fmt MacOS Command Guide

The MacOS fmt command is a useful tool for formatting text files on your Mac. It allows you to adjust the width of lines, fill and break lines, and more. By specifying options such as -w for setting the width of lines, -u for ensuring single-spaced output, and -s for squeezing multiple blank lines into one, you can customize the formatting to suit your needs. Whether you want to reformat paragraphs, clean up messy text files, or prepare content for printing, the fmt command can help you achieve the desired layout. With its versatile features, the fmt command is a handy tool for anyone working with text files on a Mac.

fmt Syntax:

fmt [option] [parameter]

Options:

Option	Description
-w	Specify the maximum line width
-u	Uniform spacing in the output

Parameters:

Parameter	Description
file	Specify the file to format

Caution

Take care when using the fmt command as it may modify the formatting of your file. Make sure to create a backup copy before running the command.

fmt Command Samples:

Basic Usage

fmt file.txt

Formats the text in “file.txt” to adhere to the predefined line length.

Format Multiple Files

fmt file1.txt file2.txt

Formats the text in both “file1.txt” and “file2.txt” to comply with the predefined line length.

Specify Maximum Line Length

fmt -w 80 file.txt

Formats the text in “file.txt” with a maximum line length of 80 characters.

Ignore Leading Tabs

fmt -t -w 80 file.txt

Formats the text in “file.txt” while ignoring leading tabs.

Preserve Empty Lines

fmt -u file.txt

Formats the text in “file.txt” while preserving empty lines.

Justify Text

fmt -s file.txt

Justifies the text in “file.txt” by adding spaces between words to align paragraphs.

Display Help Information

fmt --help

Displays the help information for the fmt command, listing its available options and usage.

Tip

When using the fmt command in MacOS, you can specify various options to customize the formatting according to your needs. Make sure to explore the available options by checking the command’s man page for detailed information.

fmt FAQ:

How do I use fmt in MacOS?

To use the fmt command in MacOS, execute the following command:

fmt file.txt

What is the purpose of fmt in MacOS?

The fmt command in MacOS is used to format the text of a file by wrapping lines to fit a specified line length.

How can I specify the line length when using fmt in MacOS?

To specify the line length when using the fmt command in MacOS, you can use the -w option followed by the desired line length. For example:

fmt -w 80 file.txt

Can I format multiple files at once with fmt in MacOS?

Yes, you can format multiple files at once with fmt in MacOS. Simply provide the list of files as arguments to the fmt command. For example:

fmt file1.txt file2.txt

How can I preserve single newlines when using fmt in MacOS?

To preserve single newlines when using fmt in MacOS, you can use the -u option. This will ensure that single newlines are preserved while formatting the text. For example:

fmt -u file.txt

Is there a way to remove extra spaces when using fmt in MacOS?

Yes, you can remove extra spaces when using fmt in MacOS by using the -s option. This will squeeze multiple adjacent spaces into a single space. For example:

fmt -s file.txt

Applications of the fmt command

• Reformatting text files to improve readability
• Wrapping long lines of text to a specified width
• Removing extra white spaces and line breaks
• Standardizing the formatting of text for consistency