How to Use Nano Text Editor Commands in Linux
Updated by Linode Written by Linode
GNU nano is a popular command line text editor that is included in most Linux distributions. Its interface is comparable to GUI-based text editors, which makes it a popular choice for those who find vi or emacs commands non-intuitive.
Nano Set Up and Basic Commands
Nano is included with many Linux distributions by default, but some users may need to install it through their distribution’s package management tool:
Debian/Ubuntu:
apt install nano
CentOS/Fedora:
yum install nano
Command Keys
When using nano, control characters (CTRL) are represented by a carat (^). For example, if you wish to cut a line of text, you would use the “CTRL” key followed by the “K” key. This sequence of commands is represented as ^K in nano. Some commands use the “Alt” key in order to function, which is represented by the letter “M”. A command represented as M-R in nano would be performed by pressing the “Alt” key followed by the “R” key. Mac users may need to use the “Escape” (Esc) key instead of the “Alt” key to use these commands.
Create and Open Files
Create a New File
Typing nano without any arguments will open a blank file for editing:
nano
If you make changes and save the file, you will be prompted to choose a filename.
Open a File
To open a file, pass the filename as an argument:
nano ~/public_html/index.html
If index.html exists in the ~/public_html directory, nano will open it. If the file does not exist, nano will create it.
You can also open files at a specific line or column number:
nano +LINE /path/to/file
nano +LINE,COLUMN /path/to/file
To open a file as read only:
nano -v myfile
Open Configuration Files
When editing files used to configure applications or system utilities, start nano with the -w flag:
nano -w /etc/mysql/my.cnf
This flag will prevent nano from wrapping lines that are too long to fit on your screen, which can create problems if config directives are saved across multiple lines.
Edit Files
Unlike vi, there is no need to enter Edit Mode before inputting text; you can begin typing as soon as the window opens. Use the arrow keys to move the cursor. A partial menu of available commands is displayed at the bottom of the terminal window.
Cut and Paste Lines of Text
To cut a line of text, use ^K. To paste, move the cursor where you want the text to be placed and use ^U. If you would like to cut multiple lines, use a series of ^K commands until all lines you wish to cut have been removed. When you go to paste them back with ^U, the lines will all be pasted at once.
Search Text
To search for text in a document, use ^W. This will open a search prompt and a submenu of search-related commands.
^G Get Help ^Y First Line ^T Go To Line ^W Beg of Par M-J FullJstify M-B Backwards
^C Cancel ^V Last Line ^R Replace ^O End of Par M-C Case Sens M-R Regexp
Regex Searches
To search for text by using a regular expression, enter ALT+R (ESC+R on Macs) from the search menu and typing your regex into the prompt.
Go to Line Number
To go to a line number, enter ^T at the search prompt and enter the line number that you wish to navigate to.
Find and Replace Text
At the search menu, enter ^R. Enter the text to be replaced and press enter, then enter the replacement text. You will be prompted to confirm the replacement for each instance found, or to select All to confirm all instances.
Spell Check
Nano has a built in spell checking feature, but you will need to install the spell package:
Debian/Ubuntu:
apt install spell
CentOS/Fedora:
yum install spell
Once you have installed spell, you can use the spell checking feature by pressing ^T while editing a file.
Save
To save your work, use ^O or “WriteOut”. This will save the document and leave nano open for you to continue working.
Save with Backups
Nano can create backups of files when you exit. These backups can be placed in a directory of your choice; by default they are placed in the same directory as the modified file.
Using the -B option when starting nano will create backups of the file for you, while using the -C option will allow you to specify the directory to place backup files in:
nano -BC ~/backups index.php
The command listed above will create a backup copy of index.php in the backups folder in the current user’s home directory.
Exit
Use ^X to exit nano. If you have not saved your work, you will be prompted to save the changes or cancel the exit routine.
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This guide is published under a CC BY-ND 4.0 license.