NAME

fmt − simple text formatter

SYNOPSIS

fmt [ file ...  ]

DESCRIPTION

Fmt is a simple text formatter that reads a concatenation of input files and reformats the files so that each line of text is approximately 72 characters long.  Fmt outputs the reformatted files to the standard output.  If input files are specified, fmt reads from the standard input.  The spacing at the beginning of the input lines is preserved in the output, as are blank lines and interword spacing. 

Fmt is meant to format mail messages prior to sending, but may also be useful for other simple tasks.  For instance, within visual mode of the ex editor (e.g.  vi) the command
!}fmt
will reformat a paragraph, evening the lines.

SEE ALSO

nroff(1), mail(1)

BUGS

The program was designed for simplicity and speed.  For more complex operations, the standard text processors are likely to be more appropriate. 

3rd Berkeley Distribution  —  April 29, 1985