Dolphin/File Management: Difference between revisions

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<languages />
<languages/>
<span id="Discover Dolphin"></span>
<translate>
<translate>
== Dolphin or Konqueror? == <!--T:4-->


</translate><span id="Discover Dolphin"></span><translate>
<!--T:5-->
Dolphin is the file management application of Plasma Workspace. It is designed to be simple to use, yet powerful.
 
<!--T:131-->
[[Special:myLanguage/Konqueror|Konqueror]] was the default file manager in KDE 2 and 3, and is still available for those who prefer its interface. It is a web browser, a file manager, media viewer and more. For file management it uses the Dolphin KPart, and so has all of the functionality of Dolphin.


==Discover Dolphin== <!--T:1-->
==Discover Dolphin== <!--T:1-->
<!--T:148-->
The first section takes you on a guided tour of '''Dolphin'''. The second section deals with the concepts of different types of bookmarks.  The third section discusses archive management.  Finally we look at 'More Cool Things'.  The images are clickable - you can see the enlarged view.
The first section takes you on a guided tour of '''Dolphin'''. The second section deals with the concepts of different types of bookmarks.  The third section discusses archive management.  Finally we look at 'More Cool Things'.  The images are clickable - you can see the enlarged view.
<!--T:2-->
{{Info|Where paths are mentioned, remember that they may refer to ~/.kde or ~/.kde4, according to your distro}}
== General information == <!--T:3-->
=== Dolphin or Konqueror? === <!--T:4-->
<!--T:5-->
This tutorial describes '''Dolphin''' for KDE SC 4.  '''Konqueror''' was the standard file manager in KDE 2 and 3.  You can also use '''Konqueror''' as the default file manager in KDE SC 4. To do this, from KDE SC 4.2 onwards, open '''System Settings''' and go to the <menuchoice>Default Applications</menuchoice> module.  You can select '''Konqueror''' or a range of other applications to use as the default file manager. 
<!--T:6-->
{{KDE3}}
* D3lphin is a fork of '''Dolphin''' for KDE 3. It lacks some features of '''Dolphin''' from KDE SC 4. It is also less known, because for KDE 3 default file manager was '''Konqueror'''. This fork is not supported by the community and is no longer maintained by its author.


===Introduction to Dolphin=== <!--T:7-->
===Introduction to Dolphin=== <!--T:7-->
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<!--T:9-->
<!--T:9-->
I'll show how to use '''Dolphin''' for common file managing tasks, and how to customize it to your needs.
I'll show how to use '''Dolphin''' for common file managing tasks, and how to customize it to your needs.</translate>
 
[[Image:Dolphin_Plasma5_thumbnail.png|thumb|240px|center]]
 
<translate>
<!--T:10-->
[[Image:Dolphin default.png|thumb|240px|center]]
 
 
<!--T:11-->
<!--T:11-->
When we open the '''Dolphin''' from the [[Special:myLanguage/Plasma/Kickoff|Kickoff menu]] it shows your starting directory - by default it is your [[Special:myLanguage/Glossary#Home_Directory|Home directory]].
When we open the '''Dolphin''' from the [[<tvar|1>Special:myLanguage/Plasma/Kickoff</>|Kickoff menu]] it shows your starting directory - by default it is your [[<tvar|2>Special:myLanguage/Glossary#Home_Directory</>|Home directory]].


<!--T:12-->
<!--T:12-->
To open a file, or go to a folder just click on it. (This can be changed to double-click in <menuchoice>System Settings -> Computer Administration -> Keyboard & Mouse</menuchoice>, if you prefer it.  Some distributions set double-click as the default.)  In KDE 4.5 this becomes <menuchoice>System Settings -> Hardware Section -> Input Devices -> Mouse section</menuchoice>
To open a file, or go to a folder just click on it. (This can be changed to double-click in <menuchoice>System Settings</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Desktop Behavior</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Workspace</menuchoice> or in <menuchoice>System Settings</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Input Devices</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Mouse section</menuchoice> for older versions of '''System Settings''')


<!--T:13-->
<!--T:13-->
To select and deselect files and folders hover mouse cursor above icon and click the emerging plus sign to select and minus sign to deselect. Like this:
To select and deselect files and folders hover mouse cursor above icon and click the emerging plus sign to select and minus sign to deselect. Like this:


<!--T:14-->
<!--T:14-->
[[Image:Dolphin folder hovered.png|thumb|240px|center]]
[[Image:Dolphin folder hover.png|thumb|240px|center]]
 


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<!--T:16-->
<!--T:16-->
Many selected files looks like this:
Many selected files looks like this:</translate>
 
 
<!--T:17-->
[[Image:Dolphin folder hovered deselect.png|thumb|240px|center]]
[[Image:Dolphin folder hovered deselect.png|thumb|240px|center]]
 
<translate>


<!--T:18-->
<!--T:18-->
'''Creating a new folder''': You can create a new folder in the active directory using <menuchoice>context (right-click) menu -> Create new</menuchoice> or the <keycap>F10</keycap> shortcut.
'''Creating a new folder''': You can create a new folder in the active directory using <menuchoice>context (right-click) menu</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Create new</menuchoice> or the <keycap>F10</keycap> shortcut.


<!--T:19-->
<!--T:19-->
''Tabs'': '''Dolphin''' supports tabbed browsing. A new tab can be opened for example from <menuchoice>File -> New Tab</menuchoice>, by <keycap>Ctrl + T</keycap> or by middle mouse click on folder icon and navigation buttons.
''Tabs'': '''Dolphin''' supports tabbed browsing. A new tab can be opened for example from <menuchoice>File</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>New Tab</menuchoice> (if you have enabled menu bar), by <keycap>Ctrl + T</keycap> or by middle mouse click on folder icon and navigation buttons.
 
<!--T:125-->
{{Note|Starting from KDE 4.7, Dolphin's menu bar is hidden, but easy to reach and restore. If you prefer menu bar to be present, you can enable it by selecting <menuchoice>Control</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Show Menubar</menuchoice> or pressing <keycap>Ctrl + M</keycap>.}}


<!--T:20-->
<!--T:20-->
'''Dolphin''' opens by default when we click on any folder. It can also be started from [[Special:myLanguage/Plasma/Kickoff|Kickoff menu]].
'''Dolphin''' opens by default when we click on any folder. It can also be started from [[Special:myLanguage/Plasma/Kickoff|Kickoff menu]].


== Navigation Bar == <!--T:21-->
== The Interface == <!--T:132-->
 
=== Location Bar === <!--T:21-->


<!--T:22-->
<!--T:22-->
'''Dolphin''' integrates a new concept to use the navigation bar in a faster and more precise way: therefore a breadcrumb navigation bar is used. Instead of displaying the complete path only the navigation points starting from one of the places are displayed as buttons. By clicking one of these buttons you navigate directly to this folder. In this way you can reach a parent folder from a sub folder in a very quick way.
'''Dolphin''' integrates a new concept to use the location bar in a faster and more precise way: therefore a breadcrumb location bar is used. Instead of displaying the complete path only the navigation points starting from one of the places are displayed as buttons. By clicking one of these buttons you navigate directly to this folder. In this way you can reach a parent folder from a sub folder in a very quick way.


<!--T:23-->
<!--T:23-->
Between the buttons which represent a folder there is a small arrow which is a button as well. By clicking this arrow you can see a list of all the subdirectories on the same level as your current one, giving you a quick directory change.
Between the buttons which represent a folder there is a small arrow which is a button as well. By clicking this arrow you can see a list of all the subdirectories on the same level as your current one, giving you a quick directory change.


<!--T:24-->
<!--T:24-->
[[Image:Dolphin_nav.png|400px|thumb|center|Change directories quickly]]
[[Image:Dolphin_nav.png|400px|thumb|center|Change directories quickly]]


<!--T:25-->
<!--T:25-->
There is also a classical navigation bar which displays the complete path. To use this style you can select <menuchoice>View -> Navigation Bar -> Show Full Location</menuchoice>, or trigger the keyboard shortcut <keycap>Ctrl + L</keycap>. By clicking on the free space next to the last displayed folder in the breadcrumb style you can change to the classical style as well. If the classical style is selected a checkmark is displayed at the end of the navigation bar. This checkmark is a button which can be used to change back to the breadcrumb style. Of course menu and keyboard shortcut can be used, too.
There is also a classical location bar which displays the complete path. To use this style you can right click on the Location Bar and select <menuchoice>Show Full Path</menuchoice>. If you want the Location bar to become editable, trigger the keyboard shortcut <keycap>Ctrl + L</keycap> or select <menuchoice> Control</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Location Bar</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Editable Location </menuchoice>. By clicking on the free space next to the last displayed folder in the breadcrumb style you can switch to an editable Location Bar as well. If the editable style is selected a checkmark is displayed at the end of the location bar. This checkmark is a button which can be used to change back to the breadcrumb style. Of course menu and keyboard shortcut can be used, too.


== Split View == <!--T:26-->
=== Split View === <!--T:26-->


<!--T:27-->
<!--T:27-->
'''Dolphin''' offers the possibility to split the current folder view so that two folder views are displayed next to each other as known from [[:wikipedia:Midnight Commander|Midnight Commander]]. This is a very comfortable view to copy or move files from one folder to another.
'''Dolphin''' offers the possibility to split the current folder view so that two folder views are displayed next to each other as known from [[:wikipedia:Midnight Commander|Midnight Commander]], or [[Special:myLanguage/Krusader|Krusader]]. This is a very comfortable view to copy or move files from one folder to another.</translate>
 
 
<!--T:28-->
[[Image:Dolphin split view.png|thumb|350px|center]]
[[Image:Dolphin split view.png|thumb|350px|center]]
 
<translate>


<!--T:29-->
<!--T:29-->
You can split the view with <menuchoice>View -> Split</menuchoice> (keyboard shortcut <keycap>F3</keycap>). To change back to only one folder view you can use <menuchoice>View -> Close</menuchoice>. The symbol will show you which view will be closed. Depending on the currently active view the minus sign will be shown in the left or right part of the symbol. The active view will be closed. This is important to know if you want to use the keyboard shortcut. There is also a button for splitting and closing the view situated in the toolbar. This button displays the minus symbol as well, so it is easy to know which view would be closed.
You can split the view by clicking on <menuchoice>Split</menuchoice> in the tool bar or, if you have enabled menu bar, <menuchoice>View -> Split</menuchoice> (keyboard shortcut <keycap>F3</keycap>). To change back to only one folder view you can click on <menuchoice>Close</menuchoice> or just press <keycap>F3</keycap> again. The symbol will show you which view will be closed. Depending on the currently active view the minus sign will be shown in the left or right part of the symbol. The active view will be closed. This is important to know if you want to use the keyboard shortcut. There is also a button for splitting and closing the view situated in the toolbar. This button displays the minus symbol as well, so it is easy to know which view would be closed.


<!--T:30-->
<!--T:30-->
Of course each view has its own navigation bar and each view can use a different view mode.
Of course each view has its own location bar and each view can use a different view mode.


== View mode == <!--T:31-->
=== Sorting Files === <!--T:133-->


<!--T:32-->
<!--T:35-->
'''Dolphin''' supports three different view modes: ''"Icons"'', ''"Details"'' and ''"Columns"''. These can be changed via the menu <menuchoice>View -> View mode</menuchoice> or via the keyboard shortcuts <keycap>Ctrl+1</keycap> (Icons), <keycap>Ctrl+2</keycap> (Details) and <keycap>Ctrl+3</keycap> (Columns). There is also a button for each view mode in the toolbar and the context menu of the folder view offers a submenu <menuchoice>View mode</menuchoice> to change the view mode.
By default, the files in the currently displayed folder are sorted in ascending alphabetical order. However, this can be changed by selecting <menuchoice>Control</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Sort by</menuchoice>.
 
=== Icons === <!--T:33-->
 
<!--T:34-->
Each file and each folder is represented by an icon in the view mode ''"Icons"''. Instead of displaying an icon a preview of the file can be shown. This behaviour can be turned on/off via the menu <menuchoice>View -> Preview</menuchoice> or via a toolbar button. There is a size limit for the  file previews. This size limitation can be configured via <menuchoice>Settings -> Configure Dolphin -> View Modes -> General</menuchoice> option <menuchoice>File Previews -> Maximum file size</menuchoice>. There is also an option to use thumbnails embedded in files.  In KDE 4.5 Previews are enabled (and maximum size defined) by <menuchoice>Settings -> Configure Dolphin -> General page -> Preview tab</menuchoice>


<!--T:35-->
<!--T:134-->
The files in the currently selected folder are sorted in alphabetical order by default. The way of sorting can be changed via menu <menuchoice>View -> Sort by</menuchoice>. The following sort criteria are available:
Files may be sorted by the following attributes


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* Group
* Group
* Type
* Type
Additionally the sorting sequence can be defined by <menuchoice>View -> Sort by -> Descending</menuchoice>.
* Link Destination
* Path
 
<!--T:135-->
The sorting method can be changed by selecting <menuchoice>Sort by</menuchoice> from the toolbar and then select <menuchoice>A-Z</menuchoice> or <menuchoice>Z-A</menuchoice>. Additionally you may choose whether folders should be listed first by selecting <menuchoice>Folders First</menuchoice>.
 
=== View Mode === <!--T:31-->
 
<!--T:136-->
'''Dolphin''' features three different folder view modes:
 
<!--T:137-->
* {{Icon|breeze-dolphin-view-icons}} '''Icons''' shows each file or folder as an icon with its name
 
<!--T:138-->
* {{Icon|breeze-dolphin-view-compact}} '''Compact''' is the same as icons, but in a more compact form, allowing more folders and files to be displayed at once
 
<!--T:139-->
* {{Icon|breeze-dolphin-view-details}} '''Details''' presents a list of files and folders, giving information on each, including but not limited to size and date
 
<!--T:140-->
The mode can be changed from within Dolphin
 
<!--T:141-->
* Select <menuchoice>View Mode</menuchoice> from the <menuchoice>View</menuchoice> menu. This option is only available if the main Menubar is enabled
 
<!--T:142-->
* Select <menuchoice>View Mode</menuchoice> from the <menuchoice>Control</menuchoice> menu. This option is only available when the main Menubar is disabled


<!--T:37-->
<!--T:143-->
There is the possibility to display additional information below the icons. These can be turned on/off via <menuchoice>View -> Additional Information</menuchoice>. In principal the same criteria which are available as search criteria can be selected.
* By selecting the appropriate icon from the main toolbar, if it is enabled


<!--T:38-->
<!--T:144-->
You can group the icons to achieve a better overview. This is turned on via <menuchoice>View -> Show in Groups</menuchoice>. Now the icons are grouped and the groups are divided by a horizontal line containing the name of the group as caption. The grouping is related to the selected search criteria.
* Using the default keyboard shortcuts:
** <keycap>Ctrl+1</keycap> switches to the Icon display mode,
** <keycap>Ctrl+2</keycap> switches to Compact and,
** <keycap>Ctrl+3</keycap> switches to Detailed view.


==== View as Icons ==== <!--T:145-->


<!--T:39-->
<!--T:34-->
[[Image:Dolphin show in groups effect.png|thumb|240px|center]]
Each file and each folder is represented by an icon in this mode. Instead of displaying an icon a preview of the file can be shown. This feature can be turned on/off via the menu <menuchoice>View</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Preview</menuchoice> (if menu bar is enabled) or via the main toolbar button <menuchoice>Preview</menuchoice>.


<!--T:37-->
There is the possibility to display additional information below the icons. These can be turned on/off via <menuchoice>Control</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Additional Information</menuchoice> or <menuchoice>View</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Additional Information</menuchoice> (if menu bar is enabled). In principal the same criteria which are available as search criteria can be selected.


<!--T:38-->
You can group the icons to achieve a better overview. This is turned on via <menuchoice>Control</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Show in Groups</menuchoice> or <menuchoice>View</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Show in Groups</menuchoice> (if menu bar is enabled). Now the icons are grouped and the groups are divided by a horizontal line containing the name of the group as caption. The grouping is related to the selected search criteria.</translate>
[[Image:Dolphin show in groups effect.png|thumb|240px|center]]
<translate>
=== Details === <!--T:40-->
=== Details === <!--T:40-->


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* Owner
* Owner
* Group
* Group
* Type
* Type  
* Link Destination
* Path
Column ''"Name''" is always displayed. By clicking on the header of one of the columns the table will be sorted by this column. By clicking on the same column header the sorting sequence is reversed.  
Column ''"Name''" is always displayed. By clicking on the header of one of the columns the table will be sorted by this column. By clicking on the same column header the sorting sequence is reversed.  


<!--T:43-->
<!--T:43-->
Since KDE 4.1 it is possible to display the folders as a tree. In this mode a plus sign is shown next to the folder. By clicking on this sign the folder is expanded and all containing sub folders and files are also shown in the table but they are attenuated. By clicking the sign, which display a minus now, again the expansion is closed again. Of course the tree structure can be used for as many folders as wished. The tree view is disabled by default, but can be activated via <menuchoice>Settings -> Configure Dolphin -> View Modes -> Details</menuchoice> with option <menuchoice>Expandable Folders</menuchoice>.
It is possible to display the folders as a tree. In this mode a ''> symbol'' is shown next to the folder. By clicking on this sign the folder is expanded and all containing sub folders and files are also shown in the table but they are attenuated. By clicking the sign, which displays an ''arrow pointing downwards'', again the expansion is closed. Of course the tree structure can be used for as many folders as wished. In latest KDE releases, the tree view is enabled by default, but can be deactivated via <menuchoice>Control</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Configure Dolphin</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>View Modes</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Details</menuchoice> with option <menuchoice>Expandable Folders</menuchoice>.


=== Columns === <!--T:44-->


<!--T:45-->
===Setting defaults for all folders=== <!--T:46-->
View mode ''"Columns"'' is inspired by the file manager '''Finder''' of Mac OS X. Entering a sub folder does not replace the current folder view but the content of the sub folder is listed in an additional column next to the column of the parent folder. This can be used for several hierarchies, so that you can navigate in an easy and fast way in the file system.


===Setting defaults for all folders=== <!--T:46-->
<!--T:149-->
Under the menu item <menuchoice>View -> Adjust View Properties</menuchoice> you can set any of these attributes to be the default for all folder views.
Under <menuchoice>Control</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Adjust View Properties</menuchoice> (or under the menu item <menuchoice>View</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Adjust View Properties</menuchoice> if you have enabled menu bar) you can set any of these attributes to be the default for all folder views.


== Panels == <!--T:47-->
== Panels == <!--T:47-->


<!--T:48-->
<!--T:48-->
'''Dolphin''' contains several panels, which can be activated via menu <menuchoice>View -> Panels</menuchoice>. Each panel can be placed in the left or right docking area. To move a panel you have to click on the header and ''Drag&Drop'' the panel. The area where the panel will be placed on mouse released is highlighted. It is possible to stack panels on top of each other. In this case the panels are placed into tabs.
'''Dolphin''' contains several panels, which can be activated via menu <menuchoice>Control</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Panels</menuchoice>. A panel can be placed in either the left or right docking area. To move a panel, ensure that panels are unlocked (right-click on a panel and select <menuchoice>Unlock Panels</menuchoice>). Then click on the header of the panel you want to move and drag it to the desired location. The new location of the panel is highlighted as you move the cursor around, before releasing the mouse button. Dropping a panel on top of another combines them into a tabbed view.


<!--T:49-->
<!--T:49-->
In the header of each panel there are two buttons. The button near to the caption undocks the panel. This makes the panel an independent window which "floats" above '''Dolphin'''. The window is still combined with '''Dolphin''' and cannot be displayed without '''Dolphin''' and cannot for example be minimized like normal windows. By clicking the button again the panel is docked again. The second button will close the panel.
In some versions of Dolphin, the header of each panel contains two buttons. The button near to the caption undocks the panel. This makes the panel an independent window which "floats" above '''Dolphin'''. The window is still combined with '''Dolphin''' and cannot be displayed without '''Dolphin''' and cannot for example be minimized like normal windows. By clicking the button again the panel is docked again. The second button closes the panel.


=== Non Modal Dialogs === <!--T:50-->
=== Non Modal Dialogs === <!--T:50-->
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When Moving, Copying or Deleting files/directories the dialog disappears even when the operation has not yet completed. A progress bar then appears in the bottom right of the screen, this then disappears also, if you want see the progress you need to click a small (i) information icon in the system tray.
When Moving, Copying or Deleting files/directories the dialog disappears even when the operation has not yet completed. A progress bar then appears in the bottom right of the screen, this then disappears also, if you want see the progress you need to click a small (i) information icon in the system tray.


<!--T:52-->
<!--T:154-->
{{Warning|1=New users who are not used to this way of working (and even experienced users) can get caught out by this, if you are Moving, Copying or Deleting large directories then you need to use the icon to monitor the progress of your operation. <!--}}-->
{{Warning|New users who are not used to this way of working (and even experienced users) can get caught out by this, if you are Moving, Copying or Deleting large directories then you need to use the icon to monitor the progress of your operation.
 
If you don't then any subsequent actions you do, may well use an incomplete file structure resulting in corrupted files.  '''You have been warned!'''}}
<!--T:53-->
<!--{{-->If you don't then any subsequent actions you do, may well use an incomplete file structure resulting in corrupted files.  '''You have been warned!'''}}


=== Places === <!--T:54-->
=== Places === <!--T:54-->


<!--T:55-->
<!--T:55-->
'''Dolphin''' contains a new kind of bookmarks ''Places''. These are displayed in a panel which can be activated via <menuchoice>View -> Panels -> Places</menuchoice> (keyboard shortcut <keycap>F9</keycap>). The default Places are identical to the one shown in the category ''System'' of the K-Menu [[Special:myLanguage/Kickoff|Kickoff]].
'''Dolphin''' contains a new kind of bookmarks ''Places''. These are displayed in a panel which can be activated via <menuchoice>Control</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Panels</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Places</menuchoice> (keyboard shortcut <keycap>F9</keycap>). The default Places are identical to the ones shown in the category ''Computer'' of the K-Menu [[Special:myLanguage/Plasma/Kickoff|Kickoff]].


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<!--T:61-->
<!--T:61-->
The information panel can be activated via <menuchoice>View -> Panels -> Information</menuchoice> (keyboard shortcut <keycap>F11</keycap>). This panel displays a preview or an icon of the currently selected file/folder or of the file/folder below the mouse cursor. Some additional information like change date or size to the file/folder is displayed as well.
The information panel can be activated via <menuchoice>Control</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Show Panels</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Information</menuchoice> (keyboard shortcut <keycap>F11</keycap>). This panel displays a preview or an icon of the currently selected file/folder or of the file/folder below the mouse cursor. Some additional information like change date or size to the file/folder is displayed as well.


<!--T:62-->
<!--T:62-->
The information panel offers the possibility to rate files, add a comment or tag a file. This is one of the interfaces to the semantic Desktop [[Special:myLanguage/Nepomuk|Nepomuk]] which provides the advantages of the semantic web for the desktop. Starting from KDE 4.2 it is possible to search for the semantic links given by the tags.  
The information panel offers the possibility to rate files, add a comment or tag a file. This is one of the interfaces to the semantic Desktop [[Special:myLanguage/Nepomuk|Nepomuk]] which provides the advantages of the semantic web for the desktop. Starting from KDE 4.2 it is possible to search for the semantic links given by the tags.  


<!--T:63-->
<!--T:63-->
[[Image:dolphin_panel.png|thumb|240px|center|The Information Panel]]
[[<tvar|1>Image:dolphin_panel.png|thumb|240px|center</>|The Information Panel]]
 


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<!--T:66-->
<!--T:66-->
A panel providing a tree structure for the file system can be displayed via <menuchoice>View -> Panels -> Folders</menuchoice> (keyboard shortcut <keycap>F7</keycap>). The tree structure offers the possibility by clicking the + and - signs to expand/collapse sub folders. By clicking on one of the folders the content will be displayed in the current view.
A panel providing a tree structure for the file system can be displayed via <menuchoice>Control</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Panels</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Folders</menuchoice> (keyboard shortcut <keycap>F7</keycap>). The tree structure offers the possibility by clicking the > and &darr; signs to expand/collapse sub folders. By clicking on one of the folders the content will be displayed in the current view.


=== Terminal === <!--T:67-->
=== Terminal === <!--T:157-->


<!--T:68-->
<!--T:68-->
The terminal emulator [[Special:myLanguage/Konsole|Konsole]] can be displayed directly in '''Dolphin''' via <menuchoice>View -> Panels -> Terminal</menuchoice> (keyboard shortcut <keycap>F4</keycap>). This makes it possible to use shell commands directly in '''Dolphin'''. The terminal is opened in the folder which is displayed in the current view. <keycap>Shift + F4</keycap> opens '''Konsole''' in new window.
The terminal emulator [[Special:myLanguage/Konsole|Konsole]] can be displayed directly in '''Dolphin''' via <menuchoice>Control</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Panels</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Terminal</menuchoice> (keyboard shortcut <keycap>F4</keycap>). This makes it possible to use shell commands directly in '''Dolphin'''. The terminal is opened in the folder which is displayed in the current view. <keycap>Shift + F4</keycap> opens [[Special:myLanguage/Konsole|Konsole]] in new window.
 


<!--T:69-->
<!--T:69-->
[[Image:dolphin_terminal.png|thumb|240px|center|Dolphin with a Terminal]]
[[<tvar|1>Image:dolphin_terminal.png|thumb|240px|center</>|Dolphin with a Terminal]]
 
 
== External links == <!--T:70-->
 
<!--T:71-->
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolphin_(software) Wikipedia- Dolphin_(software)]
 
<!--T:72-->
[http://dot.kde.org/1172721427/ Road to KDE 4: Dolphin and Konqueror]
 
<!--T:73-->
[http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070405-afirst-look-at-dolphin-the-kde-4-file-manager.html Ars Technica: A First Look at Dolphin]
 
<!--T:74-->
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4HS1v0a9Xs Youtube - KDE 4 rev 680445 - Dolphin]
 
<!--T:75-->
[http://introducingkde4.blogspot.com/2007/12/dolphin.html Introducing KDE 4 Blog - Dolphin]
 
</translate><span id="File System Navigation"></span><translate>
 
==File System Navigation== <!--T:76-->


==Bookmarks and Places== <!--T:77-->
==Bookmarks and Places== <!--T:77-->
In KDE3 you could create bookmarks in '''Konqueror''', but they were not available to any other application.  KDE SC 4.x opens up a great deal more flexibility - but that inevitably means more complication. In fact KDE SC 4 has three classes of ''Bookmarks'', which need to be differentiated.  They reside in different files, and have different functions. 


<!--T:152-->
KDE Plasma offers two different systems of user-based links to different locations in the file system. One is called ''Places'' and the other one is called ''Bookmarks''. They reside in different files, and have different functions.</translate> <translate><!--T:155-->
This offers more flexibility, however, it makes it necessary to learn the differences.


<!--T:78-->
<!--T:78-->
[[Image:Konq3bookmarks.png|350px|thumb|center|KDE3 Konqueror didn't share bookmarks]]
[[<tvar|1>Image:Konq3bookmarks.png|350px|thumb|center</>|KDE3 Konqueror didn't share bookmarks]]
 
 
===Three kinds of bookmark=== <!--T:79-->


<!--T:80-->
<!--T:80-->
First, there is the set of bookmarks available only to '''Konqueror''' - ''web bookmarks''.  These are stored in ~/.kde/share/apps/konqueror/bookmarks.xml.  Then there is a set which '''Dolphin''' calls ''Places''.  This set is available to all applications as well as the '''Dolphin''' file manager. Every time you use <menuchoice>File -> Open</menuchoice> you will see this set.  The third set of bookmarks are ''Application Bookmarks''.  These share one file, regardless of the application that set them, and are available to all applications, unless you restrain them to a specific application.  More of that later.
In contrast to the way '''Konqueror''' stored the bookmarks back in KDE3, both ''Places'' and ''Bookmarks'' are available to all applications as well as the '''Dolphin''' file manager. More of that later.
 
===Enable bookmarks=== <!--T:81-->
 
<!--T:82-->
In most distros Bookmarks are not enabled by default.  In order to use bookmarks we first have to enable them.  Open a <menuchoice>File -> Open</menuchoice> in most KDE applications and you will see, at the right-hand edge of the icon panel, a spanner or wrench.  From the drop-down list, choose <menuchoice>Show Bookmarks</menuchoice>.
 


<!--T:83-->
=== Places in applications === <!--T:146-->
[[Image:EnablingBookmarks.png|350px|thumb|center|Enabling Bookmarks]]


 
====Places for system-wide navigation==== <!--T:84-->
==="Places" for system-wide navigation=== <!--T:84-->


<!--T:85-->
<!--T:85-->
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<!--T:86-->
<!--T:86-->
[[Image:DolphinAdd.png|350px|thumb|center|Adding a bookmark to Places]]
[[<tvar|1>Image:DolphinAdd.png|350px|thumb|center</>|Adding a bookmark to Places]]




Line 289: Line 272:


<!--T:88-->
<!--T:88-->
[[Image:OnlyShowIn.png|350px|thumb|center|This Place will only be visible in Dolphin]]
[[<tvar|1>Image:OnlyShowIn.png|350px|thumb|center</>|This Place will only be visible in Dolphin]]




<!--T:89-->
<!--T:89-->
You can see the result of that command if you read ~/.kde4/share/apps/kfileplaces/bookmarks.xml.
You can see the result of that command if you read {{Path|~/.local/share/apps/kfileplaces/bookmarks.xml}}.


<!--T:90-->
<!--T:90-->
In some applications too there is an option in the File menu to add a folder to Places.  At this stage, however, applications vary in which features are available.  The important thing to remember is that ''the default is for Places items to be available to all applications in the <menuchoice>File -> Open</menuchoice> dialogue.  ''
In some applications too there is an option in the File menu to add a folder to Places.  At this stage, however, applications vary in which features are available.  The important thing to remember is that ''the default is for Places items to be available to all applications in the <menuchoice>File</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Open</menuchoice> dialogue.  ''


===Bookmarks in applications=== <!--T:91-->
====Constraining to one application==== <!--T:95-->


<!--T:92-->
<!--T:96-->
This is the second class of bookmarks.  Remember opening <menuchoice>File -> Open</menuchoice> and using the spanner/wrench?  Next to it is a yellow star.  This is the ''bookmark management menu''.   
Some applications allow you to edit items in the Places menu.  For instance, if in [[Special:myLanguage/Gwenview|Gwenview]] you right click on a folder in Places you can set an option to <menuchoice>Only show when using this application (Gwenview)</menuchoice>.   




<!--T:93-->
<!--T:97-->
[[Image:BookmarkManagement.png|350px|thumb|center|Manage Application bookmarks here]]
[[Image:OnlyShowIn2.png|350px|thumb|center|Constraining a bookmark to an application]]




<!--T:94-->
<!--T:98-->
Here you can define bookmarks that will be visible in the same menu on any application.  They are stored in one file, ~/.kde4/share/apps/kfile/bookmarks.xml, which is used by all applications having that menu.
If you need to constrain to an application that does not yet allow you to do that, the only way left is to edit the file ~/.local/share/kfile/bookmarks.xml. Immediately before the </metadata> tag you will need to add the line {{Input|1= <OnlyInApp>appname</OnlyInApp>}}


===Constraining to one application=== <!--T:95-->
===Bookmarks in applications=== <!--T:91-->


<!--T:96-->
====Enable bookmarks==== <!--T:81-->
Some applications allow you to edit items in the Places menu.  For instance, if in [[Special:myLanguage/Gwenview|Gwenview]] you right click on a folder in Places you can set an option to <menuchoice>Only show when using this application (Gwenview)</menuchoice>. 


<!--T:82-->
Bookmarks are not enabled in dialogs by default. To enable them
* Open the <menuchoice>File</menuchoice> menu and select <menuchoice>Open</menuchoice> or <menuchoice>Save</menuchoice>
* Click the '''Options''' {{icon|breeze-configure}} icon
* Select <menuchoice>Show Bookmarks</menuchoice>


<!--T:97-->
<!--T:83-->
[[Image:OnlyShowIn2.png|350px|thumb|center|Constraining a bookmark to an application]]
[[<tvar|1>Image:EnablingBookmarks.png|350px|thumb|center</>|Enabling Bookmarks]]


==== Using bookmarks ==== <!--T:147-->


<!--T:98-->
<!--T:92-->
If you need to constrain to an application that does not yet allow you to do that, the only way left is to edit the file ~/.kde/share/apps/kfile/bookmarks.xml.  Immediately before the </metadata> tag you will need to add the line {{Input|1= <OnlyInApp>appname</OnlyInApp>}}
Bookmarks are the second class of user-based links to the file system. Remember opening <menuchoice>File</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Open</menuchoice> and using the spanner/wrench?  Next to it is a yellow star.  This is the ''bookmark management menu''. 


</translate><span id="Archive Management in Dolphin"></span><translate>
<!--T:93-->
[[<tvar|1>Image:BookmarkManagement.png|350px|thumb|center</>|Manage Application bookmarks here]]


<!--T:94-->
Here you can define bookmarks that will be visible in the same menu on any application.  They are stored in one file, {{Path|~/.local/share/kfile/bookmarks.xml}}, which is used by all applications having that menu.</translate>
<span id="Archive Management in Dolphin"></span>
<translate>
===Archive Management in Dolphin=== <!--T:99-->
===Archive Management in Dolphin=== <!--T:99-->


<!--T:100-->
<!--T:100-->
Managing archives now becomes simple.  In any directory in '''Dolphin''', highlight the files that you want to compress, and right-click.  Here, using the Compress option, you can elect to create a RAR archive, a Gzipped tar archive, or define another compression mode that you have already set up.
Managing archives now becomes simple.  In any directory in '''Dolphin''', highlight the files that you want to compress, and right-click.  Here, using the Compress option, you can elect to create a RAR archive, a Gzipped tar archive, or define another compression mode that you have already set up.


<!--T:101-->
<!--T:101-->
[[Image:Compress.png|350px|thumb|center|Create a new archive]]
[[<tvar|1>Image:Compress.png|350px|thumb|center</>|Create a new archive]]
 


<!--T:102-->
<!--T:102-->
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<!--T:103-->
<!--T:103-->
Should you wish to add files to an existing archive, you can choose <menuchoice>Open with Ark</menuchoice>.
Should you wish to add files to an existing archive, you can choose <menuchoice>Open with Ark</menuchoice>.


<!--T:104-->
<!--T:104-->
[[Image:ManageArchives.png|350px|thumb|center|Manage existing archives]]
[[<tvar|1>Image:ManageArchives.png|350px|thumb|center</>|Manage existing archives]]
 


==More Cool Actions== <!--T:105-->
==More Cool Actions== <!--T:105-->


===Change a File Association on-the-fly=== <!--T:106-->
===Change a File Association on-the-fly=== <!--T:106-->
Have you ever wanted to open a file, only to find that it is associated with an application that is not of your choice? You can, of course, alter this in <menuchoice>System Settings -> Advanced -> File Associations</menuchoice>.  But '''Dolphin''' and '''Konqueror''' offer you a quick and cool method for changing a single association.
 
<!--T:153-->
Have you ever wanted to open a file, only to find that it is [[<tvar|1>Special:myLanguage/System_Settings/File_Associations</>|associated]] with an application that is not of your choice?  
 
<!--T:127-->
You can, for one, alter this in <menuchoice>Kickoff</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Computer</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>System Settings</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>Common Appearance and Behavior</menuchoice> &rarr; <menuchoice>File Associations</menuchoice>.  This is the same as running  '''kcmshell5 filetypes''' in a Konsole.
 
<!--T:128-->
Alternatively, if you want to change '''multiple''' associations right quick, you would edit the *.desktop file directly, e.g. the file {{Path|/usr/share/applications/org.gnome.Builder.desktop}}. For example, Gnome Builder associates with a great number of file-types which may not be desirable. So the line
    MimeType=application/javascript;  # we do not want all of these ....
 
<!--T:129-->
may be shortened or commented out with # . Maybe a line
    InitialPreference=2
    X-KDE-InitialPreference=3
 
<!--T:130-->
in the builder.desktop file helps to keep your previous default associated app, with builder being only secondary or tertiary option.


<!--T:107-->
<!--T:107-->
Thirdly, '''Dolphin''' and '''Konqueror''' offer a quick method for changing a '''single''' association:
Right-click on the file and select <menuchoice>Properties</menuchoice>. The first line there is descriptive, something like:  {{Output|1=Type: XML document}}
Right-click on the file and select <menuchoice>Properties</menuchoice>. The first line there is descriptive, something like:  {{Output|1=Type: XML document}}


Line 364: Line 373:


<!--T:111-->
<!--T:111-->
The <menuchoice>Actions</menuchoice> sub-menu opens up a whole lot more cool things to do from '''Dolphin'''.  Some possibilities only appear when applicable to the file you have selected.  Some of the options are
The <menuchoice>Actions</menuchoice> sub-menu opens up a whole lot more cool things to do from '''Dolphin'''.  Some possibilities only appear when applicable to the file you have selected.  An apps .desktop file below {{Path|/usr/share/applications}} defines what actions are applicable for a particular type of file. Some of the options are
* Convert an image file to a different format
* Convert an image file to a different format
* Preview the file
* Preview the file
Line 375: Line 384:
* Insert an audio CD
* Insert an audio CD
* Navigate to this CD in '''Dolphin''': it must appear as "Volume" in your '''Dolphin''' 'Places' or you can reach it by typing audiocd:/ in the address bar.
* Navigate to this CD in '''Dolphin''': it must appear as "Volume" in your '''Dolphin''' 'Places' or you can reach it by typing audiocd:/ in the address bar.


<!--T:114-->
<!--T:114-->
[[Image:Cdaudiodolphin.jpeg|550px|thumb|center|Dolphin presenting audio CD]]
[[<tvar|1>Image:Cdaudiodolphin.jpeg|550px|thumb|center</>|Dolphin presenting audio CD]]
 


<!--T:115-->
<!--T:115-->
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<!--T:116-->
<!--T:116-->
You then just have to copy the folder of your choice, in your preferred format to obtain the relative encoded version of your CD!
You then just have to copy the folder of your choice, in your preferred format to obtain the relative encoded version of your CD!
=== Using <tvar|tml><tt>timeline</tt></> to have your recent files as startup folder === <!--T:118-->
<!--T:119-->
[[<tvar|1>File:Recent.jpg|400px|thumb|right</>|Have your recent files always in Dolphin]]
<!--T:126-->
You can start up dolphin (with '''baloo''' up and running) with a view of ''recently modified files'': Just navigate to the address/location of  <tt>timeline:/today/</tt> (copy paste it to the address bar) or use it as '''dolphin start-up-folder''' in dolphin-settings.
== External links == <!--T:70-->
<!--T:71-->
* [<tvar|1>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolphin_(software)</> Wikipedia- Dolphin_(software)]
<!--T:72-->
* [<tvar|1>http://dot.kde.org/1172721427/</> Road to KDE 4: Dolphin and Konqueror]
<!--T:73-->
* [<tvar|1>http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070405-afirst-look-at-dolphin-the-kde-4-file-manager.html</> Ars Technica: A First Look at Dolphin]
<!--T:75-->
* [<tvar|1>http://introducingkde4.blogspot.com/2007/12/dolphin.html</> Introducing KDE 4 Blog - Dolphin]


<!--T:117-->
<!--T:117-->
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[[Category:Tutorials]]
[[Category:Tutorials]]
[[Category:File Management]]
[[Category:File Management]]
[[Category:KDE3]]
</translate>
</translate>

Latest revision as of 22:07, 12 June 2021

Other languages:

Dolphin or Konqueror?

Dolphin is the file management application of Plasma Workspace. It is designed to be simple to use, yet powerful.

Konqueror was the default file manager in KDE 2 and 3, and is still available for those who prefer its interface. It is a web browser, a file manager, media viewer and more. For file management it uses the Dolphin KPart, and so has all of the functionality of Dolphin.

Discover Dolphin

The first section takes you on a guided tour of Dolphin. The second section deals with the concepts of different types of bookmarks. The third section discusses archive management. Finally we look at 'More Cool Things'. The images are clickable - you can see the enlarged view.

Introduction to Dolphin

Dolphin is the file manager of the KDE Software Compilation.

I'll show how to use Dolphin for common file managing tasks, and how to customize it to your needs.

When we open the Dolphin from the Kickoff menu it shows your starting directory - by default it is your Home directory.

To open a file, or go to a folder just click on it. (This can be changed to double-click in System Settings → Desktop Behavior → Workspace or in System Settings → Input Devices → Mouse section for older versions of System Settings)

To select and deselect files and folders hover mouse cursor above icon and click the emerging plus sign to select and minus sign to deselect. Like this:

When you click the plus-sign, this file or folder will be added to your selection. You can select multiple files in the same way. Selection can be done also by dragging a rectangle (sometimes called the "rubber band" method), and selection and deselection with Ctrl + click for one at a time and Shift + click for a consecutive range.

Many selected files looks like this:

Creating a new folder: You can create a new folder in the active directory using context (right-click) menu → Create new or the F10 shortcut.

Tabs: Dolphin supports tabbed browsing. A new tab can be opened for example from File → New Tab (if you have enabled menu bar), by Ctrl + T or by middle mouse click on folder icon and navigation buttons.

Note
Starting from KDE 4.7, Dolphin's menu bar is hidden, but easy to reach and restore. If you prefer menu bar to be present, you can enable it by selecting Control → Show Menubar or pressing Ctrl + M.


Dolphin opens by default when we click on any folder. It can also be started from Kickoff menu.

The Interface

Location Bar

Dolphin integrates a new concept to use the location bar in a faster and more precise way: therefore a breadcrumb location bar is used. Instead of displaying the complete path only the navigation points starting from one of the places are displayed as buttons. By clicking one of these buttons you navigate directly to this folder. In this way you can reach a parent folder from a sub folder in a very quick way.

Between the buttons which represent a folder there is a small arrow which is a button as well. By clicking this arrow you can see a list of all the subdirectories on the same level as your current one, giving you a quick directory change.

Change directories quickly


There is also a classical location bar which displays the complete path. To use this style you can right click on the Location Bar and select Show Full Path. If you want the Location bar to become editable, trigger the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + L or select Control → Location Bar → Editable Location . By clicking on the free space next to the last displayed folder in the breadcrumb style you can switch to an editable Location Bar as well. If the editable style is selected a checkmark is displayed at the end of the location bar. This checkmark is a button which can be used to change back to the breadcrumb style. Of course menu and keyboard shortcut can be used, too.

Split View

Dolphin offers the possibility to split the current folder view so that two folder views are displayed next to each other as known from Midnight Commander, or Krusader. This is a very comfortable view to copy or move files from one folder to another.

You can split the view by clicking on Split in the tool bar or, if you have enabled menu bar, View -> Split (keyboard shortcut F3). To change back to only one folder view you can click on Close or just press F3 again. The symbol will show you which view will be closed. Depending on the currently active view the minus sign will be shown in the left or right part of the symbol. The active view will be closed. This is important to know if you want to use the keyboard shortcut. There is also a button for splitting and closing the view situated in the toolbar. This button displays the minus symbol as well, so it is easy to know which view would be closed.

Of course each view has its own location bar and each view can use a different view mode.

Sorting Files

By default, the files in the currently displayed folder are sorted in ascending alphabetical order. However, this can be changed by selecting Control → Sort by.

Files may be sorted by the following attributes

  • Name
  • Size
  • Date
  • Permissions
  • Owner
  • Group
  • Type
  • Link Destination
  • Path

The sorting method can be changed by selecting Sort by from the toolbar and then select A-Z or Z-A. Additionally you may choose whether folders should be listed first by selecting Folders First.

View Mode

Dolphin features three different folder view modes:

  • Icons shows each file or folder as an icon with its name
  • Compact is the same as icons, but in a more compact form, allowing more folders and files to be displayed at once
  • Details presents a list of files and folders, giving information on each, including but not limited to size and date

The mode can be changed from within Dolphin

  • Select View Mode from the View menu. This option is only available if the main Menubar is enabled
  • Select View Mode from the Control menu. This option is only available when the main Menubar is disabled
  • By selecting the appropriate icon from the main toolbar, if it is enabled
  • Using the default keyboard shortcuts:
    • Ctrl+1 switches to the Icon display mode,
    • Ctrl+2 switches to Compact and,
    • Ctrl+3 switches to Detailed view.

View as Icons

Each file and each folder is represented by an icon in this mode. Instead of displaying an icon a preview of the file can be shown. This feature can be turned on/off via the menu View → Preview (if menu bar is enabled) or via the main toolbar button Preview.

There is the possibility to display additional information below the icons. These can be turned on/off via Control → Additional Information or View → Additional Information (if menu bar is enabled). In principal the same criteria which are available as search criteria can be selected.

You can group the icons to achieve a better overview. This is turned on via Control → Show in Groups or View → Show in Groups (if menu bar is enabled). Now the icons are grouped and the groups are divided by a horizontal line containing the name of the group as caption. The grouping is related to the selected search criteria.

Details

In view mode "Details" additional information is displayed by default in contrast to view mode "Icons". All files are listed in a tabular. The context menu of the table header offers the possibility to add additional columns. The following columns are available:

  • Size
  • Date
  • Permissions
  • Owner
  • Group
  • Type
  • Link Destination
  • Path

Column "Name" is always displayed. By clicking on the header of one of the columns the table will be sorted by this column. By clicking on the same column header the sorting sequence is reversed.

It is possible to display the folders as a tree. In this mode a > symbol is shown next to the folder. By clicking on this sign the folder is expanded and all containing sub folders and files are also shown in the table but they are attenuated. By clicking the sign, which displays an arrow pointing downwards, again the expansion is closed. Of course the tree structure can be used for as many folders as wished. In latest KDE releases, the tree view is enabled by default, but can be deactivated via Control → Configure Dolphin → View Modes → Details with option Expandable Folders.


Setting defaults for all folders

Under Control → Adjust View Properties (or under the menu item View → Adjust View Properties if you have enabled menu bar) you can set any of these attributes to be the default for all folder views.

Panels

Dolphin contains several panels, which can be activated via menu Control → Panels. A panel can be placed in either the left or right docking area. To move a panel, ensure that panels are unlocked (right-click on a panel and select Unlock Panels). Then click on the header of the panel you want to move and drag it to the desired location. The new location of the panel is highlighted as you move the cursor around, before releasing the mouse button. Dropping a panel on top of another combines them into a tabbed view.

In some versions of Dolphin, the header of each panel contains two buttons. The button near to the caption undocks the panel. This makes the panel an independent window which "floats" above Dolphin. The window is still combined with Dolphin and cannot be displayed without Dolphin and cannot for example be minimized like normal windows. By clicking the button again the panel is docked again. The second button closes the panel.

Non Modal Dialogs

When Moving, Copying or Deleting files/directories the dialog disappears even when the operation has not yet completed. A progress bar then appears in the bottom right of the screen, this then disappears also, if you want see the progress you need to click a small (i) information icon in the system tray.

Warning
New users who are not used to this way of working (and even experienced users) can get caught out by this, if you are Moving, Copying or Deleting large directories then you need to use the icon to monitor the progress of your operation. If you don't then any subsequent actions you do, may well use an incomplete file structure resulting in corrupted files. You have been warned!


Places

Dolphin contains a new kind of bookmarks Places. These are displayed in a panel which can be activated via Control → Panels → Places (keyboard shortcut F9). The default Places are identical to the ones shown in the category Computer of the K-Menu Kickoff.

By clicking one of these places it will be opened in the current folder view. The context menu offers the possibility to edit the places or to remove them again. It is also possible to hide entries temporarily.

The context menu of a folder can be used to add this folder an another entry to the Places panel. Therefore there is a menu item Add to Places. You can also Drag&Drop a folder to the Places panel.

The places panel also contains entries to connected removable devices like USB-keys or CDs. A small plug icon indicates if the device is mounted. The context menu offers the possibility to unmount the device.

The places are used as the basis in the breadcrumb navigation bar. Each address is shown in relation to the nearest parent folder which is one of the places.

Information

The information panel can be activated via Control → Show Panels → Information (keyboard shortcut F11). This panel displays a preview or an icon of the currently selected file/folder or of the file/folder below the mouse cursor. Some additional information like change date or size to the file/folder is displayed as well.

The information panel offers the possibility to rate files, add a comment or tag a file. This is one of the interfaces to the semantic Desktop Nepomuk which provides the advantages of the semantic web for the desktop. Starting from KDE 4.2 it is possible to search for the semantic links given by the tags.

The Information Panel
Tip
If you are wondering about missing mp3 ID tags (title, time ...) with some files it is most likely that ID3 Version 2 tags are missing. You can add ID3 version 2 tags with KID3 for example.


Folders

A panel providing a tree structure for the file system can be displayed via Control → Panels → Folders (keyboard shortcut F7). The tree structure offers the possibility by clicking the > and ↓ signs to expand/collapse sub folders. By clicking on one of the folders the content will be displayed in the current view.

Terminal

The terminal emulator Konsole can be displayed directly in Dolphin via Control → Panels → Terminal (keyboard shortcut F4). This makes it possible to use shell commands directly in Dolphin. The terminal is opened in the folder which is displayed in the current view. Shift + F4 opens Konsole in new window.

Dolphin with a Terminal

Bookmarks and Places

KDE Plasma offers two different systems of user-based links to different locations in the file system. One is called Places and the other one is called Bookmarks. They reside in different files, and have different functions. This offers more flexibility, however, it makes it necessary to learn the differences.

KDE3 Konqueror didn't share bookmarks

In contrast to the way Konqueror stored the bookmarks back in KDE3, both Places and Bookmarks are available to all applications as well as the Dolphin file manager. More of that later.

Places in applications

Places for system-wide navigation

There is a default set of Places -

Home
Network
Root
Trash

but you can add other places. In Dolphin, right-click on a folder and select Add to Places, or just drag a folder onto Places.


Adding a bookmark to Places


By default this "Place" will be visible in all applications. If you want to keep it constrained to Dolphin, you need to right-click on the new name in the Places list, where you will find the option to Edit it. There is a check-box for Only show when using this application (Dolphin).


This Place will only be visible in Dolphin


You can see the result of that command if you read ~/.local/share/apps/kfileplaces/bookmarks.xml.

In some applications too there is an option in the File menu to add a folder to Places. At this stage, however, applications vary in which features are available. The important thing to remember is that the default is for Places items to be available to all applications in the File → Open dialogue.

Constraining to one application

Some applications allow you to edit items in the Places menu. For instance, if in Gwenview you right click on a folder in Places you can set an option to Only show when using this application (Gwenview).


Constraining a bookmark to an application


If you need to constrain to an application that does not yet allow you to do that, the only way left is to edit the file ~/.local/share/kfile/bookmarks.xml. Immediately before the </metadata> tag you will need to add the line 

<OnlyInApp>appname</OnlyInApp>

Bookmarks in applications

Enable bookmarks

Bookmarks are not enabled in dialogs by default. To enable them

  • Open the File menu and select Open or Save
  • Click the Options icon
  • Select Show Bookmarks
Enabling Bookmarks

Using bookmarks

Bookmarks are the second class of user-based links to the file system. Remember opening File → Open and using the spanner/wrench? Next to it is a yellow star. This is the bookmark management menu.

Manage Application bookmarks here

Here you can define bookmarks that will be visible in the same menu on any application. They are stored in one file, ~/.local/share/kfile/bookmarks.xml, which is used by all applications having that menu.

Archive Management in Dolphin

Managing archives now becomes simple. In any directory in Dolphin, highlight the files that you want to compress, and right-click. Here, using the Compress option, you can elect to create a RAR archive, a Gzipped tar archive, or define another compression mode that you have already set up.

Create a new archive

Similarly, if you right-click on an existing archived file you get a range of actions added to the right-click menu. You can extract the archive to the current folder, to an autodetected subfolder or to another place of your choosing.

Should you wish to add files to an existing archive, you can choose Open with Ark.

Manage existing archives

More Cool Actions

Change a File Association on-the-fly

Have you ever wanted to open a file, only to find that it is associated with an application that is not of your choice?

You can, for one, alter this in Kickoff → Computer → System Settings → Common Appearance and Behavior → File Associations. This is the same as running kcmshell5 filetypes in a Konsole.

Alternatively, if you want to change multiple associations right quick, you would edit the *.desktop file directly, e.g. the file /usr/share/applications/org.gnome.Builder.desktop. For example, Gnome Builder associates with a great number of file-types which may not be desirable. So the line 

   MimeType=application/javascript;   # we do not want all of these ....

may be shortened or commented out with # . Maybe a line 

   InitialPreference=2
   X-KDE-InitialPreference=3

in the builder.desktop file helps to keep your previous default associated app, with builder being only secondary or tertiary option.

Thirdly, Dolphin and Konqueror offer a quick method for changing a single association:

Right-click on the file and select Properties. The first line there is descriptive, something like: 

Type: XML document

At the same level, on the right, there is a spanner (wrench). Click on that and you can add or change an association.

Similarly, by working on a folder, you can change the default file manager to/from Konqueror, if you choose, or add another image browser to the possible associations.

The Actions sub-menu

The Actions sub-menu opens up a whole lot more cool things to do from Dolphin. Some possibilities only appear when applicable to the file you have selected. An apps .desktop file below /usr/share/applications defines what actions are applicable for a particular type of file. Some of the options are

  • Convert an image file to a different format
  • Preview the file
  • Download a remote file with KGet
  • Sign and/or encrypt the file, according to the encryption software installed

Encode and copy audio CD tracks

  • Insert an audio CD
  • Navigate to this CD in Dolphin: it must appear as "Volume" in your Dolphin 'Places' or you can reach it by typing audiocd:/ in the address bar.
Dolphin presenting audio CD

You now notice that Dolphin is proposing a WAV file for each track, plus:

  • a CDA folder containing indexing information in the usual CDA format.
  • a Whole CD folder, containing one file for each format (.cda, .flac, .mp3, .ogg, .wav) holding all the tracks
  • a FLAC folder, containing the tracks encoded into FLAC format (lossless information format)
  • an Information folder containing the CDDB informations
  • an MP3 folder, containing all the tracks in MP3 format
  • a Ogg Vorbis folder, containing the tracks encoded in OGG format

You then just have to copy the folder of your choice, in your preferred format to obtain the relative encoded version of your CD!

Using timeline to have your recent files as startup folder

Have your recent files always in Dolphin

You can start up dolphin (with baloo up and running) with a view of recently modified files: Just navigate to the address/location of timeline:/today/ (copy paste it to the address bar) or use it as dolphin start-up-folder in dolphin-settings.

External links

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