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Using File Manager (Nautilus) in Ubuntu Linux

Richard
Written by
Richard
Sep 15, 2022 Updated Jul 14, 2026 2 min read
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Ubuntu Linux’s File Manager, named Nautilus, lets you easily browse, organize, and manage your files and folders.

Nautilus is the standard application for interacting with your computer’s file system in Ubuntu. It’s built into the GNOME desktop environment, which is what you see when you use Ubuntu.

You can open Nautilus by clicking its icon on the Ubuntu Dock or by searching for “Files” in the Activities overview. This tool is essential for common file tasks on Ubuntu, including creating new folders, copying, moving, renaming, and deleting files.

Nautilus also helps you connect to network locations, making it simpler to work with files across different computers on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and newer versions.

⚡ Quick Answer

Open File Manager by clicking the folder icon on the Ubuntu Dock or using the Home folder on your desktop. You can then navigate, organize, copy, move, and delete files and folders.

How to open File Manager in Ubuntu Linux

To open the Nautilus File Manager in Ubuntu Linux, click the folder icon on the Dock, usually found on the left side of your screen. This is the quickest way to start browsing your computer and managing files with Nautilus.

Ubuntu Linux File Manager Nautilus icon located on the system dock
ubuntu linux file manager nautilus

Click the Folder icon on the Dock, as highlighted above, to open File Manager. It will open showing your Home folder. From there, click “Home” on the left to see your default directories.

Nautilus File Manager window displaying the user home directory in Ubuntu
file manager nautilus window

You can also use the Home folder icon that Ubuntu often places on your desktop after installation to launch File Manager.

Ubuntu Linux, by default, will add a Home folder on your desktop after installation. Use this folder to open File Manager.

Home folder icon displayed on the Ubuntu Linux desktop interface
ubuntu linux home folder desktop

How to use File Manager in Ubuntu Linux

After opening Nautilus File Manager in Ubuntu Linux, managing all your files becomes more accessible. It helps you sort, move, and find things you’ve misplaced, and you can even share folders with others online or on your network.

You can also perform many more tasks in File Manager.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

  • File Manager (Nautilus) in Ubuntu Linux provides a user-friendly interface for organizing and managing files and folders on your computer and network resources.
  • Users can easily create documents and folders, display files and folders, search for and manage files, and open network locations using the File Manager.
  • Opening File Manager in Ubuntu Linux can be done by clicking the folder icon on the Dock or using the Home folder on the desktop.
  • With File Manager open, users can efficiently search for missing files, browse network locations, share public folders, and perform various other tasks.
  • This guide has successfully illustrated how to open and utilize File Manager in Ubuntu Linux, empowering users to manage their files and folders effectively.

What is the Nautilus in Ubuntu?

GNOME Files, which you might know as Nautilus internally, is the official file manager for the GNOME desktop environment. GNOME Files, same as Nautilus, is a free and open-source software under the terms of the GNU Lesser General Public License.

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Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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1 Comment

  • How do you manage the little number which appears by Nautilus Icon?
    What does it signify? How do you use it?

    Reply

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