To start GNOME Files, open the Activities Overview by pressing Meta and search for files.
Figure 2.1: File Manager
The elements of the GNOME Files window include the following:
Toolbar
The toolbar contains back and forward buttons, the path bar, a search function, elements to let you change the layout of the content area, and the application menu.
Menu
The menu is the last icon on the toolbar. It lets you perform many tasks, such as opening the preferences dialog, creating a new directory or opening a new window or tab.
Sidebar
The sidebar lets you navigate between often-used directories and external or network storage devices. To display or hide the sidebar, press F9.
Content Area
Displays files and directories.
Use the icons in the top right part of the window to switch between list and grid icon view.
Context Menus
Open a context menu by right-clicking inside the content area. The items in this menu depend on where you right-click.
For example, if you right-click a file or directory, you can select items related to the file or directory. If you right-click the background of a content area, you can select items related to the display of items in the content area.
Floating Statusbar
The floating status bar appears when a file is selected. It displays the file name and size.