LinuxCommandLibrary

neomutt

Read, compose, and send email

TLDR

Open the specified mailbox

$ neomutt -f [path/to/mailbox]
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Start writing an email and specify a subject and a cc recipient
$ neomutt -s "[subject]" -c [cc@example.com] [recipient@example.com]
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Send an email with files attached
$ neomutt -a [path/to/file1 path/to/file2 ...] -- [recipient@example.com]
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Specify a file to include as the message body
$ neomutt -i [path/to/file] [recipient@example.com]
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Specify a draft file containing the header and the body of the message, in RFC 5322 format
$ neomutt -H [path/to/file] [recipient@example.com]
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SYNOPSIS

neomutt [-nRyzZhv] [-f mailbox] [-F config_file]

PARAMETERS

-n
    Do not read the system-wide Muttrc configuration file.

-R
    Open the mailbox in read-only mode.

-y
    Start Neomutt with the index listing of all mailboxes defined by the 'mailboxes' command.

-z
    When used with -f, causes Neomutt not to open the mailbox if it is empty.

-Z
    When used with -y, causes Neomutt to only open the first mailbox that contains new mail.

-h
    Display a brief help message and exit.

-v
    Display the version number and compilation options.

-f mailbox
    Specify the mailbox to open instead of the default.

-F config_file
    Specify an alternate configuration file to use.

DESCRIPTION

Neomutt is a command-line email client (Mail User Agent - MUA) evolved from the classic Mutt. It provides a flexible and customizable interface for reading, composing, and sending email. Neomutt focuses on security, features, and configurability, offering advanced features like enhanced sidebar functionality, support for multiple mailboxes, header caching, improved IMAP support, and extensive customization options through configuration files. It is designed for power users who prefer a keyboard-driven, text-based email workflow and require fine-grained control over their email environment. Neomutt is particularly popular among developers, system administrators, and other technical users who appreciate its customizability and integration with other command-line tools. It supports various mail protocols, including POP3, IMAP, and SMTP, and integrates well with external programs for message editing, encryption, and filtering.

CAVEATS

Neomutt is a text-based application and requires familiarity with command-line interfaces. Configuration can be complex and requires careful reading of the documentation. Some features may require external programs (e.g., for encryption or filtering).

CONFIGURATION FILES

Neomutt is configured using configuration files, typically located in ~/.neomuttrc or ~/.mutt/muttrc. These files allow users to customize various aspects of Neomutt, including keybindings, display settings, mailbox configuration, and more. Refer to the Neomutt documentation for detailed information on the available configuration options.

KEYBINDINGS

Neomutt utilizes keybindings for navigation and actions. Users can customize these keybindings in their configuration files to suit their preferences. Common keybindings include using the arrow keys for navigation, 'q' to quit, 'm' to compose a new message, and 'r' to reply.

HISTORY

Neomutt began as a fork of the Mutt mail client. It aims to provide a more actively maintained and feature-rich version of Mutt, incorporating patches and improvements developed by the community. The development team focuses on addressing bugs, adding new features, and improving the overall user experience. Neomutt builds upon the legacy of Mutt, which has been a popular command-line email client for decades, and caters to users who require a highly configurable and efficient email workflow.

SEE ALSO

mutt(1), mail(1), sendmail(8)

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