mutt

Open the specified mailbox

$ mutt -f [mailbox]

$ mutt -s [subject] -c [cc@example.com] [recipient@example.com]

$ mutt -a [file1] [file2] -- [recipient@example.com]

$ mutt -i [path/to/file] [recipient@example.com]

$ mutt -H [path/to/file] [recipient@example.com]

mutt [-nRyzZ] [-e cmd] [-F file] [-m type] [-f mailbox]
mutt [-i include] [-a file] [-b addr] [-c addr] addr...
mutt [-Q] variable...

-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.

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.

Mutt relies heavily on configuration. A properly configured `.muttrc` is essential for effective use. HTML email rendering requires external programs.

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.

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.

mail(1), sendmail(8)