Note: Dolphin is the default file manager for the KDE Plasma desktop environment, not Ubuntu’s default GNOME environment (which uses Nautilus). To use Dolphin on Ubuntu, you’ll need to install it and optionally switch your desktop environment. Below is a step-by-step migration guide.
1. Install Dolphin on Ubuntu
Dolphin is available in Ubuntu’s default repositories. Open a terminal and run:
sudo apt update && sudo apt install dolphin
Enter your password when prompted. The package and its dependencies will be installed automatically.
2. Launch Dolphin
After installation, you can open Dolphin in several ways:
- Terminal: Type
dolphin and press Enter.
- Application Menu: Click the Ubuntu logo (top-left), search for “Dolphin,” and click its icon.
3. Basic File Operations
Dolphin’s interface resembles other file managers, with these key functions:
- Navigation: Use the left sidebar (Places) to access Home, Documents, Downloads, etc.
- File Management: Right-click files/folders to copy, paste, rename, or delete.
- Batch Actions: Select multiple files (hold Ctrl while clicking), then right-click to batch rename or move them.
- Search: Use the search bar (top-right) to find files by name, size, or type.
4. Switching Default File Manager (Optional)
If you want Dolphin to replace Nautilus as your default file manager:
- Install
dolphin as above.
- Run
xdg-mime default dolphin.desktop inode/directory application/x-gnome-saved-search in the terminal.
- Log out and log back in for changes to take effect.
Now, double-clicking folders will open Dolphin instead of Nautilus.
5. Key Features to Explore
- Dual-Pane View: Split the window (View → Split View) to copy/move files between two directories simultaneously.
- Network Connections: Enter
sftp://, ftp://, or smb:// followed by a server address in the location bar to access remote files.
- Plugins: Enhance functionality via Settings → Configure Dolphin → Plugins (e.g., folder colorization, advanced search).
6. Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Compatibility: Dolphin is designed for KDE; some GNOME-integrated features (like GNOME extensions) may not work seamlessly.
- File Sharing: Dolphin doesn’t include built-in file-sharing tools. Use Samba (install via
sudo apt install samba) to share files with Windows devices.
- Recovering Deleted Files: Use the Trash (press Delete to move files here) or the command line (
~/.local/share/Trash/files). For permanent deletions, use shred or data recovery tools like TestDisk.
By following these steps, you can successfully migrate to Dolphin on Ubuntu and leverage its powerful file management features.