mutt
Send and read email from the terminal
TLDR
Open the specified mailbox
Send an email and specify a subject and a cc recipient
Send an email with files attached
Specify a file to include as the message body
Specify a draft file containing the header and the body of the message, in RFC 5322 format
SYNOPSIS
mutt [-nRyzZ] [-e cmd] [-F file] [-m type] [-f mailbox]
mutt [-i include] [-a file] [-b addr] [-c addr] addr...
mutt [-Q] variable...
PARAMETERS
-a file
Attach the specified file to the message.
-b addr
Specify a blind carbon copy (Bcc) address.
-c addr
Specify a carbon copy (Cc) address.
-e cmd
Execute the specified cmd after initialization.
-f mailbox
Open the specified mailbox instead of the default inbox.
-F file
Use the specified file as the configuration file instead of the default `.muttrc`.
-i include
Include the contents of the specified include file in the message body.
-m type
Specify a mailbox type.
-n
Prevent reading the system-wide Mutt configuration file.
-Q
Query a configuration variable.
-R
Open the mailbox in read-only mode.
-r
Resume a postponed message.
-y
Start Mutt without opening a mailbox.
-z
If used with -f, do not open the mailbox if it is empty.
-Z
Open the first mailbox specified by a "mailboxes" command that contains new mail.
DESCRIPTION
Mutt is a powerful text-based email client for Unix-like operating systems. It provides a highly configurable and customizable interface for reading, composing, and sending email from the command line.
Designed with efficiency in mind, Mutt supports various mailbox formats (mbox, Maildir, IMAP, POP3), MIME, PGP/GPG encryption and digital signatures, and comprehensive mail threading. It caters to power users and developers who prefer a keyboard-driven workflow, eschewing a graphical interface for speed and flexibility. Configuration is primarily managed through a `.muttrc` file, allowing extensive customization of appearance, keybindings, headers, and other functionalities. Mutt's powerful filtering capabilities enable automated handling of incoming messages.
While it lacks built-in HTML rendering (relying on external tools if desired), its strength lies in its customizability, performance, and its ability to integrate with other command-line utilities.
CAVEATS
Mutt relies heavily on configuration. A properly configured `.muttrc` is essential for effective use. HTML email rendering requires external programs.
CONFIGURATION FILES
The primary configuration file is usually located at `~/.muttrc`. System-wide configuration is often found at `/etc/Muttrc`. The configuration file allows for a large degree of customization. For example, you can use it to set your real name and email address, customize the color scheme, and define keybindings. See the Mutt manual for a complete list of configuration options.
HISTORY
Mutt was originally written by Michael Elkins in 1995. It was created as a successor to the Pine email client. Mutt has been under continuous development, maintained by a team of developers, and is still actively used today.