SpeedCommander is a file manager for Windows that brings file transfers, archive handling and folder comparison into a two-pane workspace. One pane shows the source and the other the destination, so both locations remain visible when copying or moving items. Its Standard and Pro editions share the core file tools; Pro adds cloud connections, file tags and optical disc functions.
SpeedCommander’s two-pane workspace
The two folder panes can sit side by side or above one another. Each holds multiple tabs, with an optional folder tree in each tab. Saved layouts restore the workspace, while folder favorites can lead to a local directory, an archive or an FTP path.
SpeedCommander also opens network locations and virtual folders, including connected smartphones and tablets that do not have drive letters. Within a folder, files can be grouped and sorted using several columns. Folder-specific views can select an appropriate display for photographs or music, and filters limit which files appear or take part in an operation.
Batch operations
Copy and move jobs can be paused, and their priority can be changed. For reorganizing names, Multiple Rename applies a combination of placeholders to a selected list of files. Placeholder arguments refine the naming rule, and timestamps can form part of the resulting names. Profiles retain frequently used settings for another group of files.
File containers provide a separate collection of frequently used items. Search results can be sent into these containers, bringing files found across different locations into a collection for further work.
Archives
SpeedCommander treats compressed archives as folders for browsing their contents. It handles formats such as ZIP, 7Z, RAR, TAR and XZ, including extraction of RAR5 archives. Archive creation and extraction can run in the background, with pause and priority controls, while the folder panes remain available.
Archive tools include integrity checks, AES encryption and self-extracting packages that recipients can unpack without a separate archiver. ZIP and SQX support multi-volume output, and SQX archives can include repair data. An included command-line archive utility supports scripted jobs.
FileSearch
FileSearch can examine selected folders or several drives, including the contents of archives and self-extracting packages. Searches can look for text, hexadecimal data or binary content within files. AND, OR and NOT operators combine conditions, while advanced properties provide criteria such as image dimensions, bitrate or capture date.
The search tool also finds duplicate files and empty folders. Found items can be transferred to a folder window or a file container for subsequent management. SpeedCommander Pro adds integration with Everything for searching and folder-size calculation.
FileSync
FileSync compares two folders using timestamps, file sizes or file contents. Subfolders can be included, and filters determine which files and folders participate. Its comparison display uses colors to mark files to be copied, so the synchronization has a visible set of proposed changes.
Synchronization can remove orphaned files and folders, transfer NTFS security attributes and record a detailed change log. Profiles save the comparison settings. A separate command-line version supports automatic synchronization through scripts for recurring folder pairs.
FTP, SFTP and cloud connections
Both editions connect to FTP and SFTP servers, with SSL support for FTP connections. Stored site settings handle repeated connections, and transfer options include text or binary modes, upload permissions and timestamps. Server time-zone settings help account for differences between local and remote file times.
Pro connects directly to Dropbox, OneDrive Personal, OneDrive Business, BoxDrive and WebDAV storage without requiring those providers’ desktop clients.
Text tools
Quick View displays supported file contents from within the file manager. When text needs changing, the included SpeedEdit editor provides syntax highlighting, bookmarks and AutoText entries for repeated text. It can filter individual lines by search text and monitor log files, supporting inspection as well as editing.
Macros
The Macro Editor creates and edits automation that accesses SpeedCommander’s object model. Macros can also use scriptable COM components, allowing file-management tasks to interact with other scriptable software. Add-ins provide another route for extending the program’s functions.
Optical media
SpeedCommander Pro uses a virtual drive icon to assemble CD, DVD and Blu-ray burn projects. It can also create disc images, write ISO and BIN images to media, and erase rewritable discs. Both paid editions are available through an unrestricted, time-limited trial.
