Command Line Bar

Multi Commander's Command Line Bar serves as a powerful navigation and command execution center, providing instant access to browser-style navigation controls, advanced favorites management, comprehensive command line functionality, and customizable quick launch capabilities. This integrated toolbar transforms file management workflows by combining traditional command-line efficiency with modern GUI convenience.

Integrated Navigation and Command Center

Experience the power of combined navigation controls, command execution, and quick access tools in a unified interface. The Command Line Bar bridges the gap between graphical file management and command-line efficiency, providing both novice and advanced users with optimal workflow tools.

Command Line Bar Layout and Visibility

The Command Line Bar occupies the third line in Multi Commander's Main Application Layout, providing a comprehensive toolbar that can be customized and toggled based on user preferences and workflow requirements.

Toolbar Layout and Components
Command Line Bar Layout

Command Line Bar showing all components: navigation controls, favorites access, command field, and quick launch area

Component Overview
  • 1-3. Navigation Controls: Back, Forward, and History buttons for browser-style navigation
  • 4. Favorites Window: Star button providing access to Quick Paths, Favorites, and Web locations
  • 5. Command Line Field: Versatile command execution and path navigation input
  • 6. Quick Launch Buttons: Customizable area for frequently used commands and applications
Visibility and Customization
Display Control
  • Toggle Visibility: Access via View → Toolbars menu
  • Context-Aware Buttons: Controls enable/disable based on active panel capabilities
  • Extension Support: Functionality adapts to current panel type
  • Responsive Layout: Components adjust to available space

Favorites Window (4)

The Favorites system provides comprehensive bookmark management through three distinct categories: Quick Paths for keyboard shortcuts, Favorites for saved locations, and Web paths for internet resources, all accessible through the convenient star button interface.

Favorites Window Access and Categories
Access Method

Click the star button located at the left end of the Command Line to open the Favorites window has three distinct default sections:

Quick Paths (F1)
  • Keyboard Shortcuts: Accessible via Ctrl+0-9
  • Limitation: Maximum of 10 Quick Paths can be defined
  • Rapid Access: Instant navigation to frequently used locations
  • Productivity Focus: Designed for power users requiring quick location switching
Favorites (F2)
  • Unlimited Storage: Save any number of favorite locations
  • Organization: Maintain organized lists of important paths
  • Navigation: Select entry and press Enter to navigate
  • Management: Add, edit, and remove favorite locations
Web (F3)
  • URL Storage: Save frequently accessed web addresses
  • Browser Integration: Direct opening in default browser
  • Resource Access: Quick access to online documentation, tools, and references
  • Mixed Navigation: Combine local and web resource management

Command Line Field (5)

The Command Line Field serves as a versatile command execution and navigation interface, supporting extension-specific commands, Windows system commands, administrative operations, and specialized internal functions for comprehensive system control.

Command Processing and Execution
Command Handling Hierarchy
  1. Extension Commands: Processed by active extension or plugin first
  2. Internal Commands: Multi Commander's built-in command set
  3. Windows Commands: Passed to Windows for system-level execution
  4. File Execution: Launch programs or open files through Windows associations
Administrative Capabilities
  • Elevated Execution: Prefix commands with "*" to run as Administrator
  • Example: *cmd launches Command Prompt with admin privileges
  • System Integration: Direct access to Windows administrative tools
  • Security Context: Proper privilege elevation handling
Explorer Panel Integration
  • Directory Navigation: cd .. for parent directory navigation
  • Folder Creation: mkdir myfolder creates new directories
  • File Creation: cf newfile.txt creates empty files
  • Path Navigation: Direct path entry for location changes
Special Execution Modes
Execution Prefixes
  • Admin Mode: *command - Run with administrative privileges
  • Shell Force: !path - Force Windows Shell to handle path/command
  • Direct Navigation: Enter paths directly for location changes
Integration Features
  • URL Support: Direct URL entry opens in default browser
  • File Association: Automatic program launching based on file type
  • Context Awareness: Commands adapt to current panel type
  • Error Handling: Graceful handling of invalid commands
Special Internal Commands Reference
Essential Internal Commands
Command Description
*<program> Start external program as administrator (e.g., *cmd for admin command prompt)
!<cmd/path> Force path/command to be opened by Windows Shell instead of Multi Commander
cd <path> Change directory to specified path
mkdir <path> Create new folder at specified location
cf <file> Create new, empty file with specified name
alias <name>=<path> Create new alias for path (e.g., alias d=d:\bin)
alias2 <name> Create new alias for current path
topmost 1 Toggle Multi Commander always-on-top behavior (1=enable, other=disable)
Navigation and Utility Commands
Command Description
:goapp Navigate to Multi Commander application directory
:userdata Navigate to Multi Commander user data directory
:goconfig Navigate to Multi Commander configuration directory
:golog Navigate to Multi Commander log files directory
:desk Navigate to Windows Desktop
:doc Navigate to My Documents folder
:dl Navigate to Windows Downloads folder
:box Navigate to Dropbox folder (if installed)
:one Navigate to OneDrive folder (if installed)

Quick Launch Buttons (6)

The Quick Launch area provides customizable button space for frequently used commands, applications, and user-defined operations, with full support for drag-and-drop configuration and flexible button management.

Quick Launch Configuration and Management
Configuration Access

Right-click in the Quick Launch area to access the configuration menu with the following options:

  • Allow - Insert button by dropping file/folder: Enable drag-and-drop button creation
  • Allow - Rearrange of buttons: Enable drag-and-drop button reordering
  • Insert User Defined Command: Add existing or create new user-defined commands
  • Insert Separator: Add visual separators between button groups
Button Types and Capabilities
  • File/Folder Shortcuts: Drag files or folders to create instant access buttons
  • User Defined Commands: Custom scripts and command sequences
  • Application Launchers: Quick access to frequently used programs
  • Internal Commands: Multi Commander function shortcuts
Organizational Features
  • Drag-and-Drop Reordering: Reorganize buttons by dragging to new positions
  • Visual Separators: Group related buttons with separator lines
  • Context Menus: Right-click buttons for additional options
  • Dynamic Sizing: Button area adapts to available toolbar space
Detailed Information

For more information about the Quick Launch Bar, see Quick Launch Bar.

Advanced Features and Integration

The Command Line Bar integrates seamlessly with Multi Commander's advanced features, providing custom command support, scripting capabilities, and comprehensive automation options for power users and administrators.

Advanced Command Integration
System and Debug Commands
Command Function
:save Save all autoload settings for all tabs
:showhidden Show all system and hidden files
:hidehidden Hide all system and hidden files
:ctc Clear thumbnail cache from memory
:rdrive Refresh all devices in drive lists
:sysinfo Display system information
dbg folog Enable full file operations logging
dbg fslog Enable full file system logging
importcmd Import script command quickly
Utility and Conversion Commands
  • Number Conversion: :hex2dec ff converts hexadecimal to decimal
  • Error Lookup: :winerr 5 displays Windows error message for code
  • Registry Access: :gomcreg opens Multi Commander registry location
  • Language Support: addlanguage adds new language support
Performance and Efficiency
Keyboard Integration
  • Navigation Shortcuts: Alt+Arrow keys for history navigation
  • Quick Paths: Ctrl+Number for instant favorites access
  • Mouse Support: Back/Forward mouse buttons when available
  • Tab Completion: Smart completion for paths and commands
Command Line Bar Mastery

Master the Command Line Bar by combining navigation efficiency with command power: use the navigation controls for quick location switching, organize frequently accessed paths in favorites with keyboard shortcuts, leverage the command line for both file operations and system administration, and customize the quick launch area with your most-used tools. This integrated approach transforms the Command Line Bar from a simple toolbar into a comprehensive command center that accelerates every aspect of file management workflow.

Related Interface Tools

Enhance your command line workflows with related features: Quick Launch Bar, User Defined Commands, Alias Management, and Keyboard Customization.