---
name: "xwordgrinder"
section: "1"
platform: "linux"
package: "wordgrinder-x11"
version: "0.8-1+b1"
release: "Debian 13 (Trixie)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/xwordgrinder"
---

# xwordgrinder(1)

Xlib-based word processor

## NAME

xwordgrinder - Xlib-based word processor

## SYNOPSIS

**wordgrinder** \[*options*\] \[*filename*\]

## DESCRIPTION

**xwordgrinder** is a simple character cell word processor that runs on X11. It is primarily designed for text entry. It's designed to get the hell out of your way and let you write; it does very little, but what it does it does well.

It supports Unicode, basic paragraph styles, basic character styles, basic screen markup, a menu interface that means you don't have to remember complex key sequences, HTML import and export, and some other useful features.

When running, pressing ESC (or ALT + menu shortcut key) will open the menu.

## OPTIONS

These options follow the usual GNU command line syntax, with long options starting with two dashes (\`-').

- **-h, --help**

  Show summary of options.

- **--lua** *filename*

  Loads and executes a Lua file instead of starting normally.

- **--convert** *srcfile destfile*

  Converts from *srcfile* to *destfile* and then exits.

  The type of the file is autodetected from the extension of the filename. The source file may have a document name suffixed with a *:* for use when importing or exporting WordGrinder files.

- **--config** *file.lua*

  Sets the name of the user config file.

## CONFIGURATION

The user config file is a Lua file which is loaded and executed before the program starts up. It defaults to:

- **~/.wordgrinder/startup.lua**

  ## AUTHOR

**wordgrinder** was written by David Given.\
 http://cowlark.com/wordgrinder