Directory Opus 12.7

Overview

Few will argue that Windows Explorer isn't limited, or that it couldn't be improved. But until that happens, users will have to stick with it or use an alternative file management tool that best suits their needs. One of them is Directory Opus, which has more than enough features to satisfy even the most demanding users: batch file renaming, metadata editing, copy queuing, built-in ZIP and FTP support, file previewing, CD/DVD burning, duplicate file cleaning and many, many others. On top of that, it is highly flexible and configurable so that you can customize it in several different ways.

Installation

Just launch the installer and follow the instructions to install the program. Nothing will go wrong since there are no difficult settings whatsoever, even if you’re a newbie. The setup file is the same for both the Light and the Pro version.

The setup package is 100% clean from malicious and other additional software (e.g. toolbars).

All you need to get this software running is a 32 or 64-bit Windows XP, Server 2003, Server 2008, 7, 8 or Server 2013 OS.

Interface

First-timers will have to go through a few basic settings before they can use the program. Those include picking the desired language, choosing between light and pro editions, selecting whether the program should run at startup and if it should replace Windows Explorer, plus a few others. Those settings can be changed later again from the Preferences menu so don’t worry much if you’re not sure what you really want.

Every time you run the program a medium-sized window will open and ask you how you want to start; you can view an online introduction, start a new lister, open the preferences menu or customize the look of the program. Enabling the checkbox on the left will stop this window from appearing at start and you’ll be taken straight to the main window instead.

The main window has all the characteristics of a file-management tool. There is a folder tree pane on the left for exploring your computer and two file display panes next to each other. The layout can be changed from the Preferences to make it more suitable for you.

Pros

Before you can love this program, you must first customize it to look like something that will keep you interested and won’t frustrate you when looking for functions. Most programs don’t give you the power to do that, however Dopus is amazingly flexible and customizable. You can change anything, from the items in the menu bars to the toolbar buttons and colors. You can change the window’s main area from dual (which has two file display panes) to single (one file display pane) and choose between vertical and horizontal view. There are preset layouts and styles you can use or edit if you don’t want to go through the trouble of creating your own (Pro version only).

Regarding the program’s functionality, well, it does pretty much everything. You can perform copy/move/delete functions, open folders in tabs, search directories, open archives, preview media files, documents and other types of files, join/split files, convert images, synchronize folders, find duplicate files and basically do so many things that even thinking how much effort the developer of the program put into it is jaw-dropping and truly amazing.

Most of those functions however (except from a selected few, like opening archives and previewing images and documents) are only available in the Pro version.

Which edition to get, Pro or Light

If you’re wondering whether to get Light or Pro version (remember, the setup file is the same for both), consider this: the Pro version is for cool people only. Seriously, the features that are not included in the Light version are not minor additions, but rather important implementations. Here's the official feature comparison list.

The fact that in the Pro version you can double-click anywhere in your desktop (except from places where there are files of course) to open Dopus can give you an idea of what you’re missing with the Light version.

Proceeding to more substantial features, it has native support for portable devices like iPhone, iPod, etc., advanced searching and filtering tools (you can create your own set of filters as well), as well as a built-in metadata editor.

As for differences that are visible to the eye, well in the Pro version you can use Flat Mode - it gives you the ability to view the contents of all subfolders in the current directory without opening them.

Last but not least, Pro users get higher priority technical support and discounts on future big updates.

Cons

The default interface won't be to everyone's liking so you need to spend some time to customize it in order to make it work like you want it to. Other than that, there’s nothing else to say.

Alternatives

One of the most popular file management utilities is Total Commander (paid), which has about the same cost with Directory Opus. They both share a big portion of features, making it difficult to decide which one is the best. Other similar software are FreeCommander (free), xplorer² (paid) and XYplorer (paid).

Conclusion

Experienced users will find this software extremely useful. This is one of the best Windows Explorer alternatives, if not the best.