How do I install nnn.nvim with packer?

Add it to your packer.nvim plugin list and configure in the setup function, as shown in the README example using 'use' and 'config'.

nnn.nvim vs nvim-tree which is better for large projects?

nnn.nvim excels with keyboard speed and multi-file selection via nnn, but nvim-tree offers more native Neovim integration and visual tree views. Choose based on preference for terminal efficiency vs. GUI-like features.

Can nnn.nvim replace netrw automatically?

Yes, set 'replace_netrw' to 'explorer' or 'picker' in the configuration to override Neovim's default file explorer with nnn.nvim on startup.

How to enable git status in nnn.nvim?

Build nnn with the gitstatus patch and add the '-G' flag to your command override, as per the tips section in the README for showing status symbols.

What version of nnn is required for nnn.nvim?

Explorer mode requires nnn version v4.3 or higher; check your distribution or install from static binaries if needed, as noted in the installation instructions.

nnn.nvim

BSD-3-ClauseLua

A Neovim file manager plugin powered by the nnn terminal file browser.

GitHub

464 stars11 forks0 contributors

What is nnn.nvim?

nnn.nvim is a Neovim plugin that integrates the nnn terminal file manager directly into the editor. It provides a fast and efficient way to navigate, select, and manage files from within Neovim, replacing the need for separate file explorer plugins and enhancing the native workflow. The plugin offers two primary modes: a persistent explorer window for continuous browsing and a floating picker window for quick file selection.

Target Audience

Neovim users who want a terminal-based, keyboard-driven file management experience directly inside their editor, particularly those already familiar with or preferring the nnn file manager. It's suitable for developers who manage projects with complex directory structures and seek efficiency without leaving the editor.

Value Proposition

Developers choose nnn.nvim for its direct integration of nnn's speed and powerful features like multi-file selection and session persistence into Neovim. Its unique selling point is offering two distinct operational modes (explorer and picker) within a single plugin, providing flexibility that can replace both traditional sidebar explorers and quick file pickers.

Overview

File manager for Neovim powered by nnn.

Use Cases

Best For

Related Projects

Community-curated · Updated weekly · 100% open source

Found a gem we're missing?

Open-Awesome is built by the community, for the community. Submit a project, suggest an awesome list, or help improve the catalog on GitHub.

Submit a project Star on GitHub

Replacing Neovim's default netrw file explorer with a more powerful and configurable alternative.

Quickly selecting and opening multiple files at once using nnn's selection capabilities from within Neovim.

Maintaining a persistent, sidebar-like file browser (similar to NERDTree or nvim-tree) that stays open across file operations.

Using a floating window picker for fast, single-file selection without disrupting the main editor layout.

Managing files with custom key mappings for actions like opening in tabs, splits, or copying to the clipboard.

Persisting file browser sessions (global, local, or shared) across Neovim sessions for continuity.

Not Ideal For

Users who prefer mouse-driven, graphical file explorers with drag-and-drop support.
Environments where installing and managing external binaries like nnn is restricted or overly complex.
Teams requiring deep integration with other Neovim plugins that depend on native tree-based explorers like nvim-tree.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Dual Mode Flexibility

Offers both a persistent explorer window for continuous browsing and a floating picker for quick selection, replacing multiple plugins like NERDTree and fzf.vim in one.

Powerful Multi-file Selection

Leverages nnn's selection capabilities to open multiple files at once, enhancing workflow efficiency for batch operations.

High Customizability

Allows custom mappings for actions like opening in splits or tabs, session persistence, and command overrides, as detailed in the configuration options.

Seamless nnn Integration

Brings nnn's terminal features like git status symbols and preview-tui into Neovim, ideal for keyboard-centric users.

Cons

External Dependency Burden

Requires nnn to be installed separately with specific version constraints (v4.3 for explorer mode), adding setup complexity and maintenance overhead.

Limited Native Integration

Relies on nnn's CLI rather than pure Neovim Lua, which may not integrate as smoothly with other plugins or offer advanced visual customizations.

Configuration Overhead

Setting up mappings, sessions, and custom commands involves verbose Lua configuration, which can be daunting for users seeking plug-and-play simplicity.