AERC-BINDS(5)
# NAME
aerc-binds - key bindings configuration file format for *aerc*(1)
# SYNOPSIS
The _binds.conf_ file is used for configuring keybindings used in the aerc
interactive client. It is expected to be in your XDG config home plus _aerc_,
which defaults to _~/.config/aerc/binds.conf_. If the file does not exist, the
built-in default will be installed. An alternate file can be specified via the
_--binds-conf_ command line argument, see *aerc*(1).
This file is written in the ini format with key bindings defined as:
*<key sequence>* = _<command>_
Where *<key sequence>* is the keystrokes pressed (in order) to invoke this
keybinding, and _<command>_ specifies keystrokes that aerc will simulate when
the keybinding is invoked. Generally this is used to execute commands, for
example:
*rq* = _:reply -q<Enter>_
Pressing *r*, then *q*, will simulate typing in _:reply -q<Enter>_, and execute
*:reply -q* accordingly. It is also possible to invoke keybindings recursively
in a similar fashion.
You may configure different keybindings for different contexts by writing them
into different *[sections]* of the ini file.
# CONTEXTS
The available contexts are:
*[messages]*
keybindings for the message list
*[view]*
keybindings for the message viewer
*[view::passthrough]*
keybindings for the viewer, when in key passthrough mode
(toggled with *:toggle-key-passthrough*)
*[compose]*
keybindings for the message composer
*[compose::editor]*
keybindings for the composer, when the editor is focused
*[compose::review]*
keybindings for the composer, when reviewing the email before it's sent
To customize the description shown on the review screen, add a comment
(" # ") at the end of the keybinding.
Example:
p = :postpone<Enter> # I'll work on it later
*[terminal]*
keybindings for terminal tabs
You may also configure account specific key bindings for each context:
*[context:account=*_AccountName_*]*
keybindings for this context and account, where _AccountName_ is a
regular expression that matches the account name you provided in _accounts.conf_.
Folder and context-specific bindings can be configured for message lists:
*[messages:folder=*_FolderName_*]*++
*[compose:folder=*_FolderName_*]*++
*[compose::editor:folder=*_FolderName_*]*++
*[compose::review:folder=*_FolderName_*]*
keybindings under this section will be specific to the folder that
matches the regular expression _FolderName_.
Keybindings from a folder specifier will take precedence over account specifiers
Examples:
```
[messages:account=Mailbox]
c = :cf path:mailbox/** and<space>
[compose::editor:account=Mailbox2]
[compose::editor:folder=aerc]
y = :send -t aerc
[messages:folder=Drafts]
<Enter> = :recall<Enter>
[messages:folder=Archive/\d+/.*]
gi = :cf Inbox<Enter>
...
```
You may also configure global keybindings by placing them at the beginning of
the file, before specifying any context-specific sections.
Parent keybindings can be erased in the context ones by specifying an "empty"
binding:
```
[compose::review]
a = :attach<space>
d = :deatch<space>
[compose::review:account=no-attachments]
a =
d =
```
# SPECIAL OPTIONS
In addition of user defined key sequences, the following special options are
available in each binding context:
*$noinherit* = _true_|_false_
If set to _true_, global keybindings will not be effective in this context.
Default: _false_
*$ex* = _<key-stroke>_
This can be set to a keystroke which will bring up the command input in this
context.
Default: _:_
*$complete* = _<key-stroke>_
This can be set to a keystroke which will trigger command completion in
this context for text inputs that support it.
Default: _<tab>_
Note: automatic command completion is disabled when simulating
keystrokes and re-enabled at the end. When *[ui].completion-min-chars*
is set to _manual_ (see *aerc-config*(5)), it is possible to end
a keybinding with the completion key to explicitly display the
completion menu. E.g.:
*o* = _:cf<space><tab>_
# SUPPORTED KEYS
In addition to letters and some characters (e.g. *a*, *RR*, *gu*, *?*, *!*,
etc.), special keys may be specified in *<angle brackets>*. The syntax for
modified or special keys is:
<C-A-S-key>
Where C is control, A is alt, S is shift, and key is the named key or character.
Valid key names are:
[[ *Name*
:- *Description*
| *<space>*
: " "
| *<semicolon>*
: ;
| *<tab>*
: Tab
| *<enter>*
: Enter
| *<up>*
: Up arrow
| *<down>*
: Down arrow
| *<right>*
: Right arrow
| *<left>*
: Left arrow
| *<pgup>*
: Page Up
| *<pgdn>*
: Page Down
| *<home>*
: Home
| *<end>*
: End
| *<insert>*
: Insert
| *<delete>*
: Delete
| *<backspace>*
: Backspace
| *<exit>*
: Exit
| *<cancel>*
: Cancel
| *<print>*
: Print screen
| *<pause>*
: Pause
| *<backtab>*
: Shift+Tab
| *<esc>*
: Escape
# SEE ALSO
*aerc*(1) *aerc-config*(5)
# AUTHORS
Originally created by Drew DeVault and maintained by Robin Jarry who is assisted
by other open source contributors. For more information about aerc development,
see _https://sr.ht/~rjarry/aerc/_.
