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

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.