FolderLens

FolderLens is a small Windows folder browser that turns a chosen directory into a clean, local web page. It is designed for quickly browsing mixed collections of documents, media, code, archives, and other files without installing a separate desktop catalog app.

Why FolderLens

• Lightweight: a PowerShell script, a batch launcher, and one small SVG icon. It uses Windows PowerShell, the built-in .NET HTTP listener, and your existing browser; there are no package installs, databases, background services, or third-party runtimes.
• Your files stay local: the page and file previews are served from a local web server on your PC. FolderLens does not upload your collection to a cloud service. Files are written to the selected folder only when you explicitly add them through the page.
• Folder boundary checks: file and upload paths are resolved against their actual Windows filesystem targets. Links that point outside the selected folder are not exposed or used as upload destinations.
• Works with mixed folders: it catalogs files recursively, shows full folder paths with nested folders indented, and sorts both folders and files by name, modified date, or size.
• Uses apps you actually have: "Open with..." lists Windows-registered apps for the selected file type, along with the Windows default app.
• Easy to use: includes browser previews for common images, PDFs, text, audio, and video, a resizable folder tree, drag-and-drop file adding, and a light/dark appearance switch.

Run it

1. Download or clone this repository to a Windows PC.

2. Double-click FolderLens.bat to choose a folder and open its catalog.

3. Or pass the folder path directly:

   .\FolderLens.bat "C:\Users\YourName\Documents"

The script uses Windows PowerShell and opens the page in Microsoft Edge's app-style window when Edge is found. Otherwise, it opens your default browser. Initial folder scanning runs after the page opens and shows progress in the terminal; keep the terminal open while using FolderLens. The server stops after you close the browser page.

You can also start it directly from PowerShell:

powershell -NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File .\FolderLens.ps1 "C:\Path\To\Folder"

Running FolderLens.ps1 without a folder argument opens Windows' modern Explorer-style folder picker, initially at the script's own folder. The picker can be resized and includes the usual navigation locations and folder listing.

Using the page

• Browse the folder cards or open Folder tree to navigate the hierarchy. Search folders and files, expand or collapse the tree, and drag the divider to resize it; use its x button to close it.
• Selecting a file in the folder tree scrolls to its card and briefly highlights it. Folder sorting follows the selected sort field, with folders grouped under their parent paths.
• Choose Preview for supported file types. Other types get a clear explanation and can be opened with a registered app.
• Choose Open with... to select an app registered with Windows for that file type, or use the Windows default.
• Add files with the folder's add card, using the file picker or drag and drop.
• Sort by name, modified date, or file size, and toggle the light/dark theme.
• Use Refresh folder to rescan changes made outside the page.

Requirements and notes

• Windows with Windows PowerShell 5.1 or later.
• A modern browser; Microsoft Edge is preferred when installed.
• FolderLens binds its local HTTP server to http://localhost:8765/. If that port is already in use, close the other local service or change $port near the top of FolderLens.ps1.
• Browser previews depend on the browser supporting the file's media format. Open with... remains available for files that cannot be previewed.