erdtree is a command-line utility that combines filesystem tree visualisation with disk usage analysis. It offers an alternative to both tree and du, presenting directory structures together with information about the files they contain.
The program uses parallel filesystem traversal and provides considerable control over the information displayed. It can report directory sizes, show file metadata, calculate text statistics and present results using several layouts.
One distinctive aspect of erdtree is its awareness of ignore rules. Hidden files and entries excluded through .gitignore are handled automatically unless the user chooses otherwise. This makes the application useful when exploring development projects, where generated files and excluded directories can otherwise make filesystem reports difficult to interpret.
Output can be customised for different tasks, ranging from a compact overview of a directory tree to a more detailed report showing file information and storage consumption.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Parallel filesystem traversal for analysing directory structures.
- Display file and directory sizes using apparent or allocated size information.
- Multiple output layouts, including conventional trees, reversed trees and du-like listings.
- Configurable sorting by size, name and other attributes.
- Respect .gitignore rules and hidden-file conventions by default.
- Search and filter entries using regular expressions and glob patterns.
- Display file permissions, ownership and other metadata on supported systems.
- Count words and lines in files as an alternative to measuring storage consumption.
- Control the maximum depth of directory traversal and output.
- Show directories only or restrict results to selected file types.
- Prune empty directories and truncate lengthy output.
- Colourised output using LS_COLORS, with optional file icons.
- Customisable behaviour through configuration files.
- Cross-platform support – runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Website: github.com/solidiquis/erdtree
Support:
Developer: Benjamin Nguyen
License: MIT License

erdtree is written in Rust. Learn Rust with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
Related Software
| du alternatives | Programming Language | License |
|---|---|---|
| dust | Rust | Apache License 2.0 |
| duf | Go | MIT License |
| Duc | C | GNU Lesser General Public License v3 |
| Ncdu | C | GNU GPL v2.0 License |
| gdu | Go | MIT License |
| cull | Go | MIT License |
| dua | Rust | MIT License |
| erdtree | Rust | MIT License |
| pdu | Rust | Apache License 2.0 |
| vizex | Python | MIT License |
| godu | Go | MIT License |
| dutree | Rust | GNU General Public License v3 |
| space | Rust | MIT License |
| darya | Rust | GNU General Public License v3.0 |
| diskus | Rust | MIT License or Apache License 2.0 |
| NoxDir | Go | MIT License |
| mcdu | Rust | MIT License |
| dirstat-rs | Rust | MIT License |
| diskonaut | Rust | MIT License |
| bonsai | C++ | GNU General Public License v3.0 |
| diskard | Rust | MIT License or Apache License 2.0 |
| cdu | Perl | GNU General Public License v2.0 |
| tdu | Go | GNU General Public License v2 |
| duviz | Python | MIT License |
| dut | C | GNU General Public License v3.0 |
| whalespotter | Rust | MIT License |
| sn | Rust | BSD 3-Clause “New” or “Revised” License |
Read our verdict in the software roundup.
LinuxLinks helps you discover the best free and open source software for Linux. Explore our extensive collection of recommended applications, including alternatives to popular proprietary software.We also publish software reviews, Linux tutorials, hardware reviews, free programming books and articles covering the wider open source community. Browse our Linux resources to discover more. Know a useful free and open source Linux application we haven't covered? Suggest a program for inclusion. Has your software been featured on LinuxLinks? Display one of our Featured on LinuxLinks badges on your website or GitHub README. |


Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.