Tree Files (.xft)

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An .xft file holds groups of references to files: for example, the groups of similar videos a scan found. Each group lists files that may live in many different folders, on this computer or a server. Press Enter on a .xft file to browse it like an archive.

scan.xft/
  trip.mp4 (2)/            ← a group
    trip.mp4               ← stands for /Users/me/Movies/trip.mp4
    trip-small.mp4         ← stands for /Volumes/NAS/trip-small.mp4
    trip (copy).mp4
  logo.png (1)/
    …

You don’t write these files yourself. Programs write them: XeFM’s Find Similar Files does, through similar-files. The format is described in XFT_FORMAT.md for anyone writing such a program.

Browsing

• Enter on the file goes in. Enter on a group opens it. Backspace goes back up, and from the top it returns to the folder, with the cursor on the file.
• Each entry shows the size and date recorded in the file, so a group of files on a slow server lists instantly.
• Viewing an entry (File → View File), comparing two (Select → Compare Selected Files…) and copying to the other pane work, all reading the real file.
• Enter on an entry that stands for a folder goes to that folder.

Acting on the real files

Entries in the tree are references. They can’t be deleted or renamed there, because the tree is a record of what was found. To work on the real files:

• sync_other_to_current opens the real location of the entry under the cursor in the other pane, with the cursor on the file. The tree stays where it is.
• Select several entries (or whole groups) and run sync_other_to_current. The other pane shows all their real files as one list, wherever they live. Delete, move or compare them there. This is the quick way to clean up duplicates spread over many folders.
• sync_current_to_other from the other pane goes to the real location of the entry highlighted in the tree.
• Whatever leaves XeFM gets the real file: opening an entry in its application (File → Open with Default App), revealing it in Finder or Explorer (File → Reveal in File Manager), editing it (File → Edit File), and copying its path.

The two sync_… actions have no menu item; run them from the command palette (Tools → Command Palette…) or on their key. Keys depend on your keymap preset — see Keymap Presets.

Trees that are still being written

A long scan rewrites its tree file every few minutes, so you can start looking before it finishes. While it is still running:

• the pane header says “scanning 42% — groups may change”;
• the pane updates by itself when the file is rewritten;
• a group may gain or lose files, or change its name. XeFM keeps you in the same group when it can, and returns to the top of the tree (saying so in the log) when the group is gone;
• sync_other_to_current on a selection asks before opening the files, because the groups you selected may still change.

Groups of identical files are final as soon as they appear. Only similar-file groups can change.

See also

• Find Similar Files
• File lists: flat lists of paths (.m3u8, .lst)