WhimFiles: A Native, Filter-Centric macOS File Manager

WhimFiles is a native macOS file manager designed to replace Finder for power users who require advanced filtering, faster navigation, and dual-pane file management. Built specifically for Apple Silicon (macOS 12 or later), the application maintains a small footprint of approximately 9 MB and avoids the use of Electron to ensure native performance.

Real-Time Filtering and Search

WhimFiles centers its workflow around a powerful filtering system that allows users to narrow down folder contents by type, date, and size simultaneously.

• Multi-Criteria Filtering: Users can combine preset categories (Images, PDFs, Videos, Documents) or custom file extensions with specific date ranges and size limits. Results update instantly as the user types.
• Recursive Search: A toggleable recursive search allows users to find files buried deep within subfolders without leaving the current directory.
• Fuzzy Navigation: The "Go to Folder" (⌘G) and "Go to File" (⌘P) features use fuzzy matching, enabling users to jump to deep paths by typing only a few letters from each folder name (e.g., typing "downwallnew" to reach ~/Downloads/Wallpapers/new).

Dual-Pane Interface and Workspace Management

To eliminate the need for multiple overlapping windows, WhimFiles implements a dual-pane layout and a robust tab system.

• Side-by-Side Browsing: Two folders can be opened in a single window, allowing for direct file movement or copying via right-click or the command palette.
• Independent Pane State: Each pane maintains its own folder location, active filters, search terms, and navigation history.
• Persistent Tabs: The app supports multiple tabs (⌘T), each remembering its specific dual-pane layout and filters. These tabs are persisted across application restarts.

Integrated File Operations and Previews

WhimFiles includes several built-in utilities to reduce the need for external apps or terminal commands for common tasks.

• Batch Processing: The app features a batch rename tool with live previews, supporting find-and-replace, sequential numbering, and case changes.
• Image Conversion: Users can convert HEIC, WebP, and AVIF images to JPG or PNG directly from the right-click menu.
• Instant Previews: A hover-preview system allows users to see large floating previews of images and PDFs without opening them. Additionally, the app supports native macOS Quick Look (Space bar) and thumbnail icon previews.
• Power User Tools: A command palette (⇧⌘A) provides keyboard access to all common actions, and the app can recursively calculate folder sizes automatically.

Community Feedback and Considerations

Discussion among users on Hacker News highlights both the appeal of the tool and common concerns regarding third-party file managers on macOS.

User Pain Points with Finder

Several users expressed frustration with the modern macOS Finder, with one user noting that "Finder is terrible" after switching from Windows, and another describing the current Finder column view as "sucking."

Critical Feedback

Some users pointed out specific UI/UX issues and sustainability concerns:

"I like many of the ideas in this app, but IMHO it does not yet look like a macOS app: eg. strange blue focus outlines... some buttons are smaller than the required/recommended minimum size."

Security and Sustainability

Because the app requires full filesystem access, some users raised concerns about the source of the software:

"Why would anyone trust an app from an anonymous source access their whole filesystem with read/write access?"

Other users questioned the long-term viability of the one-time purchase model ($19.99 launch price) for a solo-founder project, suggesting that such a model may not support long-term maintenance and bug fixes over several years.