Windows Explorer has become an obsolete tool in terms of browsing through the files and folders on your computer. My guess is that most of us rarely use it because there are so many other lightweight applications that come with the same browsing ability, but with many more options than the good ol’ copy-paste buttons. Since the storage capacity of hard disks is constantly increasing, so is the number of files that can be downloaded or copied onto them. Consequently, the major setback becomes obvious when it comes to searching for an MP3 file or, God forbid, a text document.

As times change, so do our needs in terms of file managing software. CubicExplorer can be considered a viable candidate in the constant search for a better file browser. An important feature that needs to be noted regarding CubicExplorer is the fact that it can also be stored on a removable device, so that you can use it wherever you go. The fact alone that it can go portable should make you at least consider it worthy of your attention and give using it some thought.

Another feature that we seem to use frequency these days is tabbed browsing. This can prove very useful to quickly jump from one location to another, without having to press the Back or Forward button like in Windows Explorer. CubicExplorer offers you this, plus the fact that it can display the name of the folder that you are currently browsing, in the tab. So, no matter which tab you are currently in, you can now jump straight to the one you need by simply reading the names of the opened tabs.

With this file manager, you can preview any selected image file extension in the QuickView window so that you will not have to open the image with another piece of software. Also, if you ever need to take some notes or write a text file, and you feel that Notepad no longer lives up to your expectations, you can try the built-in text writer provided by CubicExplorer. Not only will you be able to write text files, but also to open any .txt extension, right in another tab of CubicExplorer. Come to think of it, a feature such as this is hard to come by, because most file managers do not offer you the possibility of reading text files from within the application. This way, with this small application, you will easily change tabs and your system taskbar won't be filled with auxiliary software that you might need to handle tasks such as this.

From the Bookmarks dropdown menu of CubicExplorer, you can easily return to any file location that you use frequently, which means that you will never have to search for it every time you restart the application. You can add new bookmarks whenever you need to, and the best part is that you can open them in tabs at the same time. You could say that this application bears a resemblance to internet explorers that restore previous browsing sessions, so that you can resume your work in an instant.

Breadcrumb Navigation is another interesting new feature that other file managers usually don't have. This is a must when you are compelled to search in folders within folders, an action that ends up by confusing you altogether, instead of helping you get to the searched file. This way, you can retrace your steps, go back any number of stages, and then go another way. On the other hand, you could use the embedded searching utility to get to the desired file. You can access it by pressing the magnifying scope button and, from there, you can input your search parameters, and even the search word or phrase from within the file name.

All in all, CubicExplorer can turn into a great tool for those of you that are in need of a little order in their life, along with quick access to their files and folders. Considering that you can take this app with you wherever you may go, any computer that you might use at a certain moment will be a little easier to manage, as long as you have a file manager that is capable of saving you both time and energy when it comes to managing files and folders.

The Good

CubicExplorer can easily be turned into a portable application that you can carry around with you. The fact that it has image preview and text editing capabilities will allow you to save space on your portable device and time, by eliminating the need to load the proper tools for such actions.

The Bad

CubicExplorer could use more options, such as a minimize to tray feature for whenever you have multiple applications opened, and perhaps the ability to customize the font and text color, to give it a more personal look. Furthermore, it could also use a rendering ability for audio and even video files.

The Truth

For a free piece of software, CubicExplorer has a lot to offer and can easily become an adequate replacement for Windows Explorer.

Here are some snapshots of the application in action: