Linux Cookbook

6.7.1 Problem

You've laboriously created a table and want to move the columns around. That is, you want to select a section of text vertically for example, the first word on several lines, or chunks of text in the middle of several lines, or a column.

6.7.2 Solution

Use JOE's rectangle mode.

The command ^T X turns on rectangle mode. Use ^K B and ^K K to select a block of text, then do with it as you will.

6.7.3 Discussion

These are some useful commands to use on blocks of text:

^K B, ^K K

Mark/unmark the beginning and end of a block of text.

^K M

Move the block to where the cursor is.

^K C

Copy the block to where the cursor is.

^K Y

Delete the block of text.

^K .

Move the block right.

^K ,

Move the block left.

^K A

Center text.

^K /

Open a command line for your favorite text-manipulating command.

6.7.4 See Also

• joe(1)

• JOE's online help