How to select all files in Total Commander on Android: a complete guide

Mobile file manager Total Commander remains one of the most powerful tools for working with data on devices running Android. Its popularity is due to its two-pane interface, which allows you to efficiently copy, move and rename huge amounts of information. However, users migrating from desktop versions or other managers often find it difficult to perform basic bulk selection operations.

The problem is that the touch screen dictates its own rules of interaction that are different from using a physical keyboard and mouse. In the classic PC version, just press Ctrl+Ato instantly activate all objects in the current directory. On a smartphone, this process requires an understanding of the application logic and the use of specific gestures or menus.

In this article we will analyze in detail all existing selection methods, from standard buttons to hidden interface settings. You'll learn how to optimize your workflow and avoid errors when processing hundreds of documents or media files.

Standard methods for selecting through the menu

The most obvious and reliable way to activate all the items in a folder is to use the application's main menu. At the top of the screen, in the title bar or toolbar, is a three-dot button or menu icon. By clicking on it, you will see a drop-down list of actions, where one of the first items will be “Select All”.

This method is guaranteed to work in all versions Total Commander, regardless of screen resolution or version Android. It's especially useful when standard gestures don't work for some reason or when the app's interface is temporarily blocked by other processes. After selecting the item, all files will be colored in a characteristic color, signaling a successful selection.

⚠️ Attention: If the list of files is very long (thousands of elements), the selection operation through the menu may take several seconds. Do not make repeated clicks so as not to cause a failure in the interface rendering.

An alternative path through the menu is available by long pressing on any file. The context menu that appears after this action also contains a bulk selection option. This is convenient if your fingers are already in the working area of ​​the screen and reaching for the top menu is inconvenient.

Using hotkeys and plugins

For users accustomed to desktop ergonomics, Total Commander on Android offers support for external keyboards. If a physical keyboard is connected to your tablet or smartphone or you are using an emulator, the key combination becomes the fastest control method.

The standard combination Ctrl+A works similarly to the computer version. However, if you often work with large amounts of data, it makes sense to set up your own shortcuts via a plugin Content Plugins or built-in hotkey settings. This allows you to assign a highlight to any free button.

It is worth noting that some terminal emulators or special launchers can intercept system keyboard shortcuts. In this case, the standard command may not pass into the application. The solution is to check the input settings in itself Android or use the on-screen control buttons built into the manager interface.

For advanced users, the function of creating scripts or using macros is available that can perform complex sequences of actions, starting with selecting all files of a certain mask. This requires a deeper study of the documentation, but significantly speeds up routine tasks.

Selection by mask and file type

Often a situation arises when you need to select not absolutely all files, but only a certain type, for example, all photographs or documents. T Total Commander there is a powerful filtering tool for this. At the bottom of the screen there is a filter line where you can enter an extension, for example .jpg or .pdf.

After applying the filter, only matching files are displayed in the window. Now, using the "Select All" command through the menu or hotkeys, you will select only the filtered list. This is a critical function for sorting your media library or clearing the cache of specific applications.

Masks can be complex and contain several conditions. For example, the query .mp3;.wav will select all audio files. Using regular expressions in filters allows you to create very precise selections, which makes working with the file system professional and predictable.

Mask type	Query example	Result
Extension	*.txt	All text files
Start of name	IMG*	Files starting with IMG
Composite mask	.jpg;.png	All JPG and PNG images
Negation	.~	Backup files copies (often)

Touch control and multi-touch

Finger control on the touch screen has its own specifics. In Total Commander a convenient swipe highlighting mechanism has been implemented. By swiping from the first file to the last in the list, you can span a group of objects. However, on large smartphone screens this is not always convenient.

A more effective method is to use the “frame selection” mode (if supported by the current theme) or sequential pressing. But there is a more cunning way, available in the interface settings. Activating the "Select while dragging" option allows you to hold down a file and drag your finger up or down, automatically selecting everything that falls under the cursor.

⚠️ Attention: Sensor accuracy may vary depending on the protective glass or moisture on the screen. When working with critical data, double-check the selected list visually before deleting.

For owners of devices with stylus support, the process becomes even more precise. The stylus allows you to simulate the behavior of a mouse, selecting individual files or groups of files with surgical precision, which is almost impossible to do with your finger on a dense list.

Secrets of multi-touch control

In some design themes, two-finger selection is available. Click and hold two files at the same time to select the range between them. This function is hidden by default and requires activation in the experimental interface settings.

Working with selected objects

Once files are selected, a range of possibilities opens up to the user. The toolbar changes its appearance to offer operations only for the selected group. The "Copy", "Move", "Delete" and "Properties" buttons become active and apply to the entire data array.

The operation of copying or moving a large number of files may take time. At this moment, a progress bar appears on the screen. It is important not to switch to heavy applications that may require a lot of RAM, since Android can kill the background process of the file manager to free up resources.

Renaming a selected group is a separate powerful function. Total Commander allows you to use templates for mass renaming. You can add a prefix, numbering or replace part of the name in all selected files at the same time. This is an indispensable tool for photographers and document management specialists.

Setting up the interface for convenient work

The ergonomics of working with files directly depends on the interface settings. In the settings section Configuration → app settings → Appearance you can change the font and icon sizes. Increasing the size of list items makes it easier for your finger to hit when selectively or group selecting.

It is also recommended to enable the display of a toolbar with large buttons. In the standard theme, the buttons may be small, which leads to accidental clicks. Using high-contrast themes makes it easier to see which files are currently highlighted.

A critical setting for larger screens is activating Split Screen mode or changing the panel ratio. This allows you to see the source and destination simultaneously, controlling the process of moving selected files.

Do not forget to periodically clear the history and cache of the application itself if you notice a slowdown in the interface response when selecting hundreds of files. The speed of the file manager directly affects the convenience of performing bulk operations.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Why doesn't selecting all files with a swipe work?

Most likely, the corresponding option is disabled in the interface settings or the current theme does not support this gesture. Try using the "Select All" menu or check for application updates.

Is it possible to select files in several different folders at once?

In the classical sense - no, the selection operates within the active panel. However, you can use the clipboard to temporarily store cut files from different places, and then paste them into the target directory.

How to deselect if you make a mistake?

Use the "Deselect" command in the same menu where the "Select All" item is located, or press the inverse key combination to the selection (usually Ctrl+minus on an external keyboard or the corresponding button on the screen panels).

Does the Android version affect the selection methods?

The basic functionality is the same, but in new versions Android (11 and higher) access to some system folders is limited. This may prevent the selection of system files, even if the command was technically executed correctly.