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EDIT command in Windows

The Windows edit command is a built-in tool that allows users to create and modify text files directly from the command prompt. This command provides a simple yet effective way to work with text files without needing to rely on external text editors. By using the edit command, users can quickly open, edit, save, and close text files all within the command prompt environment. This can be particularly useful for users who prefer working in a text-based interface or need to perform quick text editing tasks without launching a separate program.

Terminal window
edit [filename]
OptionDescription
/AProcesses files as ASCII text
/BPerforms the command on binary files
/HSpecifies that the file is in HTML format
/LOpens the file in read-only mode
ParameterDescription
filenameSpecifies the file to be edited
Terminal window
edit newfile.txt

Opens a new text file named “newfile.txt” for editing within the command prompt.

Terminal window
edit existingfile.txt

Opens the existing text file named “existingfile.txt” for editing.

Terminal window
edit sourcefile.txt
edit targetfile.txt

Copy and paste text from “sourcefile.txt” to “targetfile.txt” using the edit command.

Terminal window
edit myfile.txt

Save changes made to the text file “myfile.txt” and exit the edit command.

Terminal window
edit textfile.txt
SearchStr

Search for the string “SearchStr” within the text file “textfile.txt” using the edit command.

Terminal window
edit myfile.txt
Ctrl + Z

Undo the last change made in the text file “myfile.txt” using the Ctrl + Z keyboard shortcut in edit command.

Terminal window
edit mytextfile.txt
Ctrl + Y

Delete a specific line in the text file “mytextfile.txt” using the Ctrl + Y keyboard shortcut in edit command.

Terminal window
edit document.rtf
Ctrl + Shift + F

Change the font style in the RTF file “document.rtf” using the Ctrl + Shift + F keyboard shortcut in edit command.

To use the edit command in CMD, execute the following command:

Terminal window
edit example.txt

The edit command in CMD is used to open a simple text editor where you can create or modify text files.

To save a file in edit CMD, press Alt to reveal the menu options, then select File and choose Save.

Can I open multiple files using the edit command in CMD?

Section titled “Can I open multiple files using the edit command in CMD?”

Yes, you can open multiple files using the edit command in CMD by providing the file names as arguments.

Terminal window
edit file1.txt file2.txt

To exit the edit CMD editor, press Alt to reveal the menu options, then select File and choose Exit. You will be prompted to save any unsaved changes.

Is it possible to change the settings of the text editor in edit CMD?

Section titled “Is it possible to change the settings of the text editor in edit CMD?”

Yes, you can change the settings of the text editor in edit CMD by navigating to the Options menu and customizing the editor preferences.

How can I copy and paste text within the edit CMD editor?

Section titled “How can I copy and paste text within the edit CMD editor?”

You can copy and paste text within the edit CMD editor by using the Copy and Paste options under the Edit menu.

Can I undo changes in the edit CMD editor?

Section titled “Can I undo changes in the edit CMD editor?”

Yes, you can undo changes in the edit CMD editor by pressing Ctrl + Z or by selecting the Undo option under the Edit menu.

How do I search for specific text within a file using the edit CMD editor?

Section titled “How do I search for specific text within a file using the edit CMD editor?”

To search for specific text within a file using the edit CMD editor, press Ctrl + F to open the Find dialog box and enter the text you want to search for.

  • Writing and editing text files
  • Creating batch files
  • Code editing in a simple text-based interface