nextExplorer

Appearance

Features ​

nextExplorer mixes a modern browser experience with secure access controls and filesystem workflows. Here are the standout capabilities available out of the box.

File browsing & previews ​

  • Dual views: Switch between responsive grid, list, and column modes while keeping breadcrumbs, toolbar, and search accessible.
  • Inline previews: Images, videos, PDFs, and text files preview instantly without downloads. Image/video thumbnails are generated automatically using FFmpeg (FFMPEG_PATH/FFPROBE_PATH can override binaries).
  • Drag-and-drop: Move files or folders directly inside the UI and upload from your desktop via drag-and-drop.
  • Context menus: Right-click the background or individual items for quick shortcuts (New Folder/File, Paste, Rename, Get Info, download, delete).

Editing, sharing & document workflows ​

  • Built-in editor: Double-click any text or code file to edit it inline with syntax highlighting, line numbers, and Save/Cancel actions. Supports 50+ file types by default (txt, md, json, js, ts, py, yml, html, css, and many more). Extend support for additional formats at runtime using the EDITOR_EXTENSIONS environment variable—no rebuild required.
  • Link-based sharing: Use the Share button in the toolbar to create share links for any folder or file you can access (including items under My Files when personal folders are enabled). Shares can be:
    • Read-only or read/write.
    • Anyone with the link or specific users.
    • Optionally password-protected and time-limited with an expiration date. After creation, the dialog shows a friendly label, final URL (based on PUBLIC_URL when set), and a one-click Copy link button.
  • Guest access to shares: Public “anyone with the link” shares use short tokens (for example, /share/aBc123XyZ) and create a limited guest session so visitors can browse just the shared item. Password-protected shares prompt for the password first; user-specific shares redirect to the login screen and apply normal access checks after authentication.
  • “Shared with me” view: The Shares section in the sidebar links to a Shared with me page showing items other people have shared with you, including status (active/expired), access mode, and last accessed time.
  • ONLYOFFICE integration: When ONLYOFFICE_URL and the JWT ONLYOFFICE_SECRET are configured, docx/xlsx/pptx/odt/ods/odp files open with co-editing capabilities via /api/onlyoffice/* endpoints.
  • Favorites: Pin folders to the sidebar with a star so critical paths stay in reach across sessions.

Search & metadata ​

  • Smart search: The search bar uses ripgrep under the hood (enable or disable via SEARCH_RIPGREP, SEARCH_DEEP, and SEARCH_MAX_FILESIZE) to find filenames and contents inside the current folder and its children.
  • Metadata overlays: List view shows size, kind, modified date, owner, and volume stats (volume usage visibility flips on with SHOW_VOLUME_USAGE).
  • Thumbnail cache: /cache holds thumbnails and search indexes that regenerate when cleared.

Access & security ​

  • Local users & groups: Create local accounts from Settings → Admin; the first account becomes admin and can’t be removed while others exist.
  • OIDC SSO: Express OpenID Connect exposes /login, /logout, and /callback, so you can federate with Keycloak, Authentik, Authelia, or any compliant provider. Admin elevation happens when the IdP groups/roles intersect OIDC_ADMIN_GROUPS.
  • Workspace lock: A workspace password (set on first run) gates access, and admin-only sections (Files & Thumbnails, Security, Access Control, Admin Users) appear only when your role allows it.

Operational helpers ​

  • Resizeable sidebar: The sidebar can be dragged to different widths for wide or narrow monitors.
  • Notifications & uploads: A floating footer panel tracks uploads, providing pause/resume/cancel controls plus multi-file progress.
  • Keyboard shortcuts: ⌘/Ctrl+C/X/V for clipboard actions, plus quick navigation via breadcrumbs and toolbar icons.