Table of Contents
-This section is intended as a brief overview of how to use Mutt. There are -many other features which are described elsewhere in the manual. There -is even more information available in the Mutt FAQ and various web -pages. See the Mutt Page for more details. -
-The keybindings described in this section are the defaults as distributed. -Your local system administrator may have altered the defaults for your site. -You can always type ``?'' in any menu to display the current bindings. -
-The first thing you need to do is invoke mutt, simply by typing mutt -at the command line. There are various command-line options, see -either the mutt man page or the reference. -
-Information is presented in menus, very similar to ELM, see Table 2.1, âMost common navigation keysâ -for common keys used to navigate menus in Mutt. -
- -
Table 2.1. Most common navigation keys
| Key | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| j or Down | next-entry | move to the next entry |
| k or Up | previous-entry | move to the previous entry |
| z or PageDn | page-down | go to the next page |
| Z or PageUp | page-up | go to the previous page |
| = or Home | first-entry | jump to the first entry |
| * or End | last-entry | jump to the last entry |
| q | quit | exit the current menu |
| ? | help | list all keybindings for the current menu |
-
-
-Mutt has a built-in line editor for inputting text, e.g. email -addresses or filenames. The keys used to manipulate text input are -very similar to those of Emacs. See Table 2.2, âMost common line editor keysâ for a full -reference of available functions, their default key bindings, and -short descriptions. -
- -
Table 2.2. Most common line editor keys
| Key | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ^A or <Home> | bol | move to the start of the line |
| ^B or <Left> | backward-char | move back one char |
| Esc B | backward-word | move back one word |
| ^D or <Delete> | delete-char | delete the char under the cursor |
| ^E or <End> | eol | move to the end of the line |
| ^F or <Right> | forward-char | move forward one char |
| Esc F | forward-word | move forward one word |
| <Tab> | complete | complete filename or alias |
| ^T | complete-query | complete address with query |
| ^K | kill-eol | delete to the end of the line |
| ESC d | kill-eow | delete to the end ot the word |
| ^W | kill-word | kill the word in front of the cursor |
| ^U | kill-line | delete entire line |
| ^V | quote-char | quote the next typed key |
| <Up> | history-up | recall previous string from history |
| <Down> | history-down | recall next string from history |
| <BackSpace> | backspace | kill the char in front of the cursor |
| Esc u | upcase-word | convert word to upper case |
| Esc l | downcase-word | convert word to lower case |
| Esc c | capitalize-word | capitalize the word |
| ^G | n/a | abort |
| <Return> | n/a | finish editing |
-
-
-You can remap the editor functions using the -bind command. For example, to make -the Delete key delete the character in front of -the cursor rather than under, you could use +
Table of Contents
+This section is intended as a brief overview of how to use Mutt. There +are many other features which are described elsewhere in the manual. +There is even more information available in the Mutt FAQ and various web +pages. See the Mutt homepage +for more details. +
+The keybindings described in this section are the defaults as +distributed. Your local system administrator may have altered the +defaults for your site. You can always type â?â in any +menu to display the current bindings. +
+The first thing you need to do is invoke Mutt, simply by typing
+mutt at the command line. There are various
+command-line options, see either the Mutt man page or the reference.
+
+Mutt is a text-based application which interacts with users through +different menus which are mostly line-/entry-based or page-based. A +line-based menu is the so-called âindexâ menu (listing all +messages of the currently opened folder) or the âaliasâ +menu (allowing you to select recipients from a list). Examples for +page-based menus are the âpagerâ (showing one message at a +time) or the âhelpâ menu listing all available key +bindings. +
+The user interface consists of a context sensitive help line at the top, +the menu's contents followed by a context sensitive status line and +finally the command line. The command line is used to display +informational and error messages as well as for prompts and for entering +interactive commands. +
+Mutt is configured through variables which, if the user wants to +permanently use a non-default value, are written to configuration +files. Mutt supports a rich config file syntax to make even complex +configuration files readable and commentable. +
+Because Mutt allows for customizing almost all key bindings, there are +so-called âfunctionsâ which can be executed manually (using +the command line) or in macros. Macros allow the user to bind a sequence +of commands to a single key or a short key sequence instead of repeating +a sequence of actions over and over. +
+Many commands (such as saving or copying a message to another folder) +can be applied to a single message or a set of messages (so-called +âtaggedâ messages). To help selecting messages, Mutt +provides a rich set of message patterns (such as recipients, sender, +body contents, date sent/received, etc.) which can be combined into +complex expressions using the boolean and and +or operations as well as negating. These patterns +can also be used to (for example) search for messages or to limit the +index to show only matching messages. +
+Mutt supports a âhookâ concept which allows the user to +execute arbitrary configuration commands and functions in certain +situations such as entering a folder, starting a new message or replying +to an existing one. These hooks can be used to highly customize Mutt's +behavior including managing multiple identities, customizing the +display for a folder or even implementing auto-archiving based on a +per-folder basis and much more. +
+Besides an interactive mode, Mutt can also be used as a command-line
+tool only send messages. It also supports a
+mailx(1)-compatible interface, see Table 9.1, âCommand line optionsâ for a complete list of command-line
+options.
+
+The index is the screen that you usually see first when you start +Mutt. It gives an overview over your emails in the currently opened +mailbox. By default, this is your system mailbox. The information you +see in the index is a list of emails, each with its number on the left, +its flags (new email, important email, email that has been forwarded or +replied to, tagged email, ...), the date when email was sent, its +sender, the email size, and the subject. Additionally, the index also +shows thread hierarchies: when you reply to an email, and the other +person replies back, you can see the other person's email in a +"sub-tree" below. This is especially useful for personal email between +a group of people or when you've subscribed to mailing lists. +
+The pager is responsible for showing the email content. On the top of +the pager you have an overview over the most important email headers +like the sender, the recipient, the subject, and much more +information. How much information you actually see depends on your +configuration, which we'll describe below. +
+Below the headers, you see the email body which usually contains the +message. If the email contains any attachments, you will see more +information about them below the email body, or, if the attachments are +text files, you can view them directly in the pager. +
+To give the user a good overview, it is possible to configure Mutt to +show different things in the pager with different colors. Virtually +everything that can be described with a regular expression can be +colored, e.g. URLs, email addresses or smileys. +
+The file browser is the interface to the local or remote file +system. When selecting a mailbox to open, the browser allows custom +sorting of items, limiting the items shown by a regular expression and a +freely adjustable format of what to display in which way. It also allows +for easy navigation through the file system when selecting file(s) to +attach to a message, select multiple files to attach and many more. +
+The help screen is meant to offer a quick help to the user. It lists the +current configuration of key bindings and their associated commands +including a short description, and currently unbound functions that +still need to be associated with a key binding (or alternatively, they +can be called via the Mutt command prompt). +
+The compose menu features a split screen containing the information +which really matter before actually sending a message by mail: who gets +the message as what (recipients and who gets what kind of +copy). Additionally, users may set security options like deciding +whether to sign, encrypt or sign and encrypt a message with/for what +keys. Also, it's used to attach messages, to re-edit any attachment +including the message itself. +
+The alias menu is used to help users finding the recipients of +messages. For users who need to contact many people, there's no need to +remember addresses or names completely because it allows for searching, +too. The alias mechanism and thus the alias menu also features grouping +several addresses by a shorter nickname, the actual alias, so that users +don't have to select each single recipient manually. +
+As will be later discussed in detail, Mutt features a good and stable +MIME implementation, that is, it supports sending and receiving messages +of arbitrary MIME types. The attachment menu displays a message's +structure in detail: what content parts are attached to which parent +part (which gives a true tree structure), which type is of what type and +what size. Single parts may saved, deleted or modified to offer great +and easy access to message's internals. +
+The most important navigation keys common to line- or entry-based menus +are shown in Table 2.1, âMost common navigation keys in entry-based menusâ and in Table 2.2, âMost common navigation keys in page-based menusâ for page-based menus. +
Table 2.1. Most common navigation keys in entry-based menus
| Key | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| j or <Down> | <next-entry> | move to the next entry |
| k or <Up> | <previous-entry> | move to the previous entry |
| z or <PageDn> | <page-down> | go to the next page |
| Z or <PageUp> | <page-up> | go to the previous page |
| = or <Home> | <first-entry> | jump to the first entry |
| * or <End> | <last-entry> | jump to the last entry |
| q | <quit> | exit the current menu |
| ? | <help> | list all keybindings for the current menu |
Table 2.2. Most common navigation keys in page-based menus
| Key | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| J or <Return> | <next-line> | scroll down one line |
| <Backspace> | <previous-line> | scroll up one line |
| K, <Space> or <PageDn> | <next-page> | move to the next page |
| - or <PageUp> | <previous-page> | move the previous page |
| <Home> | <top> | move to the top |
| <End> | <bottom> | move to the bottom |
+Mutt has a built-in line editor for inputting text, e.g. email addresses +or filenames. The keys used to manipulate text input are very similar to +those of Emacs. See Table 2.3, âMost common line editor keysâ for a full +reference of available functions, their default key bindings, and short +descriptions. +
Table 2.3. Most common line editor keys
| Key | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ^A or <Home> | <bol> | move to the start of the line |
| ^B or <Left> | <backward-char> | move back one char |
| Esc B | <backward-word> | move back one word |
| ^D or <Delete> | <delete-char> | delete the char under the cursor |
| ^E or <End> | <eol> | move to the end of the line |
| ^F or <Right> | <forward-char> | move forward one char |
| Esc F | <forward-word> | move forward one word |
| <Tab> | <complete> | complete filename or alias |
| ^T | <complete-query> | complete address with query |
| ^K | <kill-eol> | delete to the end of the line |
| Esc d | <kill-eow> | delete to the end of the word |
| ^W | <kill-word> | kill the word in front of the cursor |
| ^U | <kill-line> | delete entire line |
| ^V | <quote-char> | quote the next typed key |
| <Up> | <history-up> | recall previous string from history |
| <Down> | <history-down> | recall next string from history |
| <BackSpace> | <backspace> | kill the char in front of the cursor |
| Esc u | <upcase-word> | convert word to upper case |
| Esc l | <downcase-word> | convert word to lower case |
| Esc c | <capitalize-word> | capitalize the word |
| ^G | n/a | abort |
| <Return> | n/a | finish editing |
+You can remap the editor functions using the bind command. For example, to +make the <Delete> key delete the character in front of the cursor +rather than under, you could use:
bind editor <delete> backspace -
-The number of items in the built-in editor's history is controlled by
-the $history variable. You may
-cycle through them at an editor prompt by using the
-history-up and/or history-down
-commands.
+
+Mutt maintains a history for the built-in editor. The number of items
+is controlled by the $history variable
+and can be made persistent using an external file specified using $history_file. You may cycle through them
+at an editor prompt by using the <history-up>
+and/or <history-down> commands. But notice that
+Mutt does not remember the currently entered text, it only cycles
+through history and wraps around at the end or beginning.
Mutt maintains several distinct history lists, one for each of the following categories: -
-
muttrc commands
addresses and aliases
shell commands
filenames
patterns
everything else
-
-Mutt automatically filters out repeated items from the history. It -also mimics the behavior of some shells by ignoring items starting -with a space. -
-The latter feature can be useful in macros to not clobber the history's -valuable entries with unwanted entries. -
+
.muttrc commands
addresses and aliases
shell commands
filenames
patterns
everything else
+Mutt automatically filters out consecutively repeated items from the +history. It also mimics the behavior of some shells by ignoring items +starting with a space. The latter feature can be useful in macros to not +clobber the history's valuable entries with unwanted entries. +
Similar to many other mail clients, there are two modes in which mail is -read in Mutt. The first is the index of messages in the mailbox, which is -called the ``index'' in Mutt. The second mode is the display of the -message contents. This is called the ``pager.'' +read in Mutt. The first is a list of messages in the mailbox, which is +called the âindexâ menu in Mutt. The second mode is the +display of the message contents. This is called the +âpager.â
The next few sections describe the functions provided in each of these modes. -
+
Common keys used to navigate through and manage messages in the index -are shown in Table 2.3, âMost common message index keysâ. -
- -
Table 2.3. Most common message index keys
| Key | Description |
|---|---|
| c | change to a different mailbox |
| ESC c | change to a folder in read-only mode |
| C | copy the current message to another mailbox |
| ESC C | decode a message and copy it to a folder |
| ESC s | decode a message and save it to a folder |
| D | delete messages matching a pattern |
| d | delete the current message |
| F | mark as important |
| l | show messages matching a pattern |
| N | mark message as new |
| o | change the current sort method |
| O | reverse sort the mailbox |
| q | save changes and exit |
| s | save-message |
| T | tag messages matching a pattern |
| t | toggle the tag on a message |
| ESC t | toggle tag on entire message thread |
| U | undelete messages matching a pattern |
| u | undelete-message |
| v | view-attachments |
| x | abort changes and exit |
| <Return> | display-message |
| <Tab> | jump to the next new or unread message |
| @ | show the author's full e-mail address |
| $ | save changes to mailbox |
| / | search |
| ESC / | search-reverse |
| ^L | clear and redraw the screen |
| ^T | untag messages matching a pattern |
-
-
+are shown in Table 2.4, âMost common message index keysâ. How messages are presented +in the index menu can be customized using the $index_format variable. +
Table 2.4. Most common message index keys
| Key | Description |
|---|---|
| c | change to a different mailbox |
| Esc c | change to a folder in read-only mode |
| C | copy the current message to another mailbox |
| Esc C | decode a message and copy it to a folder |
| Esc s | decode a message and save it to a folder |
| D | delete messages matching a pattern |
| d | delete the current message |
| F | mark as important |
| l | show messages matching a pattern |
| N | mark message as new |
| o | change the current sort method |
| O | reverse sort the mailbox |
| q | save changes and exit |
| s | save-message |
| T | tag messages matching a pattern |
| t | toggle the tag on a message |
| Esc t | toggle tag on entire message thread |
| U | undelete messages matching a pattern |
| u | undelete-message |
| v | view-attachments |
| x | abort changes and exit |
| <Return> | display-message |
| <Tab> | jump to the next new or unread message |
| @ | show the author's full e-mail address |
| $ | save changes to mailbox |
| / | search |
| Esc / | search-reverse |
| ^L | clear and redraw the screen |
| ^T | untag messages matching a pattern |
In addition to who sent the message and the subject, a short summary of the disposition of each message is printed beside the message number. -Zero or more of the following ``flags'' may appear, which mean: -
-
-message is deleted (is marked for deletion) -
-message have attachments marked for deletion -
-contains a PGP public key -
-message is new -
-message is old -
-message is PGP encrypted -
-message has been replied to -
-message is signed, and the signature is successfully verified -
-message is signed -
-message is flagged -
-message is tagged -
-
-Some of the status flags can be turned on or off using - -
-set-flag (default: w) -
-clear-flag (default: W) -
- -
-Furthermore, the following flags reflect who the message is addressed -to. They can be customized with the -$to_chars variable. -
-
-message is to you and you only -
-message is to you, but also to or cc'ed to others -
-message is cc'ed to you -
-message is from you -
-message is sent to a subscribed mailing list -
-
-By default, Mutt uses its builtin pager to display the body of messages. -The pager is very similar to the Unix program less though not nearly as -featureful. -
- -
Table 2.4. Most common pager keys
| Key | Description |
|---|---|
| <Return> | go down one line |
| <Space> | display the next page (or next message if at the end of a message) |
| - | go back to the previous page |
| n | search for next match |
| S | skip beyond quoted text |
| T | toggle display of quoted text |
| ? | show keybindings |
| / | search for a regular expression (pattern) |
| ESC / | search backwards for a regular expression |
| \ | toggle search pattern coloring |
| ^ | jump to the top of the message |
-
-
-In addition to key bindings in Table 2.4, âMost common pager keysâ,
-many of the functions from the index are available in
-the pager, such as delete-message or copy-message (this is one
-advantage over using an external pager to view messages).
+Zero or more of the âflagsâ in Table 2.5, âMessage status flagsâ may appear, some of which can be turned
+on or off using these functions: <set-flag> and
+<clear-flag> bound by default to
+âwâ and âWâ respectively.
+
+Furthermore, the flags in Table 2.6, âMessage recipient flagsâ reflect +who the message is addressed to. They can be customized with the $to_chars variable. +
Table 2.5. Message status flags
| Flag | Description |
|---|---|
| D | message is deleted (is marked for deletion) |
| d | message has attachments marked for deletion |
| K | contains a PGP public key |
| N | message is new |
| O | message is old |
| P | message is PGP encrypted |
| r | message has been replied to |
| S | message is signed, and the signature is successfully verified |
| s | message is signed |
| ! | message is flagged |
| * | message is tagged |
| n | thread contains new messages (only if collapsed) |
| o | thread contains old messages (only if collapsed) |
Table 2.6. Message recipient flags
| Flag | Description |
|---|---|
| + | message is to you and you only |
| T | message is to you, but also to or CC'ed to others |
| C | message is CC'ed to you |
| F | message is from you |
| L | message is sent to a subscribed mailing list |
+By default, Mutt uses its built-in pager to display the contents of
+messages (an external pager such as less(1) can be
+configured, see $pager variable). The
+pager is very similar to the Unix program less(1)
+though not nearly as featureful.
+
Table 2.7. Most common pager keys
| Key | Description |
|---|---|
| <Return> | go down one line |
| <Space> | display the next page (or next message if at the end of a message) |
| - | go back to the previous page |
| n | search for next match |
| S | skip beyond quoted text |
| T | toggle display of quoted text |
| ? | show keybindings |
| / | regular expression search |
| Esc / | backward regular expression search |
| \ | toggle highlighting of search matches |
| ^ | jump to the top of the message |
+In addition to key bindings in Table 2.7, âMost common pager keysâ, many of
+the functions from the index menu are also available in the pager, such
+as <delete-message> or
+<copy-message> (this is one advantage over
+using an external pager to view messages).
Also, the internal pager supports a couple other advanced features. For -one, it will accept and translate the ``standard'' nroff sequences for -bold and underline. These sequences are a series of either the letter, -backspace (^H), the letter again for bold or the letter, backspace, -``_'' for denoting underline. Mutt will attempt to display these -in bold and underline respectively if your terminal supports them. If -not, you can use the bold and underline color -objects to specify a color or mono attribute for them. +one, it will accept and translate the âstandardâ nroff +sequences for bold and underline. These sequences are a series of either +the letter, backspace (â^Hâ), the letter again for bold or +the letter, backspace, â_â for denoting underline. Mutt +will attempt to display these in bold and underline respectively if your +terminal supports them. If not, you can use the bold and underline color objects to specify a +color or mono attribute for them.
Additionally, the internal pager supports the ANSI escape sequences for character attributes. Mutt translates them into the correct color and -character settings. The sequences Mutt supports are -'\e[Ps;Ps;..Ps;m' -where Ps can be one of the codes shown in -Table 2.5, âANSI escape sequencesâ. -
Table 2.5. ANSI escape sequences
| Escape code | Description |
|---|---|
| 0 | All Attributes Off |
| 1 | Bold on |
| 4 | Underline on |
| 5 | Blink on |
| 7 | Reverse video on |
| 3<color> | Foreground color is <color> (see Table 2.6, âColor sequencesâ) |
| 4<color> | Background color is <color> (see Table 2.6, âColor sequencesâ) |
-Mutt uses these attributes for handling text/enriched messages, and they -can also be used by an external autoview -script for highlighting purposes. Note: If you change the colors for your -display, for example by changing the color associated with color2 for -your xterm, then that color will be used instead of green. -
-When the mailbox is sorted by threads, there are -a few additional functions available in the index and pager modes -as shown in Table 2.7, âMost common thread mode keysâ. -
- -
Table 2.7. Most common thread mode keys
| Key | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ^D | delete-thread | delete all messages in the current thread |
| ^U | undelete-thread | undelete all messages in the current thread |
| ^N | next-thread | jump to the start of the next thread |
| ^P | previous-thread | jump to the start of the previous thread |
| ^R | read-thread | mark the current thread as read |
| ESC d | delete-subthread | delete all messages in the current subthread |
| ESC u | undelete-subthread | undelete all messages in the current subthread |
| ESC n | next-subthread | jump to the start of the next subthread |
| ESC p | previous-subthread | jump to the start of the previous subthread |
| ESC r | read-subthread | mark the current subthread as read |
| ESC t | tag-thread | toggle the tag on the current thread |
| ESC v | collapse-thread | toggle collapse for the current thread |
| ESC V | collapse-all | toggle collapse for all threads |
| P | parent-message | jump to parent message in thread |
-
-
-Note: Collapsing a thread displays only the first message -in the thread and hides the others. This is useful when threads -contain so many messages that you can only see a handful of threads on -the screen. See %M in $index_format. -For example, you could use "%?M?(#%03M)&(%4l)?" in $index_format to optionally -display the number of hidden messages if the thread is collapsed. -
-See also: $strict_threads. -
-create-alias (default: a) - -
-Creates a new alias based upon the current message (or prompts for a -new one). Once editing is complete, an alias -command is added to the file specified by the $alias_file variable for future use. Note: -Specifying an $alias_file -does not add the aliases specified there-in, you must also source the file. -
-check-traditional-pgp (default: ESC P) - -
+character settings. The sequences Mutt supports are: +
+\e[Ps;Ps;..Ps;m +
+where Ps can be one of the codes shown in Table 2.8, âANSI escape sequencesâ. +
Table 2.8. ANSI escape sequences
| Escape code | Description |
|---|---|
| 0 | All attributes off |
| 1 | Bold on |
| 4 | Underline on |
| 5 | Blink on |
| 7 | Reverse video on |
| 3<color> | Foreground color is <color> (see Table 2.9, âColor sequencesâ) |
| 4<color> | Background color is <color> (see Table 2.9, âColor sequencesâ) |
+Mutt uses these attributes for handling text/enriched
+messages, and they can also be used by an external autoview script for highlighting purposes.
+
+If you change the colors for your display, for example by changing the +color associated with color2 for your xterm, then that color will be +used instead of green. +
+Note that the search commands in the pager take regular expressions, +which are not quite the same as the more complex patterns used by the search command in the +index. This is because patterns are used to select messages by criteria +whereas the pager already displays a selected message. +
+So-called âthreadsâ provide a hierarchy of messages where +replies are linked to their parent message(s). This organizational form +is extremely useful in mailing lists where different parts of the +discussion diverge. Mutt displays threads as a tree structure. +
+In Mutt, when a mailbox is sorted +by threads, there are a few additional functions +available in the index +and pager modes as shown in +Table 2.10, âMost common thread mode keysâ. +
Table 2.10. Most common thread mode keys
| Key | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ^D | <delete-thread> | delete all messages in the current thread |
| ^U | <undelete-thread> | undelete all messages in the current thread |
| ^N | <next-thread> | jump to the start of the next thread |
| ^P | <previous-thread> | jump to the start of the previous thread |
| ^R | <read-thread> | mark the current thread as read |
| Esc d | <delete-subthread> | delete all messages in the current subthread |
| Esc u | <undelete-subthread> | undelete all messages in the current subthread |
| Esc n | <next-subthread> | jump to the start of the next subthread |
| Esc p | <previous-subthread> | jump to the start of the previous subthread |
| Esc r | <read-subthread> | mark the current subthread as read |
| Esc t | <tag-thread> | toggle the tag on the current thread |
| Esc v | <collapse-thread> | toggle collapse for the current thread |
| Esc V | <collapse-all> | toggle collapse for all threads |
| P | <parent-message> | jump to parent message in thread |
+Collapsing a thread displays only the first message in the thread and
+hides the others. This is useful when threads contain so many messages
+that you can only see a handful of threads on the screen. See %M in
+$index_format. For example, you
+could use â%?M?(#%03M)&(%4l)?â in $index_format to optionally display the
+number of hidden messages if the thread is collapsed. The
+%?<char>?<if-part>&<else-part>?
+syntax is explained in detail in format string conditionals.
+
+Technically, every reply should contain a list of its parent messages in +the thread tree, but not all do. In these cases, Mutt groups them by +subject which can be controlled using the $strict_threads variable. +
+In addition, the index and +pager menus have these interesting functions: +
<create-alias>
+(default: a)
++Creates a new alias based upon the current message (or prompts for a new +one). Once editing is complete, an alias command is added to the +file specified by the $alias_file +variable for future use +
+Mutt does not read the $alias_file +upon startup so you must explicitly source the file. +
<check-traditional-pgp> (default: Esc P)
+This function will search the current message for content signed or -encrypted with PGP the "traditional" way, that is, without proper -MIME tagging. Technically, this function will temporarily change -the MIME content types of the body parts containing PGP data; this -is similar to the edit-type function's -effect. -
-display-toggle-weed (default: h) - -
-Toggles the weeding of message header fields specified by ignore commands. -
-This command (available in the ``index'' and ``pager'') allows you to -edit the raw current message as it's present in the mail folder. -After you have finished editing, the changed message will be -appended to the current folder, and the original message will be -marked for deletion. -
-edit-type
-
-(default: ^E on the attachment menu, and in the pager and index menus; ^T on the
+encrypted with PGP the âtraditionalâ way, that is, without
+proper MIME tagging. Technically, this function will temporarily change
+the MIME content types of the body parts containing PGP data; this is
+similar to the <edit-type>
+function's effect.
+
<edit> (default: e)
++This command (available in the index and pager) allows you to edit the +raw current message as it's present in the mail folder. After you have +finished editing, the changed message will be appended to the current +folder, and the original message will be marked for deletion; if the +message is unchanged it won't be replaced. +
<edit-type> (default:
+^E on the attachment menu, and in the pager and index menus; ^T on the
compose menu)
--This command is used to temporarily edit an attachment's content -type to fix, for instance, bogus character set parameters. When -invoked from the index or from the pager, you'll have the -opportunity to edit the top-level attachment's content type. On the -attachment menu, you can change any +
+This command is used to temporarily edit an attachment's content type to +fix, for instance, bogus character set parameters. When invoked from +the index or from the pager, you'll have the opportunity to edit the +top-level attachment's content type. On the attachment menu, you can change any attachment's content type. These changes are not persistent, and get lost upon changing folders.
-Note that this command is also available on the compose -menu. There, it's used to fine-tune the properties of attachments you are going -to send. -
-enter-command (default: ``:'') - -
+Note that this command is also available on the compose menu. There, it's used to +fine-tune the properties of attachments you are going to send. +
<enter-command>
+(default: â:â)
+This command is used to execute any command you would normally put in a -configuration file. A common use is to check the settings of variables, or -in conjunction with macros to change settings on the -fly. -
-extract-keys (default: ^K) - -
+configuration file. A common use is to check the settings of variables, +or in conjunction with macros to change +settings on the fly. +
<extract-keys>
+(default: ^K)
+This command extracts PGP public keys from the current or tagged message(s) and adds them to your PGP public key ring. -
-forget-passphrase (default: -^F) - -
-This command wipes the passphrase(s) from memory. It is useful, if -you misspelled the passphrase. -
-Reply to the current or tagged message(s) by extracting any addresses which
-match the regular expressions given by the lists or subscribe
-commands, but also honor any Mail-Followup-To header(s) if the
-$honor_followup_to
-configuration variable is set. Using this when replying to messages posted
-to mailing lists helps avoid duplicate copies being sent to the author of
-the message you are replying to.
-
-pipe-message (default: |) - -
-Asks for an external Unix command and pipes the current or -tagged message(s) to it. The variables $pipe_decode, $pipe_split, -$pipe_sep and $wait_key control the exact behavior of this function. -
-resend-message (default: ESC e) - -
-With resend-message, mutt takes the current message as a template for a -new message. This function is best described as "recall from arbitrary -folders". It can conveniently be used to forward MIME messages while -preserving the original mail structure. Note that the amount of headers -included here depends on the value of the $weed -variable. -
-This function is also available from the attachment menu. You can use this -to easily resend a message which was included with a bounce message -as a message/rfc822 body part. -
-shell-escape (default: !) - -
-Asks for an external Unix command and executes it. The $wait_key can be used to control -whether Mutt will wait for a key to be pressed when the command returns -(presumably to let the user read the output of the command), based on -the return status of the named command. -
-toggle-quoted (default: T) - -
-The pager uses the $quote_regexp variable to detect quoted text when -displaying the body of the message. This function toggles the display -of the quoted material in the message. It is particularly useful when -are interested in just the response and there is a large amount of -quoted text in the way. -
-This function will go to the next line of non-quoted text which come +
<forget-passphrase> (default: ^F)
++This command wipes the passphrase(s) from memory. It is useful, if you +misspelled the passphrase. +
<list-reply> (default:
+L)
+
+Reply to the current or tagged message(s) by extracting any addresses
+which match the regular expressions given by the lists or
+subscribe commands, but also honor any
+Mail-Followup-To header(s) if the $honor_followup_to configuration
+variable is set. Using this when replying to messages posted to mailing
+lists helps avoid duplicate copies being sent to the author of the
+message you are replying to.
+
<pipe-message>
+(default: |)
++Asks for an external Unix command and pipes the current or tagged +message(s) to it. The variables $pipe_decode, $pipe_split, $pipe_sep and $wait_key control the exact behavior of this +function. +
<resend-message>
+(default: Esc e)
++Mutt takes the current message as a template for a new message. This +function is best described as "recall from arbitrary folders". It can +conveniently be used to forward MIME messages while preserving the +original mail structure. Note that the amount of headers included here +depends on the value of the $weed variable. +
+This function is also available from the attachment menu. You can use
+this to easily resend a message which was included with a bounce message
+as a message/rfc822 body part.
+
<shell-escape>
+(default: !)
++Asks for an external Unix command and executes it. The $wait_key can be used to control whether Mutt +will wait for a key to be pressed when the command returns (presumably +to let the user read the output of the command), based on the return +status of the named command. If no command is given, an interactive +shell is executed. +
<toggle-quoted>
+(default: T)
++The pager uses the $quote_regexp +variable to detect quoted text when displaying the body of the message. +This function toggles the display of the quoted material in the message. +It is particularly useful when being interested in just the response and +there is a large amount of quoted text in the way. +
<skip-quoted>
+(default: S)
++This function will go to the next line of non-quoted text which comes after a line of quoted text in the internal pager. -
-The bindings shown in Table 2.8, âMost common mail sending keysâ are available in the -index for sending messages. -
- -
Table 2.8. Most common mail sending keys
| Key | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| m | compose | compose a new message |
| r | reply | reply to sender |
| g | group-reply | reply to all recipients |
| L | list-reply | reply to mailing list address |
| f | forward | forward message |
| b | bounce | bounce (remail) message |
| ESC k | mail-key | mail a PGP public key to someone |
-
-
-Bouncing a message sends the message as is to the recipient you -specify. Forwarding a message allows you to add comments or -modify the message you are forwarding. These items are discussed -in greater detail in the next chapter ``Forwarding -and Bouncing Mail.'' -
-Mutt will then enter the compose menu and prompt you for the -recipients to place on the ``To:'' header field. Next, it will ask -you for the ``Subject:'' field for the message, providing a default if -you are replying to or forwarding a message. See also -$askcc, -$askbcc, -$autoedit, -$bounce, -$fast_reply, -and $include -for changing how Mutt asks these questions. -
-Mutt will then automatically start your $editor on the message body. If the $edit_headers variable is set, the headers will be at -the top of the message in your editor. Any messages you are replying -to will be added in sort order to the message, with appropriate $attribution, $indent_string and $post_indent_string. When forwarding a -message, if the $mime_forward -variable is unset, a copy of the forwarded message will be included. If -you have specified a $signature, it -will be appended to the message. +
+The bindings shown in Table 2.11, âMost common mail sending keysâ are available in +the index and pager to start a +new message. +
Table 2.11. Most common mail sending keys
| Key | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| m | <compose> | compose a new message |
| r | <reply> | reply to sender |
| g | <group-reply> | reply to all recipients |
| L | <list-reply> | reply to mailing list address |
| f | <forward> | forward message |
| b | <bounce> | bounce (remail) message |
| Esc k | <mail-key> | mail a PGP public key to someone |
+Bouncing a message sends the message as-is to the +recipient you specify. Forwarding a message allows +you to add comments or modify the message you are forwarding. These +items are discussed in greater detail in the next section âForwarding and Bouncing Mail.â +
+Mutt will then enter the compose menu and prompt
+you for the recipients to place on the âTo:â header field
+when you hit m to start a new message. Next, it will
+ask you for the âSubject:â field for the message, providing
+a default if you are replying to or forwarding a message. You again have
+the chance to adjust recipients, subject, and security settings right
+before actually sending the message. See also $askcc, $askbcc,
+$autoedit, $bounce, $fast_reply, and $include for changing how and if Mutt asks
+these questions.
+
+When replying, Mutt fills these fields with proper values depending on +the reply type. The types of replying supported are: +
+Reply to the author directly. +
+Reply to the author as well to all recipients except you; this consults +alternates. +
+Reply to all mailing list addresses found, either specified via +configuration or auto-detected. See Section 12, âMailing Listsâ for +details. +
+After getting recipients for new messages, forwards or replies, Mutt +will then automatically start your $editor +on the message body. If the $edit_headers variable is set, the headers +will be at the top of the message in your editor. Any messages you are +replying to will be added in sort order to the message, with appropriate +$attribution, $indent_string and $post_indent_string. When +forwarding a message, if the $mime_forward variable is unset, a copy of +the forwarded message will be included. If you have specified a $signature, it will be appended to the +message.
Once you have finished editing the body of your mail message, you are -returned to the compose menu providing the functions -show in Table 2.9, âMost common compose menu keysâ. -
- -
Table 2.9. Most common compose menu keys
| Key | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| a | attach-file | attach a file |
| A | attach-message | attach message(s) to the message |
| ESC k | attach-key | attach a PGP public key |
| d | edit-description | edit description on attachment |
| D | detach-file | detach a file |
| t | edit-to | edit the To field |
| ESC f | edit-from | edit the From field |
| r | edit-reply-to | edit the Reply-To field |
| c | edit-cc | edit the Cc field |
| b | edit-bcc | edit the Bcc field |
| y | send-message | send the message |
| s | edit-subject | edit the Subject |
| S | smime-menu | select S/MIME options |
| f | edit-fcc | specify an ``Fcc'' mailbox |
| p | pgp-menu | select PGP options |
| P | postpone-message | postpone this message until later |
| q | quit | quit (abort) sending the message |
| w | write-fcc | write the message to a folder |
| i | ispell | check spelling (if available on your system) |
| ^F | forget-passphrase | wipe passphrase(s) from memory |
-
-
-Note: The attach-message function will prompt you for a folder to -attach messages from. You can now tag messages in that folder and they -will be attached to the message you are sending. Note that certain -operations like composing a new mail, replying, forwarding, etc. are -not permitted when you are in that folder. The %r in $status_format will change to -a 'A' to indicate that you are in attach-message mode. -
-When editing the header of your outgoing message, there are a couple of -special features available. -
+returned to the compose menu providing the +functions shown in Table 2.12, âMost common compose menu keysâ to modify, send or +postpone the message. +
Table 2.12. Most common compose menu keys
| Key | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| a | <attach-file> | attach a file |
| A | <attach-message> | attach message(s) to the message |
| Esc k | <attach-key> | attach a PGP public key |
| d | <edit-description> | edit description on attachment |
| D | <detach-file> | detach a file |
| t | <edit-to> | edit the To field |
| Esc f | <edit-from> | edit the From field |
| r | <edit-reply-to> | edit the Reply-To field |
| c | <edit-cc> | edit the Cc field |
| b | <edit-bcc> | edit the Bcc field |
| y | <send-message> | send the message |
| s | <edit-subject> | edit the Subject |
| S | <smime-menu> | select S/MIME options |
| f | <edit-fcc> | specify an âFccâ mailbox |
| p | <pgp-menu> | select PGP options |
| P | <postpone-message> | postpone this message until later |
| q | <quit> | quit (abort) sending the message |
| w | <write-fcc> | write the message to a folder |
| i | <ispell> | check spelling (if available on your system) |
| ^F | <forget-passphrase> | wipe passphrase(s) from memory |
+The compose menu is also used to edit the attachments for a message
+which can be either files or other messages. The
+<attach-message> function to will prompt you
+for a folder to attach messages from. You can now tag messages in that
+folder and they will be attached to the message you are sending.
+
+Note that certain operations like composing a new mail, replying, +forwarding, etc. are not permitted when you are in that folder. The %r +in $status_format will change to a +âAâ to indicate that you are in attach-message mode. +
+When editing the header because of $edit_headers being set, there are a +several pseudo headers available which will not be included in sent +messages but trigger special Mutt behavior. +
If you specify - +
Fcc: filename
-
-Mutt will pick up filename
-just as if you had used the edit-fcc function in the compose menu.
+as a header, Mutt will pick up filename just as if
+you had used the <edit-fcc> function in the
+compose menu. It can later be changed from the
+compose menu.
+
You can also attach files to your message by specifying
-
-Attach: filename [ description ]
-
-where filename is the file to attach and description is an
-optional string to use as the description of the attached file.
-When replying to messages, if you remove the In-Reply-To: field from -the header field, Mutt will not generate a References: field, which -allows you to create a new message thread. -
-Also see $edit_headers. -
-If you want to use PGP, you can specify -
-Pgp: [ E | S | S<id> ]
-
-
-``E'' encrypts, ``S'' signs and -``S<id>'' signs with the given key, setting $pgp_sign_as permanently. -
-If you have told mutt to PGP encrypt a message, it will guide you
-through a key selection process when you try to send the message.
-Mutt will not ask you any questions about keys which have a
-certified user ID matching one of the message recipients' mail
-addresses. However, there may be situations in which there are
-several keys, weakly certified user ID fields, or where no matching
-keys can be found.
+Attach: filename
+[ description ]
+
+where filename is the file to attach and +description is an optional string to use as the +description of the attached file. Spaces in filenames have to be escaped +using backslash (â\â). The file can be removed as well as +more added from the compose menu. +
+If you want to use PGP, you can specify +
+Pgp: [ E | S | S<id> ]
+
+
+âEâ selects encryption, âSâ selects signing +and âS<id>â selects signing with the given key, +setting $pgp_sign_as permanently. The +selection can later be changed in the compose menu. +
+When replying to messages, the In-Reply-To: header +contains the Message-Id of the message(s) you reply to. If you remove or +modify its value, Mutt will not generate a +References: field, which allows you to create a new +message thread, for example to create a new message to a mailing list +without having to enter the mailing list's address. +
+If you intend to start a new thread by replying, please make really sure +you remove the In-Reply-To: header in your +editor. Otherwise, though you'll produce a technically valid reply, some +netiquette guardians will be annoyed by this so-called âthread +hijackingâ. +
+If you have told Mutt to PGP or S/MIME encrypt a message, it will guide +you through a key selection process when you try to send the message. +Mutt will not ask you any questions about keys which have a certified +user ID matching one of the message recipients' mail addresses. +However, there may be situations in which there are several keys, weakly +certified user ID fields, or where no matching keys can be found.
In these cases, you are dropped into a menu with a list of keys from
-which you can select one. When you quit this menu, or mutt can't
-find any matching keys, you are prompted for a user ID. You can, as
-usually, abort this prompt using ^G. When you do so, mutt will
-return to the compose screen.
-
-Once you have successfully finished the key selection, the message -will be encrypted using the selected public keys, and sent out. -
-Most fields of the entries in the key selection menu (see also $pgp_entry_format) -have obvious meanings. But some explanations on the capabilities, flags, -and validity fields are in order. -
-The flags sequence (%f) will expand to one of the flags in -Table 2.10, âPGP key menu flagsâ. - -
Table 2.10. PGP key menu flags
| Flag | Description |
|---|---|
| R | The key has been revoked and can't be used. |
| X | The key is expired and can't be used. |
| d | You have marked the key as disabled. |
| c | There are unknown critical self-signature packets. |
-
-
-The capabilities field (%c) expands to a two-character sequence -representing a key's capabilities. The first character gives -the key's encryption capabilities: A minus sign (-) means -that the key cannot be used for encryption. A dot (.) means that -it's marked as a signature key in one of the user IDs, but may -also be used for encryption. The letter e indicates that -this key can be used for encryption. -
-The second character indicates the key's signing capabilities. Once -again, a ``-'' implies ``not for signing'', ``.'' implies -that the key is marked as an encryption key in one of the user-ids, and -``s'' denotes a key which can be used for signing. -
-Finally, the validity field (%t) indicates how well-certified a user-id -is. A question mark (?) indicates undefined validity, a minus -character (-) marks an untrusted association, a space character -means a partially trusted association, and a plus character (+) -indicates complete validity. -
-You may also have configured mutt to co-operate with Mixmaster, an -anonymous remailer. Mixmaster permits you to send your messages -anonymously using a chain of remailers. Mixmaster support in mutt is for -mixmaster version 2.04 (beta 45 appears to be the latest) and 2.03. -It does not support earlier versions or the later so-called version 3 betas, -of which the latest appears to be called 2.9b23. -
-To use it, you'll have to obey certain restrictions. Most
-important, you cannot use the Cc and Bcc headers. To tell
-Mutt to use mixmaster, you have to select a remailer chain, using
-the mix function on the compose menu.
-
-The chain selection screen is divided into two parts. In the -(larger) upper part, you get a list of remailers you may use. In -the lower part, you see the currently selected chain of remailers. -
-You can navigate in the chain using the chain-prev and
-chain-next functions, which are by default bound to the left
-and right arrows and to the h and l keys (think vi
-keyboard bindings). To insert a remailer at the current chain
-position, use the insert function. To append a remailer behind
-the current chain position, use select-entry or append.
-You can also delete entries from the chain, using the corresponding
-function. Finally, to abandon your changes, leave the menu, or
-accept them pressing (by default) the Return key.
-
-Note that different remailers do have different capabilities, -indicated in the %c entry of the remailer menu lines (see -$mix_entry_format). Most important is -the ``middleman'' capability, indicated by a capital ``M'': This -means that the remailer in question cannot be used as the final -element of a chain, but will only forward messages to other -mixmaster remailers. For details on the other capabilities, please -have a look at the mixmaster documentation. -
-format=flowed-style messages (or f=f
-for short) are text/plain messages that consist of paragraphs which a receiver's
-mail client may reformat to its own needs which mostly means to
-customize line lengths regardless of what the sender sent. Technically this is
-achieved by letting lines of a ``flowable'' paragraph end in spaces.
-
-While for text-mode clients like mutt it's the best way to assume only a
+which you can select one. When you quit this menu, or Mutt can't find
+any matching keys, you are prompted for a user ID. You can, as usually,
+abort this prompt using ^G. When you do so, Mutt
+will return to the compose screen.
+
+Once you have successfully finished the key selection, the message will +be encrypted using the selected public keys when sent out. +
+Most fields of the entries in the key selection menu (see also $pgp_entry_format) have obvious +meanings. But some explanations on the capabilities, flags, and +validity fields are in order. +
+The flags sequence (â%fâ) will expand to one of the flags +in Table 2.13, âPGP key menu flagsâ. +
Table 2.13. PGP key menu flags
| Flag | Description |
|---|---|
| R | The key has been revoked and can't be used. |
| X | The key is expired and can't be used. |
| d | You have marked the key as disabled. |
| c | There are unknown critical self-signature packets. |
+The capabilities field (â%câ) expands to a two-character +sequence representing a key's capabilities. The first character gives +the key's encryption capabilities: A minus sign (â-â) means +that the key cannot be used for encryption. A dot (â.â) +means that it's marked as a signature key in one of the user IDs, but +may also be used for encryption. The letter âeâ indicates +that this key can be used for encryption. +
+The second character indicates the key's signing capabilities. Once +again, a â-â implies ânot for signingâ, +â.â implies that the key is marked as an encryption key in +one of the user-ids, and âsâ denotes a key which can be +used for signing. +
+Finally, the validity field (â%tâ) indicates how +well-certified a user-id is. A question mark (â?â) +indicates undefined validity, a minus character (â-â) marks +an untrusted association, a space character means a partially trusted +association, and a plus character (â+â) indicates complete +validity. +
+format=flowed-style messages (or
+f=f for short) are text/plain
+messages that consist of paragraphs which a receiver's mail client may
+reformat to its own needs which mostly means to customize line lengths
+regardless of what the sender sent. Technically this is achieved by
+letting lines of a âflowableâ paragraph end in spaces
+except for the last line.
+
+While for text-mode clients like Mutt it's the best way to assume only a standard 80x25 character cell terminal, it may be desired to let the receiver decide completely how to view a message. -
Mutt only supports setting the required format=flowed
-MIME parameter on outgoing messages if the $text_flowed variable is set. It does not add the
-trailing spaces nor does it provide any other feature related to
-composing f=f messages (like reformatting
-non-f=f parts of a reply to f=f
-before calling the editor).
-
-After editing the initial message text and before entering -the compose menu, mutt properly space-stuffes the message. +MIME parameter on outgoing messages if the $text_flowed variable is set, specifically +it does not add the trailing spaces. +
+After editing the initial message text and before entering the compose
+menu, Mutt properly space-stuffs the message.
Space-stuffing is required by RfC3676 defining
format=flowed and means to prepend a space to:
-
all lines starting with a space
lines starting with the word ``From''
-followed by space
all lines starting with ``>'' which
-is not intended to be a quote character
-All leading spaces are to be removed by receiving clients to restore -the original message. -
-Note that mutt only support space-stuffing
-for the first two types of lines but not for the third: It is impossible to
-safely detect whether a leading > character starts a
-quote or not.
-
-As mutt provides no additional features to compose f=f
-messages, it's completely up to the user and his editor to produce
-proper messages. Please consider your editor's documentation if you
-intend to send f=f messages.
+
all lines starting with a space
lines starting with the word
+âFromâ followed by
+space
all lines starting with
+â>â which is not intended to be a
+quote character
+Mutt only supports space-stuffing for the first two types of lines but
+not for the third: It is impossible to safely detect whether a leading
+> character starts a quote or not. Furthermore,
+Mutt only applies space-stuffing once after the
+initial edit is finished.
+
+All leading spaces are to be removed by receiving clients to restore the +original message prior to further processing. +
+As Mutt provides no additional features to compose
+f=f messages, it's completely up to the user and his
+editor to produce proper messages. Please consider your editor's
+documentation if you intend to send f=f messages.
Please note that when editing messages from the compose menu several
times before really sending a mail, it's up to the user to ensure that
@@ -507,49 +589,51 @@ For example, vim provides the formatoptions setting to assist in
creating f=f messages, see :help
fo-table for details.
-
Bouncing and forwarding let you send an existing message to recipients -that you specify. Bouncing a message uses the $sendmail command to send a copy to alternative addresses as if -they were the message's original recipients. Forwarding a message, on -the other hand, allows you to modify the message before it is resent -(for example, by adding your own comments). The default key bindings -are shown in Table 2.11, âMessage forwarding/bouncing keysâ. -
- -
Table 2.11. Message forwarding/bouncing keys
| Key | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| f | forward | forward message |
| b | bounce | bounce (remail) message |
-
+that you specify. Bouncing a message sends a verbatim copy of a message
+to alternative addresses as if they were the message's original
+recipients specified in the Bcc header. Forwarding a message, on the
+other hand, allows you to modify the message before it is resent (for
+example, by adding your own comments). Bouncing is done using the
+<bounce> function and forwarding using the
+<forward> function bound to âbâ
+and âfâ respectively.
Forwarding can be done by including the original message in the new -message's body (surrounded by indicating lines) or including it as a MIME -attachment, depending on the value of the $mime_forward variable. Decoding of attachments, -like in the pager, can be controlled by the $forward_decode and $mime_forward_decode variables, +message's body (surrounded by indicating lines) or including it as a +MIME attachment, depending on the value of the $mime_forward variable. Decoding of +attachments, like in the pager, can be controlled by the $forward_decode and $mime_forward_decode variables, respectively. The desired forwarding format may depend on the content, -therefore $mime_forward is a quadoption which, for -example, can be set to ``ask-no''. +therefore $mime_forward is a +quadoption which, for example, can be set to âask-noâ.
The inclusion of headers is controlled by the current setting of the -$weed variable, unless $mime_forward is set. +$weed variable, unless $mime_forward is set.
Editing the message to forward follows the same procedure as sending or replying to a message does. -
At times it is desirable to delay sending a message that you have -already begun to compose. When the postpone-message function is -used in the compose menu, the body of your message and attachments -are stored in the mailbox specified by the $postponed variable. This means that you can recall the -message even if you exit Mutt and then restart it at a later time. -
-Once a message is postponed, there are several ways to resume it. From the -command line you can use the ``-p'' option, or if you compose a new -message from the index or pager you will be prompted if postponed -messages exist. If multiple messages are currently postponed, the -postponed menu will pop up and you can select which message you would -like to resume. -
-Note: If you postpone a reply to a message, the reply setting of -the message is only updated when you actually finish the message and -send it. Also, you must be in the same folder with the message you -replied to for the status of the message to be updated. -
-See also the $postpone quad-option.
+already begun to compose. When the
+<postpone-message> function is used in the
+compose menu, the body of your message and
+attachments are stored in the mailbox specified by the $postponed variable. This means that you can
+recall the message even if you exit Mutt and then restart it at a later
+time.
+
+Once a message is postponed, there are several ways to resume it. From +the command line you can use the â-pâ option, or if you +compose a new message from the index or +pager you will be prompted if postponed messages +exist. If multiple messages are currently postponed, the +postponed menu will pop up and you can select which +message you would like to resume. +
+If you postpone a reply to a message, the reply setting of the message +is only updated when you actually finish the message and send it. Also, +you must be in the same folder with the message you replied to for the +status of the message to be updated. +
+See also the $postpone quad-option.