Xfce Forum

thiago

Member

Registered: 2021-07-22

Posts: 6

[Thunar] Rename file by clicking on its name, just like in Windows

Hello, this is my first post here. I apologize if I make any mistakes.

In Microsoft Windows when you double-click on a file name you can quickly edit the name of the file without the need to right-click and look for the "rename" option or use some keyboard shortcut.

I used KDE Plasma for a while and noticed that the Dolphin file manager also has this function, which I liked a lot.

I really like Thunar and don't want to have to install another file manager, so I was wondering: Would there be any way for me to get this function in Thunar as well?

ToZ

Administrator

From: Canada

Registered: 2011-06-02

Posts: 12,680

Re: [Thunar] Rename file by clicking on its name, just like in Windows

It doesn't appear so. Have a read through this bug report for some history and rationale. It may be better to engage the developer in the bug tracker about this if you wish to pursue it.

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Skaperen

Member

From: right by Jesus, our Saviour

Registered: 2013-06-15

Posts: 866

Re: [Thunar] Rename file by clicking on its name, just like in Windows

XFCE and a few other DEs are designed to be lightweight.  that means there will be stuff "missing" compared to the big DEs.  but you probably already knew that and were just checking in case it might be in there somewhere.

thiago

Member

Registered: 2021-07-22

Posts: 6

Re: [Thunar] Rename file by clicking on its name, just like in Windows

Hmm.. I guess I will have to resign myself to being without this feature, or else install another file manager.

adrianpetrov79

Member

Registered: 2026-09-04

Posts: 1

Re: [Thunar] Rename file by clicking on its name, just like in Windows

When the file is selected, just press F2. It's easier than on Windows.

treeview

Member

From: Holly Springs, NC

Registered: 2025-07-27

Posts: 32

Re: [Thunar] Rename file by clicking on its name, just like in Windows

When the file is selected, just press F2. It's easier than on Windows.

mic drop!

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lvsl

Member

Registered: 2024-08-22

Posts: 28

Re: [Thunar] Rename file by clicking on its name, just like in Windows

Take a look at this thread. It might give you some idea. But I don't think the tradeoff really worth it.

But if there are other things you really like in dolphin. You might want to do some research first

https://forum.xfce.org/viewtopic.php?id=12057
https://www.reddit.com/r/linux_gaming/c … asma_on_a/

Last edited by lvsl (2026-09-06 13:51:55)