Feature: Add TreeView

[rc1]

[!important] Current status: https://github.com/files-community/Files/issues/1928#issuecomment-1634584639

Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.

Typically, I work in a project folder. That folder might have multiple sub folders like: images, src, prints, presentations. With Windows Explorer and Files, I must keep navigating in and out of folders. I want a view of all my files and folders in one view. Much like how VS Code's 'Explorer' handles files display and navigation, or how Mac's Finder handles.

Describe the solution you'd like

In list view, I'd like a tree navigation component for files allowing me to expand a folder to list is child files and folders (which can be expanded too)

Describe alternatives you've considered None. I've tried for years now without this feature on Windows. Still miss it sorely from Mac.

Additional context There is discussion on Reddit where someone looks for this feature on Windows.

Here is a found image of Finder on Mac.

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[mdtauk]

In case this is looked at again, here is a mock-up for how it could be implemented

The drop down would allow the picking of a drive

[WelkinBunbury]

-treeview in sidebar helps to quickly move files b/w folders. -helps with quick navigation like if i am in X folder and want to open Z folder without the need to open a new tab or dual pane (as dual-pane will take screen space) -also if needed can perform actions like open in new window or open in new tab or in 2nd pane or open terminal in a certain folder from the sidebar -if we only have sidebar support then we will have to pin a folder for quick action and it will clutter the sidebar

[mdtauk]

Despite my previous mockup showing a TreeView alongside the Sidebar, toggling between the two would work better, with only the favourites being shared between both options.

[firefinchdev]

UI mockups are fine, but I am more concerned about the UX. In macos, once you open Finder (in tree view), you can basically navigate only using keyboard. In the UI mockups above, if I need to change my current drive (C:, D:), that needs to be done using mouse (or maybe some non-so-easy-to-run keyboard shortcut combination).

In case of macos, open Finder, press "Down" key, and now file selector(Highlighted in blue) appears. You can select any drive. Once you are on some drive(highlighted blue), you can press "Right" key to expand the contents. This entire UX makes it very easy and fast to navigate.

We can have similar experience in Community Files.

In screenshots below, grey icons represents different drives (C:, D: in case of Windows)

[Space-Cadet0]

This is the top missing feature for me as I navigate using the keyboard a lot

[mileyvirus]

I think it should be clarified wether this issue is asking for:

1. macOS Finder style list view with expand/collapse disclosure triangles
2. Windows Explorer style sidebar tree

Personally I'd much rather have the macOS Finder style view but I still think it would be better to split the issue to clarify which one has more interest.

[firefinchdev]

I would prefer macos finder style

[Space-Cadet0]

Agreed, Marcos finder tree view is better. (The UX of windows explorer of tree view in the side bar is not good.)

[rc1]

The spirit of this issue was to have a tree view of files and directories as macOS does. Not a tree view of directories. I agree that it's two separate issues.

Am I alone in thinking this is a killer feature. I'd never not use it on macOS. Strange it's missing from the windows eco-system. I wonder why that is.

[yaira2]

I think it should be clarified wether this issue is asking for:

1. macOS Finder style list view with expand/collapse disclosure triangles
2. Windows Explorer style sidebar tree

Personally I'd much rather have the macOS Finder style view but I still think it would be better to split the issue to clarify which one has more interest.

@mileyvirus the plan for Files is to add a tree view layout similar to the one in Finder.

[guategeek]

I have been wanting this on Windows ever since I had to leave Mac OS. So I add my vote for a Mac OS style tree view.

[charlau]

That's the only thing preventing me from being in love with Files. For me, it's really a deal breaker. Any timeline for an implementation?

[mileyvirus]

That's the only thing preventing me from being in love with Files. For me, it's really a deal breaker. Any timeline for an implementation?

@charlau I'm not a contributor but 8 days ago @yaichenbaum - the lead dev - moved this issue from the To do list to the Backlog list so I don't think they plan to work on it for some time, correct me if I'm wrong.

Maybe there's a way to sponsor this issue in particular to push its priority up? Is there, @yaichenbaum?

[yaira2]

@mileyvirus I only put it in the todo column to remind myself to give an update on the issue but by all means, if someone wants to work on this or help sponsor the project, we can try working on the feature quicker.

[Space-Cadet0]

@mileyvirus keeping an eye on this one as it will be the day I switch to Files :)

[martinandersen3d]

I want tree view also (MacOS Style) - Smash that like button in the top post 👍👍👍👍👍

[yosimor]

I have been wanting this on Windows ever since I had to leave Mac OS. So I add my vote for a Mac OS style tree view.

Not sure if the following will help you in the meantime, but are you aware that the native Win10 File Explorer has an "Expand to open folder" option in the configuration settings for its Navigation pane?

Enabling it will automatically synchronize the currently selected directory inside the Navigation pane's directory-tree (expanding it if needed) ... with the current working directory.

[DaTigerYT]

This somewhat easy-to-implement non-existent feature is approaching its Two Year Anniversary! 🎉

[yaira2]

This somewhat easy-to-implement non-existent feature is approaching its Two Year Anniversary! 🎉

Is that an offer to implement it? 😂 Adding new layouts is a complex process and something we're trying to make easier before working on this issue. That being said, we'll be happy to merge a pull request that adds this feature as long as it meets our standards.

[ambitiousCC]

Will the UI of the treelist-view change significantly in future development, or will it inherit the previous collapsed style?

[yaira2]

@ambitiousCC the design will be based off the screenshot in the description.

[DuckEater]

@mileyvirus if someone wants to work on this or help sponsor the project, we can try working on the feature quicker.

I know i'm not a big sponsor, but I'm doing my bit to support the development of this particular feature.

It's a big lacking in Windows (for anyone moving from MacOS to Windows at least) and Files seems to me the best way to fill this gap. Considering the number of people looking for this feature (beyond the Files forum), when it is implemented I think it will attract new users !

[yaira2]

Thank you for your feedback, a tree view will definitely expand the user base and is something we're looking forward to implementing when we make some more progress on performance and code base improvements.