Finder alternative for macOS
SADFinder vs Marta
Both are native and fast. The real choice is tabs-first Finder replacement or dual-pane power workflow.
No credit card · Works on 3 Macs · Requires macOS Sequoia or Tahoe
Marta is a fast native Mac file manager with a dual-pane workflow, extensibility, and a keyboard-oriented feel. It is a strong choice if the orthodox two-pane layout is exactly what you want.
SADFinder is built for a different job: replacing daily Finder friction with obvious keys, a typeable path bar, tabs, quick filter, Desktop control, undo/redo, Dropbox actions, themes, accessibility scaling, and built-in window snapping.
SADFinder vs Marta, at a glance
| Feature | SADFinder | Marta |
|---|---|---|
| Native macOS app | Yes — SwiftUI | Yes — Swift |
| Layout | Tabs + path bar | Dual-pane |
| Best for | Everyday Finder replacement | Keyboard-heavy dual-pane workflows |
| Enter opens · Delete → Trash · Backspace up | Default | Keyboard-oriented, configurable |
| Editable / type-a-path bar | Yes | Yes |
| Tabs with reopen-last-closed | Yes | Dual-pane workflow |
| Type-to-filter current folder | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop control | Yes | No |
| Built-in window snapping | Yes — halves and quarters | No |
| Themes and accessibility scaling | 10 themes + Large Text / High Contrast | Themes/configuration |
| Dropbox context actions | Offline/online-only, copy link, version history | No built-in Dropbox workflow |
| Price | $5/mo · $29.99 once | Free download / patron support |
| Free trial, no card | 7 days | Free download |
Competitor details are provided in good faith and may change — check each vendor's site for the latest.
Why people pick SADFinder
The obvious keys do the obvious things
Enter opens, Backspace goes up a level, Delete sends to Trash, Cmd+R renames, and Cmd+X actually moves files. No relearning muscle memory you already have.
Editable path bar, real tabs, quick filter
Type any path to jump straight there, keep folders open in tabs, reopen the last closed tab, and filter the current folder as you type.
Window snapping built in
Rectangle-style halves and quarters from the keyboard, on any frontmost window — you don't need a second app just to arrange windows.
A real Finder replacement
Double-click folders in Finder to open them in SADFinder, summon it with a global hotkey, and keep quick access in the menu bar.
Dropbox, undo, and safety nets
Right-click Dropbox actions, undo/redo for file operations, and permanent-delete controls make everyday file work less brittle.
Power tools without a cockpit
ZIP and extract archives, open folders in Terminal or VS Code, Get Info, copy full paths, view folder sizes, and toggle hidden files or extensions.
Native, private, fast
Written in SwiftUI. No Electron, no bundled junk, no file analytics. It only contacts the server to check your license — your files never leave your Mac.
Frequently asked
Should I choose SADFinder or Marta? +
Choose Marta if you specifically want a dual-pane commander-style file manager. Choose SADFinder if your goal is to make the Mac's everyday file workflow feel obvious, modern, and fast without moving into a permanent two-pane interface.
Is SADFinder as configurable as Marta? +
No. SADFinder intentionally ships opinionated defaults for common Finder pain. It offers themes and accessibility options, but the main value is that the defaults already match the workflow many switchers expect.
How much does SADFinder cost and is there a trial? +
SADFinder is $5/month or $29.99 as a one-time lifetime purchase, includes ongoing updates and improvements, and works on up to 3 Macs. You can start a 7-day free trial with no credit card. It supports macOS Sequoia and Tahoe.
Try it on your own files
Seven days, no credit card. If it doesn't feel faster than Finder in the first ten minutes, you've lost nothing.