Multi Commander's Windows Explorer-Style keyboard layout provides familiar shortcuts for users transitioning from Windows Explorer. This layout maintains Multi Commander's powerful functionality while using keyboard combinations that Windows users already know.
Windows Explorer Compatibility
This layout is designed for users who prefer Windows Explorer-style shortcuts. You can switch between layouts using Configuration → Quick Look'n'Feel Setup or fully customize shortcuts through Configuration → Keyboard Customization.
Key Differences from Commander-Style
F2: Rename (instead of Shift+F6)
F5: Refresh (instead of F2)
F1: View File (instead of F3)
F4: Copy (instead of F5)
F9: Edit File (instead of F4)
Transition Tip
If you're used to Windows Explorer, this layout will feel natural. The function keys follow Windows conventions, making the learning curve minimal while providing Multi Commander's advanced features.
Multi Commander Core Shortcuts
These global shortcuts work consistently across all extensions and panels, providing universal navigation and file management capabilities using Windows Explorer-familiar keys.
Navigation
Alt + ←
Go Back
Alt + →
Go Forward
Alt + ↓
Show History
Tab Management
Ctrl + W
Close Tab
Ctrl + T
Duplicate Tab
File Operations (Explorer-Style)
F1
View File Explorer Style
F9
Edit File Explorer Style
F4
Copy Files Explorer Style
Shift + F5
Copy (Quick - Same Location)
F6
Move Files
F8 / Delete
Delete Files
Archive Operations
Alt + F5
Pack Files
Alt + F6
Unpack Files
Clipboard Operations
Ctrl + X
Cut
Ctrl + C
Copy
Ctrl + V
Paste
View Control
F5
Refresh Explorer Style
Ctrl + F11
Full Width
Ctrl + L
Log Panel
Ctrl + B
Button Panel
Explorer Panel - Global Shortcuts
These Explorer Panel shortcuts work globally and remain active even when focus is in another extension, providing familiar Windows Explorer functionality.
File Tools (Explorer-Style)
F7
Create Folder
F2
Rename Explorer Style
Shift + Alt + Enter
Calculate Folder Sizes
Send to Clipboard
Ctrl + P
File/Folder Path and Name
Ctrl + Shift + P
File/Folder Name Only
Shift + Alt + P
File/Folder Path Only
Selection Operations
Num+
Select Using Filter
Num-
Unselect Using Filter
Ctrl + A
Select All
Ctrl + D
Unselect All
Num*
Invert Selection
Advanced Selection
Ctrl + Num+
Select Same Extension
Ctrl + Num-
Unselect Same Extension
Alt + Num+
Select Same Name
Alt + Num-
Unselect Same Name
Ctrl + F10
Compare & Select Missing/Newest
Explorer Panel - Specific Shortcuts
These shortcuts are available only when focus is in the Explorer Panel view, providing specialized navigation and management capabilities with Windows Explorer-familiar behavior.
Drive and Path Management
Alt + F1
Drive Selection (Left)
Alt + F2
Drive Selection (Right)
Ctrl + E
Edit Path
Ctrl + F
Set View Filter
Alt + F7
Start Search from Current Path
Quick Path Navigation
Ctrl + 1
Quick Path #1
Ctrl + 2
Quick Path #2
Ctrl + 3
Quick Path #3
Ctrl + 4
Quick Path #4
Ctrl + 5
Quick Path #5
Ctrl + 6
Quick Path #6
Ctrl + 7
Quick Path #7
Ctrl + 8
Quick Path #8
Ctrl + 9
Quick Path #9
Ctrl + 0
Quick Path #10
Panel Synchronization
Ctrl + ←
Sync Path to Left
Ctrl + →
Sync Path to Right
Ctrl + .
Go to Same Path as Target
Directory Navigation
Backspace
Go to Parent Folder
Ctrl + Backspace
Go to Root of Device
Shift + F5
Force Refresh (Flush Cache) Explorer Style
Alt + Enter
Show File Properties
File Search Shortcuts
Dedicated shortcuts for Multi Commander's powerful file search functionality, maintaining Windows Explorer familiarity.
Search Operations
Ctrl + F
Show/Hide Search Window
Ctrl + S
Save a Search
Ctrl + O
Load a Search
Ctrl + Enter
Start a Search
Ctrl + P
Pause a Search
Key Differences from Commander-Style
Understanding the main differences between Windows Explorer-Style and Commander-Style layouts helps with the transition.
Layout Comparison
Function
Windows Explorer-Style
Commander-Style
Notes
Rename
F2
Shift + F6
Explorer users expect F2 for rename
Refresh
F5
F2
F5 is standard Windows refresh key
View File
F1
F3
Explorer users often press F1 to view
Copy
F4
F5
Avoids conflict with F5 refresh
Edit File
F9
F4
Moved to avoid copy conflict
Force Refresh
Shift + F5
Shift + F2
Follows main refresh key pattern
Explorer-Style Benefits
Familiar: Uses keys Windows users already know
Intuitive: F2 for rename, F5 for refresh
Easy Transition: Minimal learning curve
Consistent: Matches Windows conventions
Switching Layouts
Open Configuration menu
Select Quick Look'n'Feel Setup
Choose Windows Explorer Compatibility
Apply changes and restart if needed
Customization Options
Multi Commander offers extensive keyboard customization to perfectly match your preferences.
Customization Features
Individual key remapping
Custom key combinations
Export/import configurations
Quick preset switching
Context-sensitive bindings
Quick Setup Presets
Explorer-Style: Windows familiar (current)
Commander-Style: Classic Commander style
Custom: Personalized layout
Access: Configuration → Quick Look'n'Feel Setup
Windows Explorer Users
This layout is specifically designed for your comfort. All the keyboard shortcuts you're used to work as expected, while giving you access to Multi Commander's powerful dual-panel interface and advanced file management features.