Command Line Parameters Reference

Multi Commander provides comprehensive command line parameter support for flexible application startup, automated workflows, and integration with external applications. These parameters enable precise control over initial panel paths, tab configurations, logging levels, and application behavior.

Flexible Parameter Syntax

Multi Commander supports both Windows-style (/) and Unix-style (-) parameter prefixes interchangeably. For example, both /L=C:\Bin and -L=C:\Bin are valid and equivalent.

Complete Startup Parameters Reference

Comprehensive table of all available command line parameters for Multi Commander startup configuration and control.

Command Line Parameters
Parameter Description Example
-L=<path> Set initial path for left panel -L="C:\Projects"
-R=<path> Set initial path for right panel -R="D:\Data"
<path1> <path2> Direct path assignment without parameter flags (left panel, right panel) "C:\Bin" "D:\"
-F=<startup.ini> Load startup configuration from INI file containing detailed panel and tab settings -F="WorkSetup.ini"
-T=<text> Set custom window title text for application identification -T="Development Environment"
-AutoRun=<command> Execute specified User Defined Command automatically after startup -AutoRun=ConnectToServers
-NOUPDATECHECK Disable automatic update checking on startup -NOUPDATECHECK
-TABSESSION=<name> Load predefined tab session by name or ID for complex workspace restoration -TABSESSION="Development"
-INSTANCE=<name> Create isolated instance with separate configuration and settings -INSTANCE="ServerMgmt"
-MINIMIZED Start application minimized to system tray or taskbar -MINIMIZED
Logging Parameters (Override log configuration settings)
-ENABLE-APPLOG Enable comprehensive application-level logging for core functionality and user interface operations -ENABLE-APPLOG
-ENABLE_FSLOG Enable detailed filesystem operation logging including virtual filesystem and plugin activities -ENABLE_FSLOG
-ENABLE_FOLOG Enable verbose file operation logging covering copy, move, delete, and archive operations -ENABLE_FOLOG
-ENABLE_ALL_LOGS Enable maximum logging across all subsystems for comprehensive diagnostic information -ENABLE_ALL_LOGS
Path Format Support

Supported Path Types:

  • Local Drives: C:\Projects, D:\Data
  • Network Shares: \\Server\Share, \\10.0.0.100\Backup
  • Virtual Devices: FTP:\site1, SFTP:\server
  • Archive Paths: C:\Archive.zip\folder, D:\Backup.7z

Instance Communication Parameters

Parameters for controlling running instances and sending commands to existing Multi Commander processes for external application integration.

Instance Control Commands
Parameter Description Example
/OPEN "<path>" Instruct running instance to open specified path in new tab /OPEN "C:\Projects"
/OPEN "<path>" /NONEWTAB Open path in currently active tab instead of creating new tab /OPEN "D:\Logs" /NONEWTAB
/PANEL=<target> Specify target panel for /OPEN command /PANEL=Right
/QUIT Request graceful shutdown of running Multi Commander instance /QUIT
Panel Target Options
  • Left: Left panel regardless of focus
  • Right: Right panel regardless of focus
  • Active: Currently focused panel
  • Source: Panel designated as source for operations
  • Target: Panel designated as target for operations
Integration Scenarios
  • IDE Integration: Open project folders from development environments
  • Shell Extensions: Context menu integration
  • Automation Scripts: Batch file and PowerShell integration
  • System Tools: External application navigation control

Startup File Configuration (-F Parameter)

The startup definition file provides comprehensive control over Multi Commander's initial state through detailed INI-format configuration files for complex multi-tab setups.

INI File Structure
Basic Format
[PANEL_1]
Path=D:\Development
Side=L
Locked=1

[PANEL_2]
Path=C:\Projects\WebApp
Side=R
ViewMode=1
Required Parameters
  • Path: Full path to display in panel
  • Side: L (Left) or R (Right)
Optional Parameters
Parameter Values
Locked 1 (locked) / 0 (unlocked)
AllowSubPathChange 1 (allow) / 0 (restrict)
ShowTree 1 (show) / 0 (hide)
ViewMode 1-4 (Details, List, Thumbnails, Thumbnail Details)
SortCol Column number (0, 1, 2, 3...)
SortAsc 1 (ascending) / 0 (descending)
TabColorText Hex color (#000000, #FF0000)
TabColorBk Hex background color

Usage Examples

Practical command line examples demonstrating various startup scenarios and automation integration patterns.

Basic Usage
// Simple path assignment
MultiCommander.exe "C:\Bin" "D:\"

// Explicit panel assignment
MultiCommander.exe -L="C:\Projects" -R="\\Server\Share"

// Custom window title
MultiCommander.exe -T="Development" -L="C:\Code"

// Start minimized
MultiCommander.exe -MINIMIZED -L="C:\Logs"

// Disable update check
MultiCommander.exe -NOUPDATECHECK
Advanced Configuration
// Load configuration file
MultiCommander.exe -F="ProjectSetup.ini"

// Load tab session
MultiCommander.exe -TABSESSION="Development"

// Execute startup command
MultiCommander.exe -AutoRun=ConnectServers

// Separate instance
MultiCommander.exe -INSTANCE="ServerMgmt"

// Enable comprehensive logging
MultiCommander.exe -ENABLE_ALL_LOGS
Instance Communication
// Open path in running instance
MultiCommander.exe /OPEN "C:\Projects\WebApp"

// Open in specific panel
MultiCommander.exe /OPEN "D:\Data" /PANEL=Right

// Replace current tab
MultiCommander.exe /OPEN "\\Server\Logs" /NONEWTAB

// Shutdown running instance
MultiCommander.exe /QUIT
Enterprise Scenarios
// Development environment
MultiCommander.exe ^
  -L="C:\Projects\WebApp" ^
  -R="\\BuildServer\Artifacts" ^
  -T="Development" ^
  -INSTANCE="Dev"

// Server administration
MultiCommander.exe ^
  -F="ServerConfig.ini" ^
  -AutoRun=ConnectAllServers ^
  -T="Server Management"
Automation Integration
Batch File Integration
@echo off
echo Starting project environment...
start "" "C:\Program Files\MultiCommander\MultiCommander.exe" ^
  -F="ProjectWorkspace.ini" ^
  -T="Project: %PROJECT_NAME%" ^
  -INSTANCE="Project_%PROJECT_NAME%"
PowerShell Function
function Start-MCProject {
    param([string]$ProjectPath, [string]$ProjectName)
    $arguments = @("-L=`"$ProjectPath`"", "-T=`"Project: $ProjectName`"", "-INSTANCE=`"$ProjectName`"")
    Start-Process -FilePath "MultiCommander.exe" -ArgumentList $arguments
}
External Tool Integration
// From IDE or external application
"C:\Program Files\MultiCommander\MultiCommander.exe" /OPEN "%SELECTED_FOLDER%"

// Context menu integration
MultiCommander.exe /OPEN "%1" /PANEL=Left
Command Line Integration Benefits

Multi Commander's comprehensive command line support enables seamless integration with development workflows, system administration tasks, and automated processes. The combination of startup parameters, instance communication, and configuration files provides the flexibility needed for professional environments while maintaining simplicity for everyday use.

Related Configuration Topics

Explore additional configuration options: Custom Configuration Paths, Backup & Restore Configuration, and User Menu Editor.