FilePane Alternative: What to Use and When
FilePane puts quick actions on any file you drag. Here's what it does well, why its App Store page looks abandoned, and when something else fits better.
Quick Answer
- ✓FilePane isn't abandoned. The App Store still shows a 2018 build, but version 2.x is sold through its developer and Setapp, and was updated in October 2026.
- ✓Keep FilePane if you want actions on any drag, anywhere on your Mac. FileHop can't do that.
- ✓Try FileHop if you want a free app that browses, edits and converts files in one window, including on Windows.
Is FilePane still being updated?
This is the question that sends most people looking. The Mac App Store lists FilePane 1.10.5 from 2018, which needs only macOS 10.10 and costs $6.99. That page looks abandoned, but it's the old version. The current app is FilePane 2.x, updated in October 2026, available from the developer's site and through Setapp, and it needs macOS 13 or later.
The direct 2.x license was $19 at MyMixApps' US checkout in October 2026, before any sales tax, and it covers two Macs. Setapp membership starts at $14.99 a month as of October 2026. If you bought the App Store version, check which one you're running before deciding it has been left behind.
How FileHop handles the same jobs
FileHop works differently. You open files in the app, instead of dropping them on a floating panel.
Open your folder
FileHop opens like Finder or File Explorer, with tabs and instant preview.
Select your files
Pick one or many. Actions change with the file type.
Use the Tools menu
Resize, convert or compress images. Merge, split, compress or protect PDFs. Trim, compress or convert video.
Edit if you need to
PDF, image, video, Word, Excel and PowerPoint editors are built in.
FileHop has no system-wide drop area, global shortcut or clipboard actions. If those are why you like FilePane, keep it.
Other FilePane alternatives
Some people searching for FilePane actually want a different kind of tool.
Yoink
A shelf for parking files while you drag them between apps. A good fit if you mainly want temporary storage, not file actions.
Dropover
A floating shelf for collecting files, opened with a shortcut or by shaking the cursor. Another option for drag-and-drop work.
macOS Quick Actions
Built into Finder and free. They cover basic image conversion and PDF creation, with no install.
FilePane vs FileHop
A direct comparison as of October 2026.
| What matters | FilePane 2.x | FileHop |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $19, or via Setapp | Free |
| Works from any drag | Yes | No, inside FileHop only |
| Web page and link capture | Yes | No |
| Windows | No | Yes |
| Full file browser | No | Yes |
| Edit video, Word and Excel | Video trimming only | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FilePane free?
No. It was $19 from the developer in the US in October 2026, and it's also included with Setapp. A 7-day trial is available from the developer.
Why does the App Store show a 2018 version?
The App Store listing is the old 1.x app. Version 2.x is distributed through the developer and Setapp.
Does FilePane work on Windows?
No, it's Mac only. FileHop runs on Mac and Windows.
Can FileHop act on files from any app, like FilePane?
No. FileHop works in its own window, with no system-wide drop area.
Does FileHop have a shelf?
No. For that, look at Yoink or Dropover.
Does FileHop do OCR?
No, and FilePane's current feature pages don't list OCR either.
What can FileHop do that FilePane can't?
Browse and search your files, search inside documents, and edit PDFs, Word, Excel and PowerPoint files.
Which should I choose?
Choose FilePane for quick actions from anywhere on a Mac. Choose FileHop for a free all-in-one file app.
One free app for your files
Browse, convert and edit on Mac and Windows.
Download FileHop Free