Listary

Despite its popularity, Windows does not offer much comfort, at least when it comes to browsing. Browsing through a large number of folders, to find a specific file, can be a tedious task. Of course, a search function will make your job easier, but Listary provides you with a much better solution, not just for finding files. This lightweight application integrates with Windows Explorer, making it more comfortable to browse folders, locate files, specify paths and much more.

Listary comes in free and paid versions and you can install one or the other with the same setup file. The application does not require additional drivers or services and its system requirements are low. You can run it on any machine that is powered by Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7.

The first issue that Listary can solve is the frustrating task of navigating through a maze of folders a second time, on a Save or Open dialog. While the application is running, a small toolbar will accompany these dialogs. It contains three icons which reveal separate pop-up menus, with options for selecting favorite or recent paths and a series of smart commands. You can use the smart commands to jump to a folder, which is opened in Windows Explorer, explore the current folder, copy the path of a selected file or the current folder to the clipboard, go to the application's folder or explore it and more.

You can also find a search box on the same toolbar. If you have a long list of folders, on the Open or Save dialog, you can type the folder's name to select it automatically. Depending on the words you are typing, a series of suggestions will appear in a pop-up menu, next to the search box and you can just click one to open a folder immediately. Additionally, you can use the application's quick switch feature to jump to the last folder that was accessed in your file manager. You will also notice how the Save or Open dialog will adapt automatically to your browsing in Windows Explorer or other file managers. If a dialog is still on the screen, you can browse for a folder, using an explorer window. When you select the dialog again, it goes automatically to the folder that was accessed on the explorer window.

Listary is not limited to Open and Save dialogs. With the aid of a hot key, it is possible to bring up the same toolbar on a standard explorer window or on the interfaces of other file managers, such as Total Commander, Directory Opus and others. You will find the same functions for accessing recent or favorite locations. The search box is available as well and you can use it to open folders, one after another, just by typing part of their names. You can also access recent or favorite folders and the smart commands in a pop-up menu, if you double click on any empty space of an explorer window, your desktop or other file managers.