File Listing to Text - Get a listing of all files in a location (Updated Jul 2026)


Description:
File Listing to Text generates a detailed, text-based inventory of the files in a folder. Point it at a location, choose exactly which details to include for each file, and it produces a neatly separated list you can copy to the clipboard or save as a text, CSV, or TSV file. Beyond a simple list, it can include or exclude subfolders, filter by file type, name, size, date and attributes, sort the results, flag or isolate duplicate files, and preview the contents of a selected file — making it useful for documentation, audits, comparisons, migrations, and troubleshooting.

How to use:


1. Select the folder. In Source, type or paste a path, pick a recent folder from the drop-down, drag a folder onto the box, or click Browse…. Tick Include subfolders to list files from all subdirectories as well.

2. Choose the output columns. In Output Columns, tick the details you want for each file — Full Path, Drive, Root Path, Relative Path, Parent Folder, Filename, Extension, File Size, Date Modified, Date Created, and Read-only. Use Select All or None to set them quickly. At least one column must be selected.

3. Narrow the results with filters (optional). In Filters you can set one or more file types (for example *.txt;*.cs;*.pdf), a Name contains text match (optionally Case-sensitive), a minimum and maximum size with a unit (B/KB/MB/GB), a modified-after and modified-before date range, and whether to Show hidden files, system files, or only files with the archive flag set.

4. Set the output format and sorting (optional). In Output Format & Sort choose the column Separator (Tab, Comma, Pipe, Semicolon, Space, or a custom character), and whether to Include headers, Quote fields, and Number rows. Set Sort by (Name, Extension, File Size, Date Modified, Date Created, or Full Path) and the direction. You can also Flag duplicates or show Only duplicates, and pick how a duplicate is matched (filename, filename + extension, filename + size, or all three).

5. Generate the list. Click Get Files. Progress is shown as it scans and the results fill the main panel; the button becomes Stop so you can halt a long scan at any time.

6. Explore the results. Type in the Filter results box to instantly narrow the visible lines (with a match count). Click a line to preview that file’s first lines in the Preview pane (binary files show a note instead), and right-click a line to Open File, Open Containing Folder, Copy Line, or Copy File Path.

7. Copy or save. Use Copy to Clipboard to grab the whole listing, or Save to File… to write it out — the save dialog defaults to CSV or TSV to match your chosen separator, or plain text. Clear resets the results to start again.

What You Can Do With This Program

Potential Uses for File Listing to Text Tool:

• Creating a Content Inventory and Documentation:
  • Generate a comprehensive list of the files within a directory — with the exact details you choose, such as size and dates — serving as an inventory for your documents, photos, software, or project files.
  • Use it to document the contents of archival drives, network shares, or backup locations.
  
  
• Comparing Directory Contents:
  • Create listings of a folder's contents at different points in time, then use a text comparison tool to identify files that have been added, deleted, or renamed. Consistent separators and optional headers make the output easy to diff.
  • Compare the contents of two supposedly identical folders to spot discrepancies.
  
  
• Finding Duplicate Files:
  • Flag or isolate duplicates by filename, filename + extension, filename + size, or all three, to quickly see repeated files across a folder tree.
  
  
• Auditing and Compliance:
  • For internal audits, generate a dated list of the files present in a directory to record what was stored at a given time.
  • Verify that all required files are present in a deployment package or a regulated archive.
  
  
• Preparing for Backups and Migrations:
  • Before a major backup or migration, create a definitive list of the files and folders expected to be moved, then use it to verify everything arrived after the operation is complete.
  
  
• Troubleshooting Missing or Duplicate Files:
  • If you suspect files are missing or duplicated across locations, filter by name, size or date and let the duplicate detection help you find discrepancies.
  
  
• Providing File Lists for Collaboration:
  • Share a list of files with colleagues without sharing the actual files themselves — useful for discussing project assets or required documents.
  
  
• Input for Scripts and Other Automation:
  • Export the list as CSV or TSV so it can feed other command-line tools or scripts that process files based on a list, enabling further automation of tasks.
  
  
• Digital Decluttering and Organization Planning:
  • Get a clear overview of a messy or very large folder — sorted by size or date — which can help in planning how to organise, delete, or archive its contents.