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Strata is a fast, keyboard-first GTK file manager for Linux. It is built for Arch Linux and Omarchy, and may also run on other x86_64 or aarch64 Linux systems with GTK 4.12 or newer and glibc 2.39 or newer.

Install

Run this in a terminal as your normal user, not root:

curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/lgse/strata/main/install.sh | bash

The installer walks you through five steps:

  1. It checks your machine: x86_64 or aarch64, glibc 2.39 or newer, and whether you run Omarchy.
  2. On Arch-based systems, including Omarchy, it lists the missing packages and asks before running sudo pacman. It then offers optional SMB share and camera RAW support. On other distributions, it lists the libraries to install and stops unless you confirm they are installed.
  3. It downloads the latest stable release and checks its SHA-256 checksum before extracting it. With a logged-in gh, it also verifies the build's provenance.
  4. It installs the binary to ~/.local/bin/strata.
  5. It asks about optional extras: a launcher entry, then making Strata the default for folders, "Open file location" from other apps, the system file chooser, and Omarchy keybinds. On Omarchy or other Arch-based systems with udiskie, it also offers to unlock encrypted drives with Strata. Only the launcher entry defaults to Yes. The folder question follows only a Yes to the launcher entry, and a Yes to it sets up "Open file location" without asking. Answer No to the keybinds unless you run Omarchy: elsewhere, Yes stops the installer with an error.

If the summary warns that ~/.local/bin is not on PATH, add it in your shell configuration, or start Strata from your launcher.

First launch

Start Strata from your launcher, or run:

strata

Strata opens your home folder in Columns view. Each folder you open adds a column to the right, so the path you took stays visible. The sidebar lists Home, Trash, Network, and your standard folders. Folders you pin appear under PINNED, and drives under DEVICES. On Omarchy Quattro, Strata follows your desktop theme; otherwise it starts in Tokyo Night.

Try these three things first:

  1. Switch views. Press Ctrl+1 for Columns, Ctrl+2 for Icons, and Ctrl+3 for List. Strata remembers your choice.
  2. Preview a file. Click an image or text file, or select it and press Space. Press Space again to close the preview. Double-click opens it.
  3. Search everywhere. Press Ctrl+K and type part of a name. Search covers your home folder and mounted local drives, wherever you are.

Forgot a key? Press F1, or click F1 Shortcuts in the footer, to search every shortcut. Ctrl+, opens Settings.

Where to go next

  • Install and integrate: unattended installs, default file manager, system file chooser, and updates.
  • Views: Columns, Icons, and List, sorting, and per-folder settings.
  • Keyboard: the shortcuts worth learning and how to look up the rest.
  • Find files: filter a folder or search everywhere.
  • Previews: the preview panel, quick looks, media, and documents.
  • Everyday operations: copy, move, rename, trash, undo, archives, and jobs.
  • Custom actions: add your own scripts to the right-click menu.
  • Themes: bundled themes, Omarchy, and your own colors.
  • Settings: where settings live and which to change.
  • Remote and devices: SMB, SFTP, phones, cameras, and drives.
  • 10xer mode: a Yazi-style key map for keyboard-only work.

Full detail: Installation and desktop integration covers every installer option, manual installation, and uninstalling.