tree Command in Linux with Examples

The tree command in Linux is a powerful, user-friendly tool that visually maps directory structures in a hierarchical, tree-like format. Unlike the basic ls command, which lists files and folders linearly, tree reveals the nested relationships between directories and their contents, making it easier to grasp complex folder layouts at a glance.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to install (if not pre-installed), use, and customize the tree command to streamline file management, document projects, or simply admire your system’s architecture.

What is the tree Command

As discussed above, it helps in displaying the hierarchical structure of directories and files in a tree-like format. It’s particularly useful when you need to understand how files and directories are organized, especially when dealing with nested directories.

The tree command also allows you to visualize file systems and explore directories without the need for manually navigating through each one.

Installing `tree` Command in Linux

By default, the tree command is not installed. Type the following command to install the same 

Installation in RHEL / CentOS / Fedora Linux 

Note: Version less than or equal to Rhel8

sudo yum install tree 

Note that in version greater than RHEL 8, we need to need dnf command.
For example, in installation in RHEL 9.

sudo dnf install tree

Installation in Debian / Mint / Ubuntu Linux

sudo apt-get install tree 

Installation in Apple OS X

brew install tree

Basic Syntax of tree Command in Linux 

tree [options]

If we want to display the directory structure using the simple `tree` command without adding any option.

Here `tree` command will output the directory structure, starting from the current directory.

Options Available in `tree` Command in Linux

Examples

Display the tree hierarchy of a directory  

tree -a ./GFG 

List files with entered pattern  

tree -P sample* . 

Listing Only Files Recursively

The tree command by default shows both files and directories. If you want to list only files, you can use:

tree -daifv --noreport . | xargs -I {} tree -aifv -L 1 --noreport {} | xargs -I {} find {} -prune -type f

List those directories which have greater 'N' number of files/directories  

tree --filelimit 3 ./GFG 

List files with their permissions.  

tree -p ./GFG 

Prints the device number to which the file or directory belongs.  

tree --device ./GFG 

Prints the output by last modification time instead of alphabetically.  

tree -t ./GFG

Filtering for Specific File Type

If you want to display only PDF files inside a directory structure, you can modify the command:

tree -aif --noreport | grep "\.pdf$"

Why Use Tree Instead of Other Commands

Many users compare tree with other directory listing tools like ls, find, and du. Adding this section can boost engagement and keyword ranking:

• Better Visualization: Unlike ls and find, the tree command visually represents the directory structure.
• Customizable Output: tree supports sorting, filtering, and formatting, making it more flexible than ls -R.
• File and Directory Counts: Unlike find, tree provides a summary of files, directories, and their sizes.
• Readable Hierarchy: Unlike du, which shows sizes, tree makes folder relationships clear.

Conclusion

The tree command in Linux is a crucial tool used for displaying directory structure in a visually intuitive way. Whether you need to visualize your file system, list directories only, or include hidden files, the tree command provides a wide range of options to customize its output.