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Joined: 11/12/2012
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| Posted: 06:27pm 14 Apr 2026 |
V6.02.02b3
PicoMiteRP2040V6.02.02B3.zip
PicoMiteRP2350V6.02.02B3.zip
All versions except PicoMiteMin now support the in-built file manager FM. If you use the FM I will be particulalry interested in any actions that cause a crash out to the command prompt. If this happens please try and identify a reproducible pattern that can demonstrate the issue.
# FM Command User Manual
## Overview
The `FM` command opens a full-screen, two-panel file manager for the active storage devices.
It is designed for keyboard-driven workflow on serial terminals, VGA, HDMI, and LCD console modes:
- Browse directories in two panels.
- Sort each panel by name, datetime, or type then name.
- Launch `.BAS` programs directly.
- Open files in the built-in editor.
- Copy, rename, delete, and create directories.
- Mark multiple items and run batch copy/delete operations.
- Play audio files and preview image files.
- Keep context between invocations (paths, panel selection, filters, and sort mode).
## Command
```basic
FM
```
`FM` takes no arguments.
## Panels And Navigation
Each panel has:
- Current drive and path.
- Optional filename filter.
- Scrollable file list.
- Current selection highlight.
List rows use a leading marker column:
- `*` means the item is marked.
- ` ` (space) means unmarked.
The active panel is where file operations are applied.
## Keyboard Shortcuts
FM supports both function keys and Ctrl-key alternatives so it remains usable on keyboards without full function key or paging clusters.
| Action | Primary Keys | Alternative Keys |
|---|---|---|
| Exit FM | `ESC` | - |
| Switch panel | `TAB`, `LEFT`, `RIGHT` | `Ctrl-S` (left), `Ctrl-D` (right) |
| Move selection up/down | `UP`, `DOWN` | `Ctrl-E`, `Ctrl-X` |
| Page up/page down | `PgUp`, `PgDn` | `Ctrl-P`, `Ctrl-L` |
| Go to panel root/end | `HOME`, `END` | `Ctrl-U`, `Ctrl-K` |
| Go to parent directory | `Backspace` | - |
| Open selected item | `Enter` | - |
| Cycle sort mode | `S` | - |
| Help | `F1` | `Ctrl-Q` |
| Edit selected file | `F2` | `Ctrl-W` |
| Set filter | `F3` | `Ctrl-R` |
| Clear filter | `F4` | `Ctrl-T` |
| Copy selected/marked item(s) | `F5` | `Ctrl-Y` |
| Stop audio | `F6` | `Ctrl-O` |
| Volume down/up | `F7`, `F8` | `-`, `+` (or `=` for up) |
| Rename selected item | `F9` | `Ctrl-N` |
| Delete selected/marked item(s) | `DEL` | `Ctrl-]` |
| Make directory | `F10` | `Ctrl-B` |
| Select drive | `A`, `B`, `C` | - |
| Go to path | `G` | - |
| New file (create and edit) | `N` | - |
| Duplicate selected item | `D` | - |
| Move selected item to other panel | `M` | - |
| Recursive delete selected/marked item(s) | `X` | - |
| Mark/unmark current item | `Space` | - |
| Mark all items in panel | `*` | - |
| Clear all marks in panel | `\` | - |
| Type-to-select by filename | `/` then type prefix | `Enter` open selected, `Esc` cancel, `Backspace` edit |
## Sorting
Press `S` to cycle sort mode for the active panel:
- Name
- Datetime (newest first)
- Type then name
Sort mode is saved in FM context and restored on next launch.
## Type-Select
Press `/` to enter type-select mode.
- Entering type-select forces the active panel to **name sort** first.
- Type characters to build a filename prefix match (case-insensitive).
- Matching is debounced briefly while typing to reduce redraw churn.
- `Backspace` edits the prefix.
- `Enter` exits type-select mode and opens the currently selected item.
- `Esc` cancels type-select mode.
## Open Behavior
Press `Enter` on the selected item:
- Directory: enters the directory.
- `.BAS` file: launches the program.
- Audio file: starts playback.
- Image file (`.BMP`, `.JPG`, `.PNG`): displays image preview.
## Editor Integration
`F2` or `Ctrl-W` opens the selected file in the editor.
When FM launches a BASIC program and that program throws an error, FM keeps context so returning to FM and opening the same file can position the editor at the reported error location.
## File Operations
- Copy is recursive for directories.
- Delete removes files or empty directories.
- Rename applies to the selected item.
- New directory is created in the active panel path.
- `D` duplicates the selected file or directory in the current panel.
- `M` moves the selected item to the other panel destination.
- `G` prompts for an absolute or relative path and jumps there.
- `N` creates an empty file and opens it in the editor.
- `X` performs recursive delete for directories (and delete for files) using two separate confirmation prompts.
- `/` starts type-select mode so letters can be used as a filename prefix without triggering command keys.
Multi-select behavior:
- If one or more items are marked, `F5`/`Ctrl-Y` copies all marked items.
- If one or more items are marked, `DEL`/`Ctrl-]` deletes all marked items (single confirmation).
- If one or more items are marked, `X` recursively deletes all marked items (double confirmation).
- If no items are marked, operations apply to the currently selected item.
Cross-drive directory copy is supported.
Direct cross-drive directory move with `M` is not supported; use copy then delete.
Status messages are shown on the bottom line for operation results and errors.
## Notes For Manual Integration
This section is intended for inclusion in the main PicoMite User Manual under command reference (for example, near `FILES`, `CHDIR`, and editor-related commands).
Edited 2026-04-15 04:32 by matherp