfers",
      "feature": "Choose the local copy engine",
      "rfile": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Robocopy, Velocity Rust, Windows Native; eligibility-based fallback",
        "source": "rfile"
      },
      "explorer": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "explorer"
      },
      "files": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "files"
      },
      "opus": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "opus"
      },
      "filepilot": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "filepilot"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "verification",
      "group": "transfers",
      "feature": "Automatic post-copy content verification",
      "rfile": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Optional BLAKE3 or SHA-256",
        "source": "rfile"
      },
      "explorer": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "explorer"
      },
      "files": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Manual hash comparison is included",
        "source": "files"
      },
      "opus": {
        "status": "no",
        "detail": "Vendor FAQ: use separate comparison",
        "source": "opus-verify"
      },
      "filepilot": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "filepilot"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "archives",
      "group": "transfers",
      "feature": "Create and extract ZIP archives",
      "rfile": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Background jobs with cancellation",
        "source": "rfile"
      },
      "explorer": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Built-in ZIP tools",
        "source": "windows-archives"
      },
      "files": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Built-in archive tools",
        "source": "files"
      },
      "opus": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Built-in archive tools",
        "source": "opus"
      },
      "filepilot": {
        "status": "partial",
        "detail": "ZIP browsing and drag-out documented",
        "source": "filepilot-roadmap"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "encrypted-archives",
      "group": "transfers",
      "feature": "Password-protected archive workflows",
      "rfile": {
        "status": "preview",
        "detail": "AES-256 ZIP/7z creation and compatible extraction; format limits apply",
        "source": "rfile"
      },
      "explorer": {
        "status": "no",
        "detail": "Not supported by built-in tools",
        "source": "windows-archives"
      },
      "files": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Password-encrypted extraction",
        "source": "files-encryption"
      },
      "opus": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Password and AES options",
        "source": "opus-encryption"
      },
      "filepilot": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "filepilot"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "nearby-send",
      "group": "connected",
      "feature": "Send files to a nearby PC",
      "rfile": {
        "status": "preview",
        "detail": "RFile peers; files and folders",
        "source": "rfile"
      },
      "explorer": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Windows Nearby sharing",
        "source": "nearby"
      },
      "files": {
        "status": "partial",
        "detail": "Share action; Windows setup applies",
        "source": "files-commands"
      },
      "opus": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "opus"
      },
      "filepilot": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "filepilot"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "paired-browse",
      "group": "connected",
      "feature": "Pair PCs and browse permitted folders",
      "rfile": {
        "status": "preview",
        "detail": "Paired devices and per-folder access",
        "source": "rfile"
      },
      "explorer": {
        "status": "partial",
        "detail": "Configure Windows network shares",
        "source": "network"
      },
      "files": {
        "status": "partial",
        "detail": "Connect to configured FTP / FTPS",
        "source": "files-ftp"
      },
      "opus": {
        "status": "partial",
        "detail": "Connect to network / FTP locations",
        "source": "opus"
      },
      "filepilot": {
        "status": "partial",
        "detail": "UNC / network shares; not RFile pairing",
        "source": "filepilot-roadmap"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "git",
      "group": "connected",
      "feature": "Git branch and file status in the workspace",
      "rfile": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Opt-in, read-only Git context",
        "source": "rfile"
      },
      "explorer": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "explorer"
      },
      "files": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Status plus repository operations",
        "source": "files-git"
      },
      "opus": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "opus"
      },
      "filepilot": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "filepilot"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "free",
      "group": "connected",
      "feature": "No extra licence fee for ongoing use",
      "rfile": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Free Windows download",
        "source": "rfile"
      },
      "explorer": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Included with Windows",
        "source": "explorer"
      },
      "files": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Free download; paid Store option",
        "source": "files"
      },
      "opus": {
        "status": "no",
        "detail": "Paid licence after the trial",
        "source": "opus"
      },
      "filepilot": {
        "status": "partial",
        "detail": "Free public beta; paid perpetual licence model",
        "source": "filepilot-pricing"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "web-access",
      "group": "connected",
      "feature": "Browser access to your approved PC folders",
      "rfile": {
        "status": "yes",
        "detail": "Optional account; desktop must be online",
        "source": "rfile"
      },
      "explorer": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "explorer"
      },
      "filepilot": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "filepilot"
      },
      "files": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "files"
      },
      "opus": {
        "status": "unknown",
        "detail": "Equivalent control not documented",
        "source": "opus"
      }
    }
  ],
  "products": [
    {
      "id": "rfile",
      "name": "RFile",
      "note": "Speed-first. Rust-powered."
    },
    {
      "id": "explorer",
      "name": "File Explorer",
      "note": "Microsoft Windows"
    },
    {
      "id": "filepilot",
      "name": "File Pilot",
      "note": "Voidstar"
    },
    {
      "id": "files",
      "name": "Files",
      "note": "Files Community"
    },
    {
      "id": "opus",
      "name": "Directory Opus",
      "note": "GPSoftware"
    }
  ],
  "title": "A fast file manager. A fuller workspace.",
  "intro": "Choose RFile for a speed-first Windows workspace that combines Rust-powered browsing, an extensive Inspector, local file tools and optional connected-PC access—without a licence fee.",
  "engineering": [
    {
      "title": "Render the rows you need",
      "body": "The file list uses virtualization: visible rows plus a small buffer are rendered as you scroll, instead of building a screen element for every file.",
      "href": "/features/performance"
    },
    {
      "title": "Keep expensive work in the background",
      "body": "Rust handles core file operations. Folder-size calculations run in bounded background workers, reuse cached totals and refresh affected visible folders after changes.",
      "href": "/docs/views-and-navigation"
    },
    {
      "title": "Keep your place in the work",
      "body": "Reorder or detach tabs, use two independent panes, and return to your selection with Back. Preview a file beside the list without opening another app.",
      "href": "/features/tabs"
    }
  ],
  "highlights": [
    {
      "title": "Read, inspect and edit",
      "body": "Code and Markdown, HTML/PDF zoom, CSV tables, JSON trees, image OCR and crop-to-copy, supported media and 3D models.",
      "href": "/docs/inspector"
    },
    {
      "title": "Organize without moving files",
      "body": "Batch rename with a preview; local tags, smart folders, indexed search, Storage Map and content-checked duplicate review. Analysis tools are Preview; duplicate deletion is not enabled.",
      "href": "/docs/feature-status"
    },
    {
      "title": "Move files with more control",
      "body": "Robocopy by default, with Velocity Rust and Windows Native preferences, optional content verification and encrypted ZIP/7z workflows in Preview. Engine eligibility and format limits apply.",
      "href": "/features/transfers"
    },
    {
      "title": "Reach your other PCs",
      "body": "LAN and Internet pairing are Preview. Account-based browser access is available for desktop-approved folders while the PC is online.",
      "href": "/features/remote-access"
    }
  ],
  "observation": {
    "title": "The creator’s side-by-side experience",
    "body": "RFile’s creator reports that browsing felt faster than or similar to File Pilot when both apps were open side by side on their PC. This is an informal first-party observation reported September 6, 2026: no timings, app versions, hardware record or controlled cache conditions were retained. It is not a measured win or an independent test."
  },
  "guides": [
    {
      "id": "file-pilot",
      "title": "RFile vs File Pilot",
      "reason": "If you came for speed, start here. RFile makes responsive browsing the foundation and adds an extensive Inspector, copy-engine controls and optional PC connections at no licence fee.",
      "balance": "File Pilot also emphasizes responsiveness, with flexible panels, fuzzy search and batch rename. Its public beta is free; its pricing describes paid perpetual licences. Compare the feel on your own folders—the informal observation above is not a timing result.",
      "source": "https://filepilot.tech/"
    },
    {
      "id": "windows-explorer",
      "title": "RFile vs Windows File Explorer",
      "reason": "Try RFile for two folder panes in one window, detachable tabs, batch-rename previews, in-pane source editing and optional copy verification. Install alongside Explorer; no file import or local account is required.",
      "balance": "Explorer remains the built-in option for Windows integration and installed Shell handlers. Snapping two Explorer windows is a different workflow from one split workspace; PowerToys can add some preview and rename tools.",
      "source": "https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/experience/fileexplorer/file-explorer-in-windows"
    },
    {
      "id": "files",
      "title": "RFile vs Files",
      "reason": "RFile brings Rust-powered browsing together with selectable transfer engines, an expanding Inspector and paired-PC workflows. It also includes local tags, smart folders and duplicate review, not just networking.",
      "balance": "Files has a free installer and an open-source Windows-style workspace with dual panes, tags, cloud-drive integration and broader Git operations. RFile’s analysis tools are Preview and its Git context is read-only.",
      "source": "https://files.community/"
    },
    {
      "id": "directory-opus",
      "title": "RFile vs Directory Opus",
      "reason": "RFile is a free starting point for fast everyday browsing, batch rename, rich previews, storage analysis and connected PCs. Duplicate review is already available in RFile; it is not exclusive to paid file managers.",
      "balance": "Opus has deep scripting, synchronization, customization and duplicate-management workflows under a paid licence. RFile’s duplicate finder is currently review-only, and its tools should not be mistaken for parity with Opus’s automation depth.",
      "source": "https://www.gpsoft.com.au/"
    }
  ],
  "protocol": [
    "Record the PC, Windows build, storage model, app versions, view modes and enabled previews/indexers.",
    "Use the same read-only fixture in every app; record file/folder counts and total bytes. Keep small, large and nested-folder cases separate.",
    "Measure folder open to usable results, warm revisits, tab switching and search completion separately. Use the same query and search scope.",
    "Separate cold and warm cache runs, rotate application order and repeat each case. Opening both apps simultaneously is an informal check, not an isolated timing test.",
    "Keep raw samples and screen recordings. Report the median and spread, including slower results; do not use edited website tours as benchmark evidence."
  ],
  "publisher": "RFile",
  "scope": "First-party documentation comparison, not a measured five-app speed ranking",
  "canonical": "https://rfile.app/compare"
}