Vim and Neovim plugins can be managed with dein.vim, a plugin manager.
Open source
24 alternativesnerdtree
Vim users can browse project files with NERDTree, a tree-style explorer plugin.
About nerdtree
NERDTree is a file system explorer plugin for the Vim editor. It displays directory hierarchies as a tree, so users can browse nested folders, open files for reading or editing, and perform basic file system operations without leaving Vim. It can be installed with common Vim plugin managers or with Vim 8+ built-in packages. The plugin is opened with the :NERDTree command.
NERDTree can be extended through a built-in API for custom mappings and functions. Several separate plugins add features such as Git status flags, file icons, and syntax highlighting. These are maintained by their individual owners, and the source notes that some combinations may be incompatible.
Key features
- Browse complex directory hierarchies in a tree view inside Vim
- Open files for reading or editing directly from the tree
- Perform basic file system operations from the explorer
- Quick Help, toggled with ?, lists available mappings and commands
- Built-in API for custom mappings and functions
- Optional third-party plugins add Git status, icons, and syntax highlighting
Best for: Vim users who want a tree-style file explorer inside the editor.
Good for
- Installs through several common Vim plugin managers or Vim 8+ built-in packages
- Includes a Quick Help screen listing its mappings and commands
- Can be extended with custom mappings and functions through its API
Watch out for
- Optional extension plugins are maintained by their owners, and some combinations may be incompatible
nerdtree at a glance
- Category
- Development › Code Editors & IDEs
- Type
- Open-source project
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Open source
- Not stated
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
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nerdtree FAQ
Does NERDTree create its own keyboard shortcuts?
No. According to the source, NERDTree does not create shortcuts outside the NERDTree window.
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