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3 #+EMAIL: carsten.dominik@gmail.com
6 #+TITLE: Org-mode Frequently Asked Questions
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11 <a href="/"><img src="http://orgmode.org/img/org-mode-unicorn.png" class="logo-link" /></a>
14 [[file:index.org][{Back to Worg's index}]]
21 Welcome to the Org-mode FAQ.
23 You can navigate the FAQ by clicking on any of the topics in the Table
26 If your browser supports JavaScript, you can...
28 - move through the topics by typing "=n=" (next) and "=p=" (previous).
30 - see an outline view of the FAQ by typing "=m=" or clicking "=toggle
33 - search the FAQ by typing "=s=" (basic search) or "=o=" (occur tree).
35 - see a full list of navigation commands by typing "=?=" or clicking
40 :CUSTOM_ID: What-is-org-mode
42 ** Can I implement a GTD workflow with Org-mode?
44 :CUSTOM_ID: GTD-workflow-with-Org-mode
47 Yes, you can. Check for discussions and pointers [[http://orgmode.org/worg/org-gtd-etc.php][here]].
49 ** What is the difference between Org and TaskPaper?
51 :CUSTOM_ID: Org-and-TaskPaper
54 There is really no difference. Org is as /simple/ as [[http://hogbaysoftware.com/products/taskpaper][TaskPaper]]. It
55 is just that, when using Org within Emacs, it lets you do many things
56 that you wouldn't be able to do with TaskPaper. Yes, TaskPaper is
57 fiddle-proof and people using Emacs tends to like fiddling (which is
58 orthogonal to the idea of using todo-list efficiently), but this is
59 just a matter of discipline and common sense, not one of Org's design.
61 Read [[http://article.gmane.org/gmane.emacs.orgmode/6224][Carsten's enlightening statement]] on this.
62 ** What is the meaning of the Unicorn on Org's website?
67 The Unicorn is the logo of Org-mode because:
69 - Org-mode is the UNICs of ORgaNizers.
71 - Org-mode is an Emacs mode, so it makes sense to use an animal
72 similar or related to the gnu used for GNU Emacs.
74 - Org-mode is meant to show you the way, and an animal with two horns
75 can not do this very well, can it?
77 - Unicorn tears are said to reverse petrification, and wasn't this how
78 we all felt before getting to some degree of time and task
81 - It will take forever to learn everything there is to know about a
84 - A unicorn is a fabulous creature. Org-mode wants to be a fabulous
87 Using a unicorn was originally /Bastien Guerry's/ idea, his friend
88 /Christophe Bataillon/ designed the logo for us, and /Greg Newman/
89 gave it a refresh some time later. Bastien writes why he chose a
93 The first reason is not linked to the animal, but to the sounding of the
94 word "Unicorn" - because Org gives you a /uni/que way of producing files
95 in several format (HTML, LaTeX, etc.)
97 The second reason is that a Unicorn doesn't really exist, it is just
98 something you can dream about, and make others believe it does exist.
99 Just like the perfect organizer.
102 There was a [[http://thread.gmane.org/gmane.emacs.orgmode/11641/focus%3D11641][thread about unicorns]] on the mailing list. [[http://thread.gmane.org/gmane.emacs.orgmode/11641/focus%3D11641][Christopher
103 Suckling]] posted a link showing how to make a simple foldable unicorn
104 (very appropriate for an outlining program!).
106 [[http://article.gmane.org/gmane.emacs.orgmode/11735][Tim Burt]] made a very complicated one which is now a treasured
107 possession of the Org-mode author.
109 - Official logo: [[http://orgmode.org/img/org-mode-unicorn.png]]
110 This logo is available in a number of different formats including
111 Photoshop /.psd/ and scaleable vector graphics /.svg/ [[http://orgmode.org/img/][here]].
113 - An [[http://orgmode.org/img/nrocinu4.jpg][alternative version]] from Christophe Bataillon (c):
115 - [[http://article.gmane.org/gmane.emacs.orgmode/14293][Chris Randle]] made a [[http://orgmode.org/img/nrocinu.txt][text version]] using the logo and [[http://glassgiant.com][glassgiant.com]]:
117 - [[http://article.gmane.org/gmane.emacs.orgmode/14362][Stefan Vollmar]] made a [[http://orgmode.org/img/nrocinu.pdf][pdf version]] (here in [[http://orgmode.org/img/nrocinu_pdf.png][png]]) using "a simple
118 threshold technique".
120 - [[http://article.gmane.org/gmane.emacs.orgmode/11735/match%3D][Tim Burt]] made a folded Unicorn to match the spirit of Org - see the
121 whole set of pictures [[http://www.flickr.com/photos/tcburt/sets/72157614543357071/][on his flickr page]].
123 - Are unicorns real? Answer [[http://article.gmane.org/gmane.emacs.orgmode/11687/match%3Drosslaird%2Bunicorn][here]] by Ross Laird.
126 ** Why hasn't my email to the mailing list shown up yet?
128 :CUSTOM_ID: ml-post-delay
131 The org-mode mailing list is moderated. Thus, if you are not
132 subscribed to the mailing list, your mail will only appear on the list
133 after it has been approved by a moderator. To ensure that your mail
134 appears quickly, please [[http://lists.gnu.org/mailman/listinfo/emacs-orgmode][subscribe to the list]].
136 ** I read the mailing list through gmane. Should I subscribe?
138 :CUSTOM_ID: ml-subscription-and-gmane
141 The org-mode mailing list is available via nntp at [[http://dir.gmane.org/gmane.emacs.orgmode][Gmane]]. Many
142 participants in the list prefer read the list in a newsreader, such as
143 Gnus, instead of receiving emails. If you choose to read the list via
144 nntp, you can still [[http://lists.gnu.org/mailman/listinfo/emacs-orgmode][subscribe]] to the list and then opt not to receive
145 any emails on the mailman settings page (see the "Mail Delivery"
148 This will ensure that your messages to the list get through quickly,
149 reduce the work load of the mailing list moderators (who need to clear
150 every mail from non-members), and provide more accurate information
151 about the number of list readers.
155 :CUSTOM_ID: Keeping-current
157 ** How do I keep current with Org mode development?
159 :CUSTOM_ID: keeping-current-with-Org-mode-development
162 Org mode is developed in [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Git_(software)][Git]]. You can keep up-to-date with Org
163 mode developement by cloning Org mode repository and refreshing
164 your copy with latest changes whenever you wish. You only need to
165 use two Git commands (clone and pull.) Here are the steps in
166 brief (please customize locations to suit your setup):
168 1. Select a location to house the Org mode repository (approx. 40
169 MB; includes documentation, compiled elisp files and history
170 going all the way back to v4.12a)
172 : $ mkdir $HOME/elisp && cd $HOME/elisp
174 2. Clone the Org mode Git repository.
176 Recommended approach:
178 : $ git clone git://repo.or.cz/org-mode.git
180 Alternate approach if you are behind a firewall that allows only
181 HTTP (can be quite slow):
183 : $ git clone http://repo.or.cz/r/org-mode.git
185 3. Compile and install Org mode and build documentation.
187 : $ cd org-mode && make && make doc && make install
189 Please note that you can choose to /not/ compile at all and run
190 using source =.el= files only. Compiled files speed things up.
192 4. This is where you configure Org mode with Emacs. Please refer
193 to [[./org-tutorials/index.org][Org tutorials]].
195 5. Keeping up-to-date.
197 Cloning the repository is a one time activity. From this point
198 onwards you only need to /pull/ the latest changes.
200 : $ cd $HOME/elisp/org-mode
204 : $ git pull && make clean && make && make doc && make install
206 6. You should restart org mode to have the changes take effect (if
207 you are not rebooting Emacs.) Also since the intention is to
208 "keep up" with Org mode, you should visit ChangeLog and updated
209 sections of documentation for latest updates (use =git log=.)
211 7. As you use your repository over time it will accumulate loose objects.
212 You can reduce the total size of your git repository with
216 which will consolidate loose git objects into pack files. This
217 reduces the size of the repository and speeds up data access to
220 ** How can I keep local changes and still track Org mode development?
222 :CUSTOM_ID: keeping-local-changes-current-with-Org-mode-development
225 Say you want to make minor changes to the Makefile to reflect your
226 location for =emacs=.
228 Create a local branch for your changes on top of origin/master as
231 : $ git checkout -b local origin/master
232 : $ git config branch.local.rebase true
233 : # Make your changes to the Makefile and create a new commit
235 : $ git commit -m 'My local Makefile configurations'
236 : # Update git to a newer version
239 Now each time you pull new commits from the distribution repository
240 your local commits will be rewound and replayed on top of the new
245 You would normally work on your =local= branch which includes your
246 custom commits; there's no need to switch back to the =master=
251 Here is an example of dealing with conflict resolution during git pull.
253 If you get a conflict during a =git pull= you will need to edit the
254 file with the conflict to fix up the conflicting lines and then tell
255 git that you have resolved the conflict.
257 Conflict resolution goes something like this:
259 1. =git pull= fails with a conflict
261 3. =git add= the file to mark the conflict resolved
262 4. =git rebase --continue=
263 5. lather, rinse, and repeat 2-4 as needed
265 For this example we have the following Makefile:
275 and we need to change the =EMACS=emacs= line to =EMACS=myemacs= to
276 make it work well on our system.
280 - create a local branch for our work
282 : $ git checkout -b local origin/master
283 : $ git config branch.local.rebase true
285 This marks the branch so that all local commits on it are rebased
286 on top of any new commits we get in origin/master during a =git
289 - Make our custom changes
291 Edit the makefile so it looks like this:
301 - Create a commit with our custom changes
303 : $ git commit -m 'My local Makefile configurations'
305 - Later we do a =git pull= but that fails with conflicts.
308 : remote: Counting objects: 5, done.
310 : Patch failed at 0001.
312 : When you have resolved this problem run "git rebase --continue".
313 : If you would prefer to skip this patch, instead run "git rebase --skip".
314 : To restore the original branch and stop rebasing run "git rebase --abort".
316 - Fix the conflict in your favourite editor
318 Conflict markers look like this:
320 : <<<<<<< HEAD:Makefile
324 : >>>>>>> Change emacs location:Makefile
326 This attempted =git pull= caused a conflict. Fire up your
327 favourite editor and fix the conflict in the Makefile. The
328 conflict markers are <<<<<<<<<< , ======= , and >>>>>>>>>>. Fix
329 the Makefile appropriately and delete the conflict markers. You
330 already edited these lines earlier so fixing it should be trivial.
332 In this case we changed =EMACS=emacs= to =EMACS=myemacs= and
333 upstream changed =EMACS=emacs= to =EMACS=emacs22=. Just fix the
334 file and save it by deleting the conflict markers and keeping the
335 code you need (in this case the =EMACS=myemacs= line which we
336 originally modified.)
338 - Mark the file's conflict resolved
342 You use =git add= because you are adding new content to be tracked - you're not adding a file, but you are adding changes in content.
344 - Continue the rebase operation
346 : $ git rebase --continue
348 If any other conflicts arise you fix them the same way - edit the file, mark the conflict resolved, and continue.
350 At anytime during the rebase conflict resolution you can say "oops this is all wrong - put it back the way it was before I did a pull"
352 : $ git rebase --abort
354 ** How can I install an up-to-date version of org-mode without "make" tools?
356 :CUSTOM_ID: installing-org-without-make-tools
359 If you are using org-mode on a computer that lacks developer tools for
360 compiling software, such as [[http://www.gnu.org/software/make/][GNU Make]], you will have to use a
361 *different* installation method than [[http://orgmode.org/manual/Installation.html#Installation][the one outlined in the manual]].
363 Please see [[http://article.gmane.org/gmane.emacs.orgmode/15264][this thread]] on the mailing list for several different ways
364 you can install a recent version of org-mode without using the
365 customary =make clean && make && make install=.
367 The result of that discussion is the file/function found in
368 [[http://orgmode.org/worg/org-hacks.php#compiling-org-without-make]].
375 ** How can I quickly browse all Org options?
377 =M-x org-customize RET=
379 See also [[file:org-tutorials/org-customize.org][Carsten's Org customize tutorial]] and [[file:org-configs/org-customization-guide.org][this customization guide]]
382 ** Can I use the editing features of org-mode in other modes?
384 :CUSTOM_ID: use-editing-features-in-other-modes
387 Not really---but there are a few editing features you can use in
390 - For tables there is =orgtbl-mode= which implements the table
391 editor as a minor mode. (To enable, type =M-x orgtbl-mode=)
392 - For ordered lists there is =orgstuct-mode= which allows for easy
393 list editing as a minor mode. (To enable, type =M-x
396 You can activate these modes automatically by using hooks:
398 : (add-hook 'mail-mode-hook 'turn-on-orgtbl)
399 : (add-hook 'mail-mode-hook 'turn-on-orgstruct)
401 For footnotes, there is the function =org-footnote-action=, which
402 works in non-org buffers. This function is a powerful tool for
403 creating and sorting footnotes. To use it globally, you can add the
404 following keybinding to your =.emacs= file (requires Org 6.17 or
407 : (global-set-key (kbd "C-c f") 'org-footnote-action)
409 For other features you need to switch to Org-mode temporarily, or
410 prepare text in a different buffer.
412 ** Why isn't feature "X" working the way it is described in the manual?
414 :CUSTOM_ID: making-sure-org-mode-is-up-to-date
417 Org-mode develops very quickly. There have been a great many changes,
418 for instance, since the release of Emacs 22, which shipped with
419 version 4.67d of org-mode. (Emacs 23 is expected to ship with version
422 Many of the users on the org-mode mailing list are using either a
423 recent release of org-mode or the
424 [[http://orgmode.org/index.html#sec-3.2][development version of
425 org-mode from the git repository]].
427 If some settings and features aren't working the way you expect, make
428 sure that the version of the manual you are consulting matches the
429 version of org-mode you are using.
431 - You can check which version of org-mode you are using by
432 selection =Org --> Documentation --> Show Version= in the Emacs
435 - The [[http://orgmode.org/manual/index.html][online manual]] at [[http://orgmode.org][orgmode.org]] corresponds to the most recent
438 - The [[http://www.gnu.org/software/emacs/manual/html_node/org/index.html][manual]] at [[http://www.gnu.org][www.gnu.org]] corresponds to the version of org-mode
439 released with the latest official Gnu Emacs release (Emacs 22 and
440 org-mode 4.67d as of February 2009). Note: compared with the
441 manual at the orgmode.org, the manual at www.gnu.org is
442 considerably out of date.
444 For instructions on how to stay current with org-mode, consult [[keeping-current-with-Org-mode-development][this
445 FAQ]] or follow the instructions on [[http://orgmode.org][the official org-mode site]].
447 ** Can I get the visibility-cycling features in outline-mode and outline-minor-mode?
449 :CUSTOM_ID: use-visibility-cycling-in-outline-mode
452 Yes, these functions are written in a way that they are independent of
453 the outline setup. The following setup provides standard Org-mode
454 functionality in outline-mode on =TAB= and =S-TAB=. For
455 outline-minor-mode, we use =C-TAB= instead of =TAB=,
456 because =TAB= usually has mode-specific tasks.
458 #+BEGIN_SRC emacs-lisp
459 (add-hook 'outline-minor-mode-hook
461 (define-key outline-minor-mode-map [(control tab)] 'org-cycle)
462 (define-key outline-minor-mode-map [(shift tab)] 'org-global-cycle)))
463 (add-hook 'outline-mode-hook
465 (define-key outline-mode-map [(tab)] 'org-cycle)
466 (define-key outline-mode-map [(shift tab)] 'org-global-cycle)))
469 Or check out /outline-magic.el/, which does this and also provides
470 promotion and demotion functionality. /outline-magic.el/ is
471 available at [[http://www.astro.uva.nl/~dominik/Tools/outline-magic.el][Outline Magic]].
473 ** Can I save/restore the visibility state of an org-mode buffer?
477 ** How can I keep track of changes in my Org files?
479 :CUSTOM_ID: track-of-changes-in-Org-files
482 Use git to track the history of the files, use a cronjob to check in
483 changes regularly. Such a setup is described by Bernt Hansen
484 in [[http://article.gmane.org/gmane.emacs.orgmode/6233][this message]] on [[http://dir.gmane.org/gmane.emacs.orgmode][emacs-orgmode]].
486 ** Can I use Org-mode as the default mode for all README files?
488 :CUSTOM_ID: Org-mode-as-default-mode
491 Add the following to your .emacs file:
493 : (add-to-list 'auto-mode-alist '("README$" . org-mode))
495 You can even make it the default mode for any files with unspecified
498 : (setq default-major-mode 'org-mode)
500 ** Can I use ido.el for completing stuff in Org?
502 :CUSTOM_ID: ido-complete
505 Yes, you can. If you are an ido user and ido-mode is active, the
506 following setting will make Org use =ido-completing-read= for most
507 of its completing prompts.
509 : (setq org-completion-use-ido t)
511 ** Should I use one big org file or multiple files?
513 :CUSTOM_ID: how-to-organize-org-mode-files
516 Org-mode is flexible enough to accomodate a variety of organizational
517 and time management schemes. Org's
518 [[http://orgmode.org/manual/Document-Structure.html#Document-Structure][outline
519 cycling and convenient editing and navigation commands]] make it
520 possible to maintain all of your projects and notes in a single file.
521 But org-mode's [[http://orgmode.org/manual/Hyperlinks.html#Hyperlinks][quick and easy hyperlinks]], along with [[http://orgmode.org/manual/Refiling-notes.html#Refiling-notes][easy refiling of
522 notes and todos]], also make it a delight to maintain a private "wiki"
523 consisting of multiple files.
525 No matter how you organize your org files, org-mode's agenda commands
526 make it easy to search all your notes and gather together crucial data
529 Moreover, several org-mode settings can be configured either globally
530 in your =.emacs= file or locally (per file or per outline tree). See
531 the [[http://orgmode.org/manual/index.html#Top][manual]] for more details. For an example of local customizations
532 see [[limit-agenda-with-category-match][this FAQ]].
534 Here are a few ideas for organizing org-mode files:
536 - A single file for all your projects and notes.
537 - One file per project.
538 - One file per client.
539 - One file per area of responsibility or type of work (e.g.,
540 household, health, work, etc.).
541 - One file for projects, one for appointments, one for reference
542 material, one for someday/maybe items, etc.
543 - A wiki of hyperlinked files that grows and adapts to meet your
546 For more ideas, see some of the links on the [[file:org-tutorials/index.org][org-tutorial index]] or
547 [[file:org-gtd-etc.org][this page on org-mode and GTD]].
549 ** Why doesn't C-c a call the agenda? Why don't some org keybindings work?
551 :CUSTOM_ID: setting-global-keybindings
554 Org-mode has a few global keybindings that the user must set
555 explicitly in an =.emacs= file. These keybindings include the
556 customary shortcut for calling the agenda (=C-c a=). If nothing
557 happens when you type =C-c a=, then make sure that the following lines
558 are in your =.emacs= file:
560 #+BEGIN_SRC emacs-lisp
561 ;; The following lines are always needed. Choose your own keys.
562 (add-to-list 'auto-mode-alist '("\\.org\\'" . org-mode))
563 (global-set-key "\C-cl" 'org-store-link)
564 (global-set-key "\C-ca" 'org-agenda)
565 (global-set-key "\C-cb" 'org-iswitchb)
568 You may, of course, choose whatever keybindings work best for you
569 and do not conflict with other modes.
571 Please see [[http://orgmode.org/manual/Activation.html][this section of the manual]] if you have additional
574 ** Why aren't some of the variables I've customized having an effect?
576 :CUSTOM_ID: load-org-after-setting-variables
579 Some org variables have to be set before org.el is loaded or else they
580 will not work. (An example is the new variable
581 =org-enforce-todo-dependencies=.)
583 To make sure all your variables work you should not use =(require
584 'org)=. Instead use the following setting:
586 : (require 'org-install)
588 You should also make sure that you do not require any other =org-...=
589 files in your =.emacs= file before you have set your org variables,
590 since these will also cause org.el to be loaded. To be safe, load org
591 files *after* you have set your variables.
593 ** Org-mode has a lot of colors? How can I change them?
595 :CUSTOM_ID: customizing-org-faces
598 This is a question that applies to Emacs as a whole, but it comes up
599 quite frequently on the org-mode mailing list, so it is appropriate to
602 If you would like to change the style of a face in org-mode (or any
603 other Emacs mode), simply type =M-x customize-face [RET]= while the
604 cursor is on the color/style you are interested in modifying. You will
605 be given the opportunity to customize all the faces located at that
608 If you would like an overview of all the faces in org-mode, you can
609 type =C-u M-x list-faces-display [RET] org= and you will be shown all
610 the faces defined by org-mode along with an illustration of their
613 If you would like to customize org-faces and other aspects of
614 org-appearance, type =M-x customize-group org-font-lock [RET]=.
616 Finally, if you would like verbose information about the properties of
617 the text under the cursor, you can type =C-u C-x ==.
619 See the Worg page on [[file:org-tutorials/org-appearance.org][customizing Org appearance]] for further information.
621 ** How can I make sure that timestamps appear in English?
623 :CUSTOM_ID: timestamps-and-system-time-locale
626 If your system's locale is not set to English, but you would like the
627 timestamps in your org-mode files to appear in English, you can set
628 the following variable:
630 #+begin_src emacs-lisp
631 (setq system-time-locale "C")
634 ** What does a minimal .emacs look like?
635 Using a stripped down minimal .emacs files removes broken custom
636 settings as the cause of an issue and makes it easy to reproduce for
637 other people. The example below has system-specific paths that you'll
638 need to change for your own use.
639 #+begin_src emacs-lisp
640 (add-to-list 'load-path (expand-file-name "~/git/org-mode/lisp"))
641 (add-to-list 'auto-mode-alist '("\\.\\(org\\ |org_archive\\|txt\\)$" . org-mode))
642 (setq org-agenda-files '("/tmp/test.org"))
643 (require 'org-install)
646 (global-set-key "\C-cl" 'org-store-link)
647 (global-set-key "\C-ca" 'org-agenda)
648 (global-set-key "\C-cb" 'org-iswitchb)
651 You can save the minimal .emacs file to ~/minimal.emacs, add suspect
652 configuration code to it, then start emacs something like this:
654 emacs -Q -l ~/minimal.emacs
657 On OS X, starting emacs with minimal configuration might look
660 /Applications/emacs.app/Contents/MacOS/Emacs -Q -l ~/minimal.emacs
663 * Errors and general problems
667 ** Opening Org files in Emacs leads to a crash
669 :CUSTOM_ID: Emacs-crashes-with-org-indent-mode
671 The only known case where Org-mode can crash Emacs is when you are
672 using =org-indent-mode= with Emacs 23.1 (in fact, any version of
673 Emacs before version 23.1.50.3). Upgrade to Emacs 23.2 and the
674 problem should go away.
676 ** When I try to use Org-mode, I always get the error message =(wrong-type-argument keymapp nil)=
678 :CUSTOM_ID: wrong-type-argument-keymapp
681 This is a conflict with an outdated version of the /allout.el/, see
682 the [[http://orgmode.org/manual/Conflicts.html#Conflicts][Conflicts]] section in the manual
684 ** How can I control the application launched by Org-mode to open a certain file type like pdf, html....
686 :CUSTOM_ID: external-application-launched-to-open-file-link
689 If you want special control about how Org-mode opens files, see the
690 variables =org-file-apps=, =org-file-apps-defaults-gnu=,
691 =org-file-apps-defaults-macosx=, =org-file-apps-defaults-windowsnt=.
693 *However*, normally it is best to just use the mechanism the
694 operating-system provides:
696 *** GNU/Linux systems
697 You you have to check your mailcap settings, find the files:
705 and modify them accordingly. Please read their manual entry.
708 + for html pages you may configure the =browse-url-= variables through
709 the Customize interface,
710 + the pdf files are automatically opened with Acrobat Reader (if it is
714 Change the application responsible for this file type by selecting
715 such a file in the Finder, select =File->Get Info= from the menu
716 and select the application to open this file with. Then, to
717 propagate the change to all files with the same extension, select
718 the =Change all= button.
720 ** Org-mode takes over the TAB key. I also want to use YASnippet, is there a way to fix this conflict?
722 :CUSTOM_ID: YASnippet
725 [[http://code.google.com/p/yasnippet/][yasnippet]] is yet another snippet expansion system for Emacs. It is
726 inspired by TextMate's templating syntax.
727 - watch the [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOj7btx3ATg][video on YouTube]]
728 - see the [[http://yasnippet.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/doc/index.html][intro and tutorial]]
730 *Note*: yasnippet is not compatible with =org-indent-mode= currently
731 there is no known way to use both successfully with =yas/trigger-key=
732 set to =TAB= (or =[tab]= etc...)
734 The way Org-mode binds the =TAB= key (binding to =[tab]= instead of
735 =\t=) overrules yasnippets' access to this key. The following code
738 #+begin_src emacs-lisp
739 (add-hook 'org-mode-hook
741 (org-set-local 'yas/trigger-key [tab])
742 (define-key yas/keymap [tab] 'yas/next-field-group)))
745 If the above code doesn't work (which it may not with later versions
746 of yasnippet). Then try the following
748 #+begin_src emacs-lisp
749 (defun yas/org-very-safe-expand ()
750 (let ((yas/fallback-behavior 'return-nil)) (yas/expand)))
752 (add-hook 'org-mode-hook
754 ;; yasnippet (using the new org-cycle hooks)
755 (make-variable-buffer-local 'yas/trigger-key)
756 (setq yas/trigger-key [tab])
757 (add-to-list 'org-tab-first-hook 'yas/org-very-safe-expand)
758 (define-key yas/keymap [tab] 'yas/next-field)))
761 Rick Moynihan maintains a [[http://github.com/RickMoynihan/yasnippet-org-mode][git repository]] (or [[http://github.com/eschulte/yasnippet-org-mode][Eric's fork of the same]])
762 with YASnippets for Org-mode.
764 ** Org-mode takes over the S-cursor keys. I also want to use CUA-mode, is there a way to fix this conflict?
769 Yes, see the [[http://orgmode.org/manual/Conflicts.html#Conflicts][Conflicts]] section of the manual.
771 ** Org-mode takes over the S-cursor keys. I also want to use windmove.el, is there a way to fix this conflict?
773 :CUSTOM_ID: windmove.el
776 Yes, see the [[http://orgmode.org/manual/Conflicts.html#Conflicts][Conflicts]] section of the manual.
778 ** Org behaves strangely: some keys don't work, some features are missing, my settings have no effect, ...
780 :CUSTOM_ID: loaded-old-org
783 When this sort of things happen, it probably is because Emacs is loading an old version of Org-mode instead of the one you expected. Check it with =M-x org-version=.
785 This happens because Emacs loads first the system org-mode (the one included with Emacs) before the one in your directory. Check the =load-path= variable; you might see that your org-mode appears /after/ the system-wide path; this is bad.
787 You should add your directories to the =load-path= at the beginning:
789 : (add-to-list 'load-path "~/.emacs.d/org-mode/lisp") (require 'org-install)
791 Function =add-to-list= adds at the beginning. Don't use =append= because it appends at the end. Also be sure to use =(require 'org-install)= and not =(require 'org)=.
793 This wrong version loading may also happen if you have a byte-compiled =org.elc= from an old version together with a new =org.el=. Since Emacs prefers loading byte-compiled files (even if the =.el= is newer), it will load the old Org-mode.
795 ** Why doesn't org-batch-agenda work under Win32?
797 :CUSTOM_ID: org-batch-agenda-under-win32
800 When I run the example batch files to print my agenda to the console
801 under Win32 I get the failure:
803 : End of file during parsing
805 and no agenda is printed.
807 The problem is the use of single quotes surrounding the eval in the
808 emacs command-line. This gets confused under Win32. All string
809 parameters with spaces must be surrounded in double quotes. This means
810 that double quotes being passed to the eval must be escaped.
812 Therefore, instead of the following:
814 : <path to emacs>\emacs.exe -batch -l ~/_emacs_org \
815 : -eval '(org-batch-agenda "a")'
817 you need to use the following:
819 : <path to emacs>\emacs.exe -batch -l ~/_emacs_org \
820 : -eval "(org-batch-agenda \"a\")"
822 (all on one line, of course).
824 ** Org agenda seems very slow
826 :CUSTOM_ID: slow-agenda
829 If it takes a long time to generate or refresh the agenda, you might
830 want first check which version of org-mode you are using. There have
831 been major optimizations of org-agenda since 6.21b, which was the
832 version of org-mode released with Emacs 23. If you are using 6.21b or
833 earlier (you can check with =M-x org-version=), then you might want to
834 consider upgrading to a more recent version of org-mode.
836 Here are some other ideas for speeding up the agenda:
838 1. Use a one day agenda view (rather than a seven day view).
840 =(setq org-agenda-ndays 1)=
842 2. Archive inactive items to separate files.
844 =C-c C-x C-s= (org-archive-subtree)
846 3. Do not include the global todo list in your agenda view.
848 (setq org-agenda-include-all-todo nil)
850 4. Make sure that your org files are byte-compiled.
852 I.e., make sure there are files ending in .elc in your org
853 installation directory.
855 ** Visual-line-mode doesn't work well with org-mode
857 :CUSTOM_ID: visual-line-mode
860 Visual-line-mode "soft wraps" lines so that the visual edge of the
861 buffer is considered a line break for purposes of navigation, even
862 though there is no line break in reality.
864 In older versions of org-mode, org-beginning-of-line and
865 org-end-of-line do not work well with visual line mode. (The two
866 commands disregard soft line breaks and move to the beginning and end
867 of the hard line break.) A patch was introduces to fix this behavior
870 If you are using an older version of org mode, you can:
872 1. Add a hook to turn off visual line mode.
874 2. Add the following to your =.emacs=:
876 #+begin_src emacs-lisp
878 (add-hook 'org-mode-hook
880 (define-key org-mode-map "\C-a" 'move-beginning-of-line)
881 (define-key org-mode-map "\C-e" 'move-end-of-line)))
889 ** Can I have two windows on the same Org-mode file, with different outline visibilities?
891 :CUSTOM_ID: indirect-buffers
894 You may use /indirect buffers/ which do exactly this. See the
895 documentation on the command =make-indirect-buffer=.
897 Org-mode has built-in commands that allow you create an indirect
898 buffer from a subtree of an outline. To open a subtree in new
899 window, type =C-c C-x b=. Any changes you make in the new window
900 will be saved to the original file, but the visibility of both
901 buffers will remain independent of one another.
903 For multiple indirect buffers from the same file, you must use the
904 prefix =C-u= when creating the second (or third) buffer. Otherwise
905 the new indirect buffer will replace the old.
907 You can also create an independent view of an outline subtree by
908 typing =b= on an item in the agenda.
910 ** Emacs outlines are unreadable. Can I get rid of all those stars?
912 :CUSTOM_ID: Emacs-outlines-are-unreadable
915 See the section [[http://orgmode.org/manual/Clean-view.html#Clean-view][Clean outline view]] in the manual.
916 ** C-k is killing whole subtrees! I lost my work!
918 :CUSTOM_ID: C-k-is-killing-subtrees
921 =(setq org-special-ctrl-k t)= before losing your work.
923 ** Why aren't commands working on regions?
925 :CUSTOM_ID: transient-mark-mode
928 Some org-mode commands, such as M-right and M-left for demoting or
929 promoting headlines (see [[demote-multiple-headlines][this FAQ]]), can be applied to entire regions.
930 These commands, however, will only work on active regions set with
931 [[http://www.gnu.org/software/emacs/manual/html_node/emacs/Transient-Mark.html#Transient-Mark][transient mark mode]]. Transient mark mode is enabled by default in
932 Emacs 23. To enable it in earlier versions of emacs, put the following
933 in your =.emacs= file:
935 : (transient-mark-mode 1)
937 Alternatively, you may turn off transient mark mode and use [[http://www.gnu.org/software/emacs/manual/html_node/emacs/Momentary-Mark.html][a
938 momentary mark]] (=C-<SPC> C-<SPC>=).
940 ** Why is a blank line inserted after headlines and list items?
942 :ID: 2463F4D8-F686-4CF3-AA07-08976F8A4972
945 :CUSTOM_ID: blank-line-after-headlines-and-list-items
948 In org-mode, typing =M-RET= at the end of a headline will create a new
949 headline of the same level on a new line. The same is true for plain
950 lists. By default org-mode uses context to determine if a blank line
951 should be inserted after each headline or plain list item when =M-RET=
952 is pressed. For instance, if a there is a blank line before a
953 headline, then typing =M-RET= at the end of the line will insert a
954 blank line before the new headline. For instance, hitting =M-RET=
955 at the end of "Headline Two" below inserts a new headline without a
962 If there is a blank line between Headline One and Headline Two,
963 however, the results will be as follows:
971 If you do not like the default behavior you can change it with the
972 variable =org-blank-before-new-entry=. You can set headings and/or
973 plain lists to auto (the default setting), t (always), or nil (never).
975 ** How can I promote or demote multiple headlines at once?
977 :CUSTOM_ID: demote-multiple-headlines
980 If you have a long list of first level headlines that you'd like to
981 demote to second level headlines, you can select the headlines as a
982 region and then hit =M-<right>= to demote all the headlines at once.
984 Note: =M-S-<right>= will not work on a selected region. Its use is to
985 demote a single subtree (i.e., a headline and all sub-headlines).
987 If M-<right> doesn't seem to work, make sure transient mark mode is
988 enabled. See [[transient-mark-mode][this FAQ]].
990 ** What's the deal with all the ellipses in my org outlines?
992 :CUSTOM_ID: org-ellipses
995 Org-mode uses ellipses to indicate folded (and thus hidden) text. Most
996 commonly, ellispes occur at the end of headings with folded content:
1000 Or, for instance, they may indicate closed drawers:
1004 Sometimes, as a result of editing and cycling an outline, ellipses may
1005 appear in unexpected places. You should *never* delete these ellipses,
1006 as you may accidentally delete hidden text. Instead, you can type =C-c
1007 C-r= (org-reveal) to display all hidden text in the vicinity. Or you
1008 may type =M-x RET show-all= to reveal all text in the org file.
1010 If you would prefer a symbol or face for indicating hidden text, you
1011 can customize the variable org-ellipses.
1013 ** How do I yank a subtree so it's indented according to points' location?
1015 :CUSTOM_ID: yank-indent-subtree
1018 You can either use =C-c C-w= with a working [[http://orgmode.org/manual/Refiling-notes.html#Refiling-notes][refile-targets]] setup.
1020 Or set =org-yank-adjusted-subtrees= to =t= which will adjust the
1021 yanked headline's level correctly.
1023 Just use =C-k= and =C-y= as you would everywhere else in Emacs.
1025 ** Can I read org-mode outlines in vim?
1027 :CUSTOM_ID: org-outlines-in-vim
1030 Yes, there is a script that enables one to view and navigate folded
1031 outline/org files in vim (though without most of org-mode's
1032 functionality, of course).
1034 - [[http://www.vim.org/scripts/script.php?script_id%3D1266][Emacs outline mode - Imitates Emacsen : vim online]]
1036 For instructions on how to set it up, please see [[http://mid.gmane.org/EA275862-B97A-4BAC-B879-177FD07A2D56@gaillourdet.net][this mailing list
1041 :CUSTOM_ID: Todos-and-Tags
1043 ** How can I cycle through the TODO keyword of an entry?
1045 :CUSTOM_ID: cycle-TODO-keywords
1048 =C-c C-t= or =S-<left/right>= is what you need.
1050 ** How do I track state changes for tasks in Org?
1052 :CUSTOM_ID: track-state-changes-for-tasks
1055 Take a look at the [[http://thread.gmane.org/gmane.emacs.orgmode/6082][post by Bernt Hansen]] for setting up TODO keyword
1056 states and logging timestamps for task state changes.
1058 ** Can I select the TODO keywords with a tag-like interface?
1060 :CUSTOM_ID: select-TODO-keywords-with-tag-like-interface
1063 Yes. Use =(setq org-use-fast-todo-selection t)=
1065 If you want to set both your todos and your tags using a single
1066 interface, then check out the variable
1067 =org-fast-tag-selection-include-todo=.
1069 See [[http://orgmode.org/manual/Fast-access-to-TODO-states.html][this section of the manual]] for more details.
1071 ** How can I quickly set the tag of an entry?
1073 :CUSTOM_ID: quickly-set-tag-of-entry
1076 Use =C-c C-c= or =C-c C-q= on the headline. =C-c C-q= is useful for
1077 setting tabs in a [[http://orgmode.org/manual/Remember.html#Remember][remember]] buffer, since =C-c C-c= is the default
1078 keybinding for filing a note from the remember buffer.
1080 You can set tags even more quickly by setting one of the character
1081 shortcuts for [[http://orgmode.org/manual/Setting-tags.html#Setting-tags][fast tag selection]].
1083 To set tag shortcuts for all org buffers, put something like the
1084 following in your =.emacs= file (or create the same settings by
1085 typing =M-x customize-variable RET org-tag-alist=):
1087 : (setq org-tag-alist '(("computer" . ?c) ("office" . ?o) ("home" . ?h)))
1089 To set tag shortcuts for a single buffer, put something like the
1090 following at the top of your org file:
1092 : #+TAGS: computer(c) office(o) home(h)
1094 ** How can I change the colors of TODO keywords?
1096 You can use the variable org-todo-keyword-faces. Here are some sample
1099 #+begin_src emacs-lisp
1100 (setq org-todo-keyword-faces
1102 ("TODO" . (:foreground "firebrick2" :weight bold))
1103 ("WAITING" . (:foreground "olivedrab" :weight bold))
1104 ("LATER" . (:foreground "sienna" :weight bold))
1105 ("PROJECT" . (:foreground "steelblue" :weight bold))
1106 ("DONE" . (:foreground "forestgreen" :weight bold))
1107 ("MAYBE" . (:foreground "dimgrey" :weight bold))
1108 ("CANCELED" . shadow)
1112 If you want to change the color of all active todos or all inactive
1115 : M-x customize-face RET org-todo
1116 : M-x customize-face RET org-done
1118 You can also set values for each of these in your =.emacs= file:
1120 : (set-face-foreground 'org-todo "firebrick2")
1121 : (set-face-foreground 'org-done "forestgreen")
1125 :CUSTOM_ID: Hyperlinks
1127 ** Why do I have to confirm the execution of each shell/elisp link?
1129 :CUSTOM_ID: confirm-shell/elisp-link
1132 The confirmation is there to protect you from unwantingly execute
1133 potentially dangerous commands. For example, imagine a link
1135 : [[shell:rm -rf ~/*][Google Search]]
1137 In an Org-mode buffer, this command would look like /Google Search/,
1138 but really it would remove your home directory. If you wish, you can
1139 make it easier to respond to the query by setting
1141 : (setq org-confirm-shell-link-function 'y-or-n-p
1142 : org-confirm-elisp-link-function 'y-or-n-p).
1144 Then a single keypress will be enough to confirm those links. It is
1145 also possible to turn off this check entirely, but I strongly
1146 recommend against this. Be warned.
1148 ** Can I use RET or TAB to follow a link?
1150 :CUSTOM_ID: RET-or-TAB-to-follow-link
1155 : (setq org-return-follows-link t)
1156 : (setq org-tab-follows-link t)
1158 ** Can I keep mouse-1 clicks from following a link?
1160 :CUSTOM_ID: mouse-1-following-link
1163 Activating links with =mouse-1= is a new feature in Emacs 22, to make
1164 link behavior similar to other applications like web browsers. If
1165 you hold the mouse button down a bit longer, the cursor will be set
1166 without following the link. If you cannot get used to this behavior,
1167 you can (as in Emacs 21) use =mouse-2= to follow links and turn off
1168 link activation for =mouse-1= with
1170 : (setq org-mouse-1-follows-link nil)
1172 ** How can I get completion of file names when creating a link?
1174 :CUSTOM_ID: completion-of-file-links
1177 You can use org-insert-link with a prefix argument:
1181 You will be greeted with prompt in the minibuffer that allows for file
1182 completion using your preferred Emacs method for finding files.
1186 :CUSTOM_ID: Plain-Lists
1188 ** How can I insert an empty line before each newly inserted headline, but not before each newly inserted plain-list item?
1190 :CUSTOM_ID: empty-line-before-each-new-headline-but-not-item
1193 : (setq org-blank-before-new-entry
1194 : '((heading . t) (plain-list-item . nil))
1196 See also [[id:2463F4D8-F686-4CF3-AA07-08976F8A4972][Why is a blank line inserted after headlines and list items?]].
1198 ** How can I convert itemized lists to enumerated lists?
1200 :CUSTOM_ID: convert-itemized-to-enumerated-lists
1203 You can use =C-c -= or =S-<left>/<right>= to cycle through the various
1204 bullet headlines available for lists: =-, +, *, 1., 1)=.
1206 See [[http://orgmode.org/manual/Plain-lists.html#Plain-lists][this section of the manual]] for more information.
1208 ** How can I convert plain lists to headlines and vice versa?
1210 :CUSTOM_ID: convert-plain-lists-to-headlines
1213 To convert a plain list item or line to a headline, type =C-c *= on
1214 the headline. This will make the line a subheading of the current
1217 To convert a headline to a plain list item, type =C-c -= while the
1218 cursor is on the headline.
1220 To convert a headline to an unadorned line of text, type =C-c *= on
1223 You can use query replace to accomplish the same things, as Bernt
1224 Hansen explains in [[http://article.gmane.org/gmane.emacs.orgmode/10148][this mailing list post]].
1226 ** Is there a good way to create a description list?
1228 :CUSTOM_ID: description-lists
1231 Yes, these are now built-in:
1234 - item1 :: Description of this item 1
1235 - item2 :: Description of this item 2
1236 - item1 :: Description of this item 3
1237 also in multiple lines
1244 ** Can I plot data from a table?
1246 :CUSTOM_ID: plotting-table-data
1249 Yes, you can, using org-plot.el written by James TD Smith and now
1250 bundled with Org. See [[http://orgmode.org/manual/Org-Plot.html#Org-Plot][the manual section about this]].
1252 See also [[file:org-tutorials/org-plot.org][this excellent tutorial]] by Eric Schulte.
1254 ** How can I fill a table column with incremental numbers?
1256 :CUSTOM_ID: fill-table-column-with-incremental-numbers
1259 Here is how: Use a field formula to set the first value in the column:
1271 Then define a column formula in the second field:
1283 After recomputing the table, the column will be filled with
1284 incremental numbers:
1293 ,#+TBLFM: $1=@-1 + 1::@2$1=1
1296 Note that you could use arbitrary starting values and column formulas.
1298 ** Why does my table column get filled with #ERROR?
1300 :CUSTOM_ID: table-column-filled-with-ERROR
1303 Org-mode tried to compute the column from other fields using a
1304 formula stored in the =#+TBLFM:= line just below the table, and
1305 the evaluation of the formula fails. Fix the fields used in the
1306 formula, or fix the formula, or remove it!
1308 ** How can I stop the table editor from creating new lines?
1310 :CUSTOM_ID: table-editor-creates-new-lines
1313 When I am in the last column of a table and just above a horizontal
1314 line in the table, pressing TAB creates a new table line before the
1315 horizontal line. To move to the line below the
1316 horizontal line instead, do this:
1318 Press =down= (to get on the separator line) and then =TAB=.
1319 Or configure the variable
1321 : (setq org-table-tab-jumps-over-hlines t)
1323 ** How can I get table fields starting with "="?
1325 :CUSTOM_ID: table-fields-starting-with-=
1330 : (setq org-table-formula-evaluate-inline nil)
1332 this will no longer happen. You can still use formulas using the
1333 commands @<tt>C-c =@</tt> and @<tt>C-u C-c =@</tt>
1335 ** How can I change the indentation of an entire table without fixing every line by hand?
1337 :CUSTOM_ID: change-indentation-entire-table
1340 The indentation of a table is set by the first line. So just fix the
1341 indentation of the first line and realign with =TAB=.
1343 ** In my huge table the realigning after each TAB takes too long. What can I do?
1345 :CUSTOM_ID: table-realigning-after-TAB-takes-long
1348 Either split the table into several by inserting an empty line every
1349 100 lines or so. Or turn off the automatic re-align with
1351 : (setq org-table-automatic-realign nil)
1353 After this the only way to realign a table is to press =C-c C-c=. It
1354 will no longer happen automatically, removing the corresponding delays
1357 ** Recalculation of my table takes too long. What can I do?
1359 :CUSTOM_ID: Recalculation-of-my-table-takes-too-long
1362 Nothing, really. The spreadsheet in org is mostly done to make
1363 calculations possible, not so much to make them fast. Since Org-mode
1364 is firmly committed to the ASCII format, nothing is stopping you from
1365 editing the table by hand. Therefore, there is no internal
1366 representation of the data. Each time Org-mode starts a computation,
1367 it must scan the table for special lines, find the fields etc. This
1368 is slow. Furthermore, Calc is slow compared to hardware
1369 computations. To make this work with normal editing, recalculation
1370 is not happening automatically, or only for the current line, so that
1371 the long wait for a full table iteration only happens when you ask
1374 So for really complex tables, moving to a "real" spreadsheet may
1375 still be the best option.
1377 That said, there are some ways to optimize things in Org-mode, and I
1378 have been thinking about moving a bit further down this line.
1379 However, for my applications this has so far not been an issue at
1380 all. If you have a good case, you could try to convince me.
1382 ** =S-RET= in a table keeps increasing the copied numbers. How can I stop this?
1384 :CUSTOM_ID: S-RET-in-a-table-increases-copied-numbers
1387 Well, it is /supposed/ to be a feature, to make it easy to create a
1388 column with increasing numbers. If this gets into your way, turn it
1391 : (setq org-org-table-copy-increment nil)
1393 ** When I export tables to html, they don't have borders.
1395 :CUSTOM_ID: table-borders-in-html-export
1398 By default, org mode exports tables without borders.
1400 You can changed this by placing an =#+ATTR_HTML= line before the
1403 : #+ATTR_HTML: border="2" rules="all" frame="all"
1405 See [[http://orgmode.org/manual/Tables-in-HTML-export.html#Tables-in-HTML-export][the manual]] for more details.
1407 ** Why does the Calc high precision (e. g. =p20=) not work like expected?
1409 :CUSTOM_ID: table-high-precision
1415 : | 0.16666667000000 |
1416 : #+TBLFM: $1 = 1 / 2 * 3; p20 %.14f
1418 : | 0.16666666666667 |
1419 : #+TBLFM: $1 = 1 / 2 * 3; p20 f14
1423 It is important to distinguish between the precision of
1424 1) =p20=: Calc internal calculation (=calc-internal-prec=)
1425 2) =f14=: Calc float formatting, unlimited in precision (=calc-float-format=)
1426 3) =%.14f=: the =printf= reformatting, limited in precision
1428 See [[http://orgmode.org/manual/Formula-syntax-for-Calc.html#Formula-syntax-for-Calc][the Org manual]] (org-version 6.35 or newer) for more details.
1430 Use =C-h v org-calc-default-modes RET= to check the Org default settings
1431 which are used if no format specifiers are added to a table formula.
1432 The examples below have been made with the out_of_the_box Org defaults
1433 =calc-internal-prec = 12= and =calc-float-format = 8=.
1435 Remember the formula debugger, toggled with =C-c {=,
1436 to view the processing stages like:
1437 | | formula debugger label | processing stage |
1439 |---+------------------------+----------------------------|
1440 | | Result: | output of Calc |
1441 | | Format: | reformatting with =printf= |
1443 Following are some examples to demonstrate
1444 the interaction of the three precisions.
1446 - *display precision limitations for Calc formulas*
1447 - limited by Calc internal calculation precision from Org default
1449 : | 0.16666666666700 |
1450 : #+TBLFM: $1 = 1 / 2 * 3; f14
1452 : | 0.1666666666670000000 |
1453 : #+TBLFM: $1 = 1 / 2 * 3; f19
1455 - limited by Calc float format from Org default (here =f8=)
1457 : #+TBLFM: $1 = 1 / 2 * 3
1460 : #+TBLFM: $1 = 1 / 2 * 3; p20
1462 : | 0.16666667000000 |
1463 : #+TBLFM: $1 = 1 / 2 * 3; %.14f
1465 : | 0.16666667000000 |
1466 : #+TBLFM: $1 = 1 / 2 * 3; p20 %.14f
1468 - limited by Calc float format specified
1470 : #+TBLFM: $1 = 1 / 2 * 3; f6
1472 : | 0.16666666666667 |
1473 : #+TBLFM: $1 = 1 / 2 * 3; p20 f14
1475 : | 0.1666666666666666667 |
1476 : #+TBLFM: $1 = 1 / 2 * 3; p20 f19
1478 - limited by =printf= conversion to Emacs Lisp float
1479 : | 0.1666666699999999900 | the inaccuracy is platform dependent |
1480 : #+TBLFM: $1 = 1 / 2 * 3; %.19f
1482 : | 0.1666666699999999900 | the inaccuracy is platform dependent |
1483 : #+TBLFM: $1 = 1 / 2 * 3; p20 %.19f
1485 : | 0.1666666666666666600 | the inaccuracy is platform dependent |
1486 : #+TBLFM: $1 = 1 / 2 * 3; p20 f20 %.19f
1488 - limited by =printf= format specified
1490 : #+TBLFM: $1 = 1 / 2 * 3; %.6f
1492 - *display precision limitations for Emacs Lisp formulas*
1493 - limited by Emacs Lisp float
1494 : | 0.16666666666666666 |
1495 : #+TBLFM: $1 = '(/ 1.0 (* 2 3))
1497 : | 0.1666666666666666574 | the inaccuracy is platform dependent |
1498 : #+TBLFM: $1 = '(/ 1.0 (* 2 3)); %.19f
1500 - limited by =printf= format specified
1501 : | 0.16666666666667 |
1502 : #+TBLFM: $1 = '(/ 1.0 (* 2 3)); %.14f
1504 This FAQ entry is based on this [[http://thread.gmane.org/gmane.emacs.orgmode/22642][mailing list thread]]
1505 and is continued in the [[#table-float-fraction][next FAQ entry]].
1507 ** Which float format shows the fraction part also when the latter is zero?
1509 :CUSTOM_ID: table-float-fraction
1516 : #+TBLFM: $1 = 1 + 0; f3
1519 : #+TBLFM: $1 = 1 + 0; %.3f
1523 For =f3= and =f-3= see =`d f' (`calc-fix-notation')= in [[http://www.delorie.com/gnu/docs/calc/calc.html#SEC_Top][the Calc manual]]
1524 in the section Mode Settings -> Display Modes -> Float Formats
1525 [[http://www.delorie.com/gnu/docs/calc/calc_163.html][found here as long as the section numbering is kept]].
1527 Remember the formula debugger, toggled with =C-c {=,
1528 to view the processing stages like:
1529 | | formula debugger label | processing stage |
1531 |---+------------------------+----------------------------|
1532 | | Result: | output of Calc |
1533 | | Format: | reformatting with =printf= |
1535 Following are some examples to demonstrate different float formats.
1538 : |----------------------+---------+-------+-------|
1539 : | number | f3 | f-3 | %.3f |
1540 : |----------------------+---------+-------+-------|
1541 : | 1 + 0 | 1 | 1 | 1.000 |
1542 : | 0 + 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 |
1543 : |----------------------+---------+-------+-------|
1544 : | 1 + 1 / 2 * 3 * 1000 | 1.000 | 1.000 | 1.000 |
1545 : | 0 + 1 / 2 * 3 * 1000 | 1.67e-4 | 0.000 | 0.000 |
1546 : |----------------------+---------+-------+-------|
1547 : | 1 + 1 / 2 * 3 * 100 | 1.002 | 1.002 | 1.002 |
1548 : | 0 + 1 / 2 * 3 * 100 | 0.002 | 0.002 | 0.002 |
1549 : |----------------------+---------+-------+-------|
1550 : #+TBLFM: $2 = $1; f3 :: $3 = $1; f-3 :: $4 = $1; %.3f
1553 : |----------------------+--------------------------+-----------------------|
1554 : | number | f19 | f-19 |
1555 : |----------------------+--------------------------+-----------------------|
1558 : |----------------------+--------------------------+-----------------------|
1559 : | 1 + 1 / 2 * 3 * 1e19 | 1.0000000000000000000 | 1.0000000000000000000 |
1560 : | 0 + 1 / 2 * 3 * 1e19 | 1.666666666666666667e-20 | 0.0000000000000000000 |
1561 : |----------------------+--------------------------+-----------------------|
1562 : | 1 + 1 / 2 * 3 * 1e18 | 1.0000000000000000002 | 1.0000000000000000002 |
1563 : | 0 + 1 / 2 * 3 * 1e18 | 0.0000000000000000002 | 0.0000000000000000002 |
1564 : |----------------------+--------------------------+-----------------------|
1565 : #+TBLFM: $2 = $1; p20 f19 :: $3 = $1; p20 f-19
1567 The =printf= reformatting (=%.19f=) cannot be used with high precision,
1568 see the [[#table-high-precision][previous FAQ entry]].
1572 :CUSTOM_ID: Footnotes
1574 ** How can I get automatic renumbering of footnotes in org-mode?
1576 :CUSTOM_ID: footnote-auto-adjust
1579 You can add the following line to your .emacs file:
1581 : (setq org-footnote-auto-adjust t)
1583 Or, if you prefer, you can turn this option on locally by placing the
1584 following line at the top of your org file:
1586 : #+STARTUP: fnadjust
1588 When auto-adjust is turned on, footnotes in the file with numerical
1589 labels will be renumbered whenever a new footnote is added. Meanwhile,
1590 all footnotes, including those with custom labels such
1591 =[fn:custom-label ]=, will be sorted in the order of their appearance
1594 This emulates the footnote behavior that many users may be familiar
1595 with from word-processing programs or from the footnote-mode included
1598 If you do not turn on org-footnote-auto-adjust, you sort and/or
1599 renumber footnotes at any time by calling org-footnote-action with a
1602 ** Why isn't auto renumbering of footnotes turned on by default?
1604 :CUSTOM_ID: why-no-default-auto-adjust
1607 Org mode has a very robust footnote mechanism allowing for a variety
1608 of types of footnotes. With some of the following footnote notations,
1609 auto-adjust may be either irrelevant or undesired:
1611 - Automatically numbered
1612 - Footnotes with custom labels
1615 In addition, org mode can be customized to place footnotes either at
1616 the end of a document or at the end of the outline heading in which
1617 they appear. Users who change this setting while editing a document
1618 may be disconcerted to find all of their footnotes rearranged
1621 ** I have auto-fill-mode set and org-mode is inserting unwanted comment markers!
1623 :CUSTOM_ID: auto-fill-and-unwanted-comments
1626 If the following occurs:
1636 Make sure that the variable comment-start is nil.
1638 ** Are there any shortcuts for entering source blocks and comment lines?
1640 :CUSTOM_ID: shortcuts-for-entering-source-blocks
1643 Org mode has some [[http://orgmode.org/manual/Literal-examples.html#Literal-examples][very convenient markup]] for including literal blocks
1644 and lines of code in a file. (This is especially useful when exporting
1645 documents or using the contributed package [[file:org-contrib/babel/index.org][org-babel]] for executing
1650 , print "Hello, world!\n";
1654 It can be tiresome to enter the block comment lines manually. There
1655 are several possible shortcuts you can use to enter them:
1657 1) Built-in expansion
1659 - Org mode has a "secret" method of expanding source code blocks
1662 - If you type "<s" followed by =TAB= or =M-TAB=, a source block will
1665 - For a full list of expansions, type =M-x describe-variable
1666 [RET] org-structure-template-alist=.
1668 2) [[http://orgmode.org/manual/Literal-examples.html#Literal-examples][Registers]]
1670 - Add the following line to your emacs file:
1672 =(set-register ?p "#+begin_src\n\n#+end_src perl")=
1674 - Then type =C-x r i p= to insert the source block. Please note: if
1675 you save another value to the register "p" with =C-x r s p=, it
1676 will overwrite the setting above for the current emacs session.
1678 3) [[http://orgmode.org/manual/Literal-examples.html#Literal-examples][Abbrevs]]
1680 - Activate the abbrev minor-mode in org-mode:
1686 + =(add-hook 'org-mode-hook (lambda () (abbrev-mode 1)))=
1688 - In org-mode, type "sbp" (a sample abbreviation for a perl source
1691 - Immediately after "sbp" type =C-x a i l=.
1693 - Enter the expansion:
1695 - =#+begin_src perl[C-q C-j][C-q C-j]#+end_src=
1697 - Note: =C-q C-j= creates a new line in the minibuffer
1699 - Now, whenever, you type sbp followed by =SPACE= or =RET= in an
1700 org-mode buffer, the src block will magically appear.
1702 - To review your list of abbrevs, type =M-x edit-abbrevs=.
1704 - If you want more complex completion (like yasnippet) you can combine
1705 abbrev mode with [[http://www.emacswiki.org/emacs/SkeletonMode][skeletons]].
1707 4) [[http://code.google.com/p/yasnippet/][Yasnippet]]
1709 - Several org-mode users install yasnippet for convenient, complex
1712 - See Bernt Hansen's [[http://doc.norang.ca/org-mode.html#Yasnippets][org-mode setup]] for a good introduction to
1717 :CUSTOM_ID: Remember
1719 ** Can I use the remember buffer to clock a customer phone call?
1721 :CUSTOM_ID: use-remember-buffer-to-clock-phone-call
1724 Yes, you can. Take a look at the [[http://thread.gmane.org/gmane.emacs.orgmode/5482][setup described by Bernt Hansen]]
1725 and check out (in the same thread) what Nick Docos had to fix to
1726 make Bernt's set-up work for him.
1727 ** Can I automatically start the clock when opening a remember template?
1729 :CUSTOM_ID: start-clock-when-opening-remember-template
1732 Yes, this is possible. Use the following code and make sure that
1733 after executing it, `my-start-clock-if-needed' is in
1734 `remember-mode-hook' /after/ `org-remember-apply-template'.
1736 : (add-hook 'remember-mode-hook 'my-start-clock-if-needed 'append)
1737 : (defun my-start-clock-if-needed ()
1739 : (goto-char (point-min))
1740 : (when (re-search-forward " *CLOCK-IN *" nil t)
1741 : (replace-match "")
1744 Then, when a template contains the key string CLOCK-IN, the clock
1745 will be started. Starting with Org-mode version 5.20, the clock will
1746 automatically be stopped when storing the remember buffer.
1750 :CUSTOM_ID: Searches
1752 ** Isearch does not find string hidden in links. What can I do?
1754 :CUSTOM_ID: isearch-in-links
1757 M-x =visible-mode= will display the full link, making them searchable.
1759 ** How can I reduce the amount of context shown in sparse trees?
1761 :CUSTOM_ID: context-in-sparse-trees
1764 Take a look at the following variables:
1766 - =org-show-hierarchy-above=
1767 - =org-show-following-headline=
1768 - =org-show-siblings=
1769 - =org-show-entry-blow=
1771 which give command-dependent control over how much context is shown
1772 by a particular operation.
1774 ** How can I combine the results of two calls to =org-occur=?
1776 :CUSTOM_ID: two-calls-to-org-occur
1779 You can construct a regular expression that matches all targets you
1780 want. Alternatively, use a =C-u= prefix with the second and any
1781 further calls to =org-occur= to keep the current visibility and
1782 highlighting in addition to the new ones.
1788 ** How can I change the advanced warning time for deadlines?
1789 ##<<warning-period-for-deadlines>>
1791 Deadline warnings appear in the daily agenda view a specified number
1792 of days before the deadline is due. The default setting is 14 days.
1793 You can change this with the variable =org-deadline-warning-days=.
1794 (See [[http://orgmode.org/manual/Deadlines-and-scheduling.html#Deadlines-and-scheduling][this section]] of the manual.)
1798 : (setq org-deadline-warning-days 30)
1800 would cause warnings for each deadline to appear 30 days in advance.
1802 Naturally, you might not want warnings for all of your deadlines to
1803 appear so far in advance. Thus, you can change the lead time for
1804 individual items as follows:
1806 : * TODO Get a gift for the party
1807 : DEADLINE: <2009-01-16 Fri -2d>
1809 The "-2d" above changes the lead time for this deadline warning to two
1810 days in advance. You can also use "w" for weeks and "m" for months.
1811 ** How can I postpone a task until a certain date?
1813 :CUSTOM_ID: deferring-tasks
1816 The easiest way to postpone a task is to schedule it in the future.
1817 For instance, typing =C-c C-s +2w= on a headline will push a task two
1818 weeks into the future, so that it won't show up on the daily agenda
1819 until two weeks from now.
1821 If you'd like to prevent the task from showing up on your global todo
1822 list, you have a couple of options.
1824 1. You can set the variable =org-agenda-todo-ignore-scheduled= to =t=.
1825 This will exclude any scheduled items from your global list of
1826 active todos (=C-c a t=). (The variable
1827 =org-agenda-todo-ignore-with-date= will exclude both scheduled and
1828 deadline items from your todo list).
1829 2. You can remove the todo keyword from the item (C-c C-t <SPC>). The
1830 item will still appear on your agenda two weeks from today, but it
1831 won't show up on your todo lists.
1832 ** Can I send myself an email containing tasks or other agenda info?
1834 :CUSTOM_ID: email-containing-tasks-or-other-agenda-info
1837 Yes. See [[http://article.gmane.org/gmane.emacs.orgmode/6112][this thread]] on the list.
1839 ** How can I limit the agenda view to my "work" tasks?
1841 :CUSTOM_ID: limit-agenda-with-tag-filtering
1844 It is often convenient to group org files into separate categories,
1845 such as "home" and "work" (or "personal" and "professional"). One
1846 of the main reasons for such classification is to create agenda
1847 views that are limited by type of work or area of responsibility.
1848 For instance, while at work, one may want to see only professional
1849 tasks; while away from work, one may want to see only personal
1852 One way to categorize files and tasks is to use a "#+FILETAGS"
1853 declaration at the top of each file, such as:
1857 As long as org-use-tag-inheritance is turned on, the filetags will
1858 be inherited by all tasks in the file. A file can have multiple
1859 filetags. And, of course, tags can be added to individual headings.
1861 Tasks can be quickly filtered by tag from within the agenda by
1862 typing "/" and the name of the tag. The full key sequence to filter
1863 for work items in an agenda view would be:
1865 : C-c a a / work [or a tag shortcut]
1867 ** How can I limit the agenda view to a particular category?
1869 :CUSTOM_ID: limit-agenda-with-category-match
1872 Another way to filter agenda views by type of work is to use a
1873 "#+CATEGORY" declaration at the top of each file, such as:
1877 Categories can also be added to individual headings within a file:
1884 All todos belonging to the category "work" can be found a with a
1885 simple tags-todo search:
1889 At the prompt, type:
1893 The same results can be achieved with custom agenda commands, such as:
1895 #+BEGIN_SRC emacs-lisp
1896 (setq org-agenda-custom-commands
1897 '(("h" tags-todo "CATEGORY=\"home\"")
1898 ("w" tags-todo "CATEGORY=\"work\"")
1899 ;; other custom agenda commands here
1903 ** How can include all org files in a directory in my agenda?
1905 :CUSTOM_ID: set-agenda-files-using-wildcards
1908 You can simply include the directory (as one of the items) in the
1909 value of the variable org-agenda-files:
1911 : (setq org-agenda-files '("/my/special/path/org/"))
1913 There is another way of accomplishing the same end:
1915 : (setq org-agenda-files (file-expand-wildcards "/my/special/path/org/*.org"))
1917 ** Why aren't items disappearing from my agenda once they are marked done?
1919 :CUSTOM_ID: removing-done-items-from-agenda
1922 If items remain on your daily/weekly agenda after they are marked
1923 done, check the configuration of the following variables:
1925 : org-agenda-skip-scheduled-if-done
1926 : org-agenda-skip-deadline-if-done
1927 : org-agenda-skip-timestamp-if-done
1931 : M-x customize-variable RET org-agenda-skip-scheduled-if-done
1933 If this variable is turned off (=nil=), then scheduled items will
1934 remain on the agenda even after they are marked done.
1936 If the variable is turned on (=t=), then scheduled items will
1937 disappear from the agenda after they are marked done.
1939 If these settings seem not to behave the way you expect, then make
1940 sure you understand [[scheduled-vs-deadline-vs-timestamp][the
1941 difference between SCHEDULED, DEADLINE, and timestamps]].
1943 ** What is the difference between SCHEDULED, DEADLINE, and plain timestamps?
1945 :CUSTOM_ID: scheduled-vs-deadline-vs-timestamp
1948 1. SCHEDULED items (set with =C-c C-s=) will appear on your agenda on
1949 the day they are scheduled and on every day thereafter until they
1950 are done. Schedule a task if you want to be reminded to do
1951 something beginning on a certain day and until it is done.
1953 : ** TODO Scheduled item
1954 : SCHEDULED: <2009-03-01 Sun>
1956 2. Items with a DEADLINE timestamp (set with =C-c C-d=) appear on your
1957 agenda in advance of the when they are due and remain on your
1958 agenda until they are done. Add a DEADLINE to an item if you want
1959 to make sure to complete it by a certain date. (The variable
1960 org-deadline-warning-days determines how far in advance items with
1961 deadlines will show up in the agenda. See [[warning-period-for-deadlines][this FAQ]] for more
1964 : ** TODO Item with a deadline
1965 : DEADLINE: <2009-01-20 Tue>
1967 3. An active timestamp (set with =C-c .=) will appear on your agenda
1968 only on the day it is scheduled. Use a timestamp for appointments
1969 or any reminders you want to show up only on a particular day.
1971 : ** TODO Item with an active timestamp
1974 Note: items with inactive timestamps (set with C-c ! and marked by
1975 square brackets) will not show up in the agenda at all.
1977 ** Can I add files recursively to my list of agenda files?
1979 :CUSTOM_ID: set-agenda-files-recursively
1982 Yes, you can use the library "find-lisp."
1984 : (load-library "find-lisp")
1985 : (setq org-agenda-files (find-lisp-find-files "~/org" "\.org$"))
1987 This will add all files ending in =org= in the directory "~/org"
1988 and all of its subdirectories to your list of agenda files.
1990 See [[http://thread.gmane.org/gmane.emacs.orgmode/8992][this thread]] on the mailing list for more information.
1992 ** Why does an item appearing at the wrong time of day in my agenda?
1994 :CUSTOM_ID: agenda-wrong-time-of-day
1997 When preparing the agenda view, org-mode scans each relevant headline
1998 for a time designation. This approach is very nice for adding
1999 free-form timestamps to an item for scheduling. Thus, either of the
2000 following work would work to schedule an item at 10:00am:
2003 ,** 10:00am Get dried ice at the magic store
2004 , SCHEDULED: <2009-05-27 Wed>
2008 ,** Get dried ice at the magic store
2009 , SCHEDULED: <2009-05-27 Wed 10:00>
2012 To enable this flexibility, org-mode scans the entire headline for
2013 time of day notation. A potential problem can arise if you use
2014 inactive timestamps in the headline to note when an item was created.
2018 ,** Get dried ice at the magic store [2009-05-26 Tue 12:58]
2019 , SCHEDULED: <2009-05-27 Wed>
2022 Org mode would interpret the time in the inactive timestamp as a
2023 time-of-day indicator and the entry would appear in your agenda at
2026 If you would like to turn off the time-of-day search, you can
2027 configure the variable =org-agenda-search-headline-for-time= (requires
2030 ** How can I change the visibility of an item from the agenda?
2032 :CUSTOM_ID: cycling-visibility-from-agenda
2035 You can add a keybinding as follows:
2037 #+begin_src emacs-lisp
2038 (add-hook 'org-agenda-mode-hook
2040 (define-key org-agenda-mode-map " " 'org-agenda-cycle-show)))
2043 Then, as you press SPACE on an item on the agenda, it will cycle the
2044 visibility of its original location.
2046 * Appointments/Diary
2048 :CUSTOM_ID: Appointments/Diary
2050 ** Is it possible to include entries from org-mode files into my emacs diary?
2052 :CUSTOM_ID: include-entries-from-org-mode-files-into-emacs-diary
2055 Since the org-mode agenda is much more powerful and can contain the
2056 diary, you should think twice before deciding to do this. If you
2057 insist, however, integrating Org-mode information into the diary is
2058 possible. You need to turn on /fancy diary display/ by setting in
2061 : (add-hook 'diary-display-hook 'diary-fancy-display)
2063 Then include the following line into your ~/diary file, in
2064 order to get the entries from all files listed in the variable
2069 You may also select specific files with
2071 : &%%(org-diary) ~/path/to/some/org-file.org
2072 : &%%(org-diary) ~/path/to/another/org-file.org
2074 If you now launch the calendar and press @<tt>d@</tt> to display a
2075 diary, the headlines of entries containing a timestamp, date range,
2076 schedule, or deadline referring to the selected date will be listed.
2077 Just like Org-mode's agenda view, the diary for /today/ contains
2078 additional entries for overdue deadlines and scheduled items. See
2079 also the documentation of the =org-diary= function. Under XEmacs, it
2080 is not possible to jump back from the diary to the org, this works
2081 only in the agenda buffer.
2082 ** I want to add my Org scheduled/deadlined entries in my diary!
2084 :CUSTOM_ID: add-Org-scheduled/deadlined-entries-to-diary!
2087 Put this in your ~/.diary:
2089 : &%%(org-diary :scheduled :timestamp :deadline)
2091 ** How can I set up automatic reminders based on Org information?
2093 :CUSTOM_ID: automatic-reminders
2096 See [[http://article.gmane.org/gmane.emacs.orgmode/5271][this post]] by N. Dokos on the list.
2097 ** How can I make =appt= notice my Org appointments?
2099 :CUSTOM_ID: appt-notice-my-Org-appointments
2102 : M-x org-agenda-to-appt RET
2104 ** How can I create more complex appointments in my org-files?
2106 :CUSTOM_ID: diary-sexp-in-org-files
2109 Org-mode's active timestamps work very well for scheduling individual
2110 or recurring appointments, such as:
2113 ,* 8:00am Dentist appointment <2009-01-16 Fri>
2119 , <2009-03-20 Fri>--<2009-04-01 Wed>
2125 ,* Weekly meeting with boss
2126 , <2009-01-20 Tue 14:00 +1w>
2129 Sometimes, however, you need to set up more complicated recurring
2130 appointments. Org-mode has built-in support for many of
2131 [[http://www.gnu.org/software/emacs/manual/html_node/emacs/Sexp-Diary-Entries.html][the
2132 powerful sexp entries]] that work in [[http://www.gnu.org/software/emacs/manual/html_node/emacs/Diary.html#Diary][Emacs diary]]. Let's say, for
2133 instance, that you teach a class that meets every Monday evening
2134 between February 16 and April 20, 2009. The way to enter this an
2138 ,** Class 7:00pm-9:00pm
2139 , <%%(and (= 1 (calendar-day-of-week date)) (diary-block 2 16 2009 4 20 2009))>
2142 The expression above designates all Mondays that fall between February
2143 16 and April 20. How exactly does it work?
2145 - (and... :: Indicates that *both* of the conditions that follow have
2148 - (= 1 (calendar-day-of-week date)) :: Is the day of the week a
2151 - Note: the function calendar-day-of-week converts the date to the day of week
2152 expressed in numeric form, where 0 = Sunday, 1 = Monday, and so on.
2154 - (diary-block 2 16 2009 4 20 2009) :: Does the date fall between
2157 You can make a sexp as complex as you like. If you wanted to omit a
2158 week because of holidays, for instance, you could add another
2159 condition to the sexp:
2162 ,** Class 7:00pm-9:00pm
2163 , <%%(unless (diary-block 3 9 2009 3 13 2009) (and (= 1 (calendar-day-of-week date)) (diary-block 2 16 2009 4 20 2009)))>
2166 The sexp above would omit Monday during the week of March 9, 2009. For
2167 another way to accomplish the same thing, see [[org-diary-class][this FAQ]].
2169 Another diary function commonly used for more complex scheduling is
2170 diary-float. For instance,
2174 , <%%(diary-float t 3 3)>
2177 ...would appear on the third Wednesday of every month.
2179 For more ideas on how to create diary special expressions, see [[http://www.emacswiki.org/cgi-bin/wiki/DiaryMode][this
2180 page on the Emacs wiki]].
2182 ** How can I schedule a weekly class that lasts for a limited period of time?
2184 :CUSTOM_ID: org-diary-class
2187 Org-mode offers a convenient diary sexp function for setting up a
2188 recurring appointment that lasts for a certain period of time, such as
2189 a class. It is called org-diary-class and it can be entered as
2193 ,** Class 7:00pm-9:00pm
2194 , <%%(org-diary-class 2 16 2009 4 20 2009 1 10)>
2197 The function above schedules an appointment for every Monday (1)
2198 between February 16 and April 20, 2009, except for ISO week 10 (March
2201 The function org-diary-class has the following format:
2203 : (org-diary-class M1 D1 Y1 M2 D2 Y2 DAYNAME &rest SKIP-WEEKS)
2205 M1/2, D1/2, and Y1/2 indicate the beginning and ending dates. Dayname
2206 takes the form of a number indicating the day of the week (0 = Sunday,
2207 1 = Monday, and so on...). In addition, one can add an optional
2208 argument SKIP-WEEKS to indicate weeks on the calendar that should be
2209 skipped. This argument should be expressed as an ISO week number. You
2210 can find the number by invoking emacs' built-in calendar (=M-x
2211 calendar=), navigating to the appropriate week, and typing =p c=
2212 (calendar-iso-print-date).
2214 ** How can I set an event to occur every day except Saturday and Sunday?
2218 <%%(memq (calendar-day-of-week date) '(1 2 3 4 5))>
2225 ** Can I get TODO items exported to HTML as lists, rather than as headlines?
2227 :CUSTOM_ID: export-TODO-items-as-lists
2230 If you plan to use ASCII or HTML export, make sure things you want to
2231 be exported as item lists are level 4 at least, even if that does
2232 mean there is a level jump. For example:
2234 : * Todays top priorities
2235 : **** TODO write a letter to xyz
2236 : **** TODO Finish the paper
2237 : **** Pick up kids at the school
2239 Alternatively, if you need a specific value for the heading/item
2240 transition in a particular file, use the =#+OPTIONS= line to
2241 configure the H switch.
2243 : #+OPTIONS: H:2; ...
2245 ** Can I export only a single subtree?
2247 :CUSTOM_ID: export-single-subtree
2250 If you want to export a subtree, mark the subtree as region and then
2251 export. Marking can be done with =C-c @ C-x C-x=, for example.
2253 ** How can I tell my calendar web application about appointments in my agenda files?
2255 Here is what you need to do:
2257 1. a script that calls Emacs in batch mode and produce a .ics file
2258 2. a script that uploads this .ics file somewhere on the web
2259 3. tell your webapp to fetch this .ics file on the web
2261 Here is the script I use for the first step:
2263 #+begin_src shell-script-mode
2266 /usr/local/bin/emacs --batch --eval \
2267 "(progn (load-file \"~/install/git/org-mode/org.el\") \
2268 (load-file \"~/elisp/config/org-batch-config.el\") \
2269 (setq org-combined-agenda-icalendar-file \"~/org/cal/org.ics\")
2270 (setq org-agenda-files (quote (\"~/org/bzg.org\"))))" \
2271 -f org-export-icalendar-combine-agenda-files
2274 Depending on your configuration, you might change the load sequence.
2276 Here is the script I use for the second step:
2278 #+begin_src shell-script-mode
2280 /usr/bin/rsync -rtv ~/org/org.ics -e ssh me@my_server:/home/me/public_html/
2283 Note: if you want to cron this rsync script, you will need to let
2284 =my_server= to know about your SSH public key. Check [[http://troy.jdmz.net/rsync/index.html][this page]] as a
2287 Now you can cron the two scripts above and your webapp will always be
2288 up to date with your Org agendas.
2290 Also see [[http://orgmode.org/org.html#Exporting-Agenda-Views][Exporting agenda views]] from Org manual.
2292 ** How can I get Mac OSX 10.3 iCal to import my Org-exported .ics files?
2294 :CUSTOM_ID: iCal-import-ics-files-old
2297 When using iCal under Apple MacOS X Tiger, you can create a new
2298 calendar /OrgMode/ (the default name for the calendar created by =C-c
2299 C-e c=, see the variables =org-icalendar-combined-name= and
2300 =org-combined-agenda-icalendar-file=). Then set Org-mode to
2301 overwrite the corresponding file /~/Library/Calendars/OrgMode.ics/.
2302 You may even use AppleScript to make iCal re-read the calendar files
2303 each time a new version of /OrgMode.ics/ is produced. Here is the
2304 setup needed for this:
2306 : (setq org-combined-agenda-icalendar-file
2307 : "~/Library/Calendars/OrgMode.ics")
2308 : (add-hook 'org-after-save-iCalendar-file-hook
2311 : "osascript -e 'tell application \"iCal\" to reload calendars'")))
2313 ** How can I get Mac OSX 10.4 or later iCal to import my Org-exported .ics files?
2315 :CUSTOM_ID: iCal-import-ics-files-new
2318 For Mac OS X 10.4, you need to write the ics file to
2319 =/Library/WebServer/Documents/= and then subscribe iCalendar to
2320 =http: //localhost/orgmode.ics=
2322 ** How can I remove timestamps and todo keywords from my exported file?
2324 :CUSTOM_ID: export-options-remove-timestamps
2327 You can place an options line at the top of your org file:
2329 : #+OPTIONS: <:nil todo:nil
2331 There is a whole host of export options you can set with an in-buffer
2332 options or via global variables. See [[http://orgmode.org/manual/Export-options.html#Export-options][this section]] of the manual for a
2335 ** How can I preserve faces when I export an agenda from the command line?
2337 :CUSTOM_ID: preserving-faces-during-batch-export
2340 Normally, when you export an org file or an agenda view from within
2341 emacs, htmlize will convert your face definitions to direct color css
2342 styles inlined into each =<span>= object, resulting in an HTML output
2343 that preserves the general look of your Org buffers and agenda views.
2345 Let's say you generate an export from the command line, such as the
2348 : emacs -batch -l ~/.emacs -eval '(org-batch-agenda "e")'
2352 : emacs -batch -l ~/.emacs -eval '(org-publish-all)'
2354 In such an instance, the exported HTML will contain only very basic
2355 color styles. The reason is that when Emacs is run in batch mode, it
2356 does not have a display and therefore only rudimentary face
2357 definitions. If you'd like to use more complex styles, you'll have to
2358 make sure that the export process only assigns classes instead of
2359 direct color values. This can be done by binding the variable
2360 =org-export-htmlize-output-style= to =css= for the duration of the
2361 export, for example with
2363 : emacs -batch -l ~/.emacs
2364 : -eval '(let ((org-export-htmlize-generate-css (quote css)))
2365 : (org-batch-agenda "e"))'
2367 Then you can use a style file to make these classes look any way you
2368 like. To generate face definitions for a CSS file based on any faces
2369 you are currently using in Emacs, you can use the following command:
2371 : M-x org-export-htmlize-generate-css RET
2373 This will generate a =<style>...</style>= section, the content of
2374 which you can add to your style file.
2376 ** How can I avoid dark color background when exporting agenda to ps format?
2378 :CUSTOM_ID: avoiding-dark-background-when-exporting-agenda
2381 Add this to your .emacs and evaluate it.
2383 #+BEGIN_SRC emacs-lisp
2384 (setq org-agenda-exporter-settings
2385 '((ps-print-color-p 'black-white)))
2388 ** How can I get colored source code when exporting to LaTeX?
2390 :CUSTOM_ID: fontified_source_code_w_latex
2393 As of Sun Aug 9 2009 the "current" version of Org-mode (see
2394 [[keeping-current-with-Org-mode-development]]) supports exporting source
2395 code to LaTeX using the listings package.
2397 To turn on listing export add the following to your Org-mode
2399 #+begin_src emacs-lisp
2400 ;; requite org-latex so that the following variables are defined
2401 (require 'org-latex)
2403 ;; tell org to use listings
2404 (setq org-export-latex-listings t)
2406 ;; you must include the listings package
2407 (add-to-list 'org-export-latex-packages-alist '("" "listings"))
2409 ;; if you want colored source code then you need to include the color package
2410 (add-to-list 'org-export-latex-packages-alist '("" "color"))
2413 The listings package will now be used to fontify source code in your
2414 LaTeX documents. By default listings will not color any of your
2415 source code. If you would like to set colors for keywords and
2416 comments in your latex documents you can do so using LaTeX directives
2419 \lstset{keywordstyle=\color{blue},
2420 commentstyle=\color{red},
2421 stringstyle=\color{green}
2425 of if you want to get even fancier with your colors you can try
2426 something like the following
2428 \definecolor{keywords}{RGB}{255,0,90}
2429 \definecolor{comments}{RGB}{60,179,113}
2430 \definecolor{fore}{RGB}{249,242,215}
2431 \definecolor{back}{RGB}{51,51,51}
2433 basicstyle=\color{fore},
2434 keywordstyle=\color{keywords},
2435 commentstyle=\color{comments},
2436 backgroundcolor=\color{back}
2440 For more complex listings use cases consult the [[ftp://ftp.tex.ac.uk/tex-archive/macros/latex/contrib/listings/listings.pdf][listings manual]].
2442 ** How can I export to Latex Beamer
2446 The latex [[http://latex-beamer.sourceforge.net/][Beamer Class]] is a useful class for generating slide shows.
2447 The following can be used to export Org-mode documents to LaTeX
2450 Add the following to your Emacs initialization file.
2451 #+begin_src emacs-lisp
2452 (unless (boundp 'org-export-latex-classes)
2453 (setq org-export-latex-classes nil))
2454 (add-to-list 'org-export-latex-classes
2456 "\\documentclass[11pt]{beamer}\n\\usepackage[utf8]{inputenc}\n\\usepackage[T1]{fontenc}\n\\usepackage{hyperref}\n\\usepackage{verbatim}\n"
2457 ("\\section{%s}" . "\\section*{%s}")
2458 ("\\begin{frame}\\frametitle{%s}" "\\end{frame}"
2459 "\\begin{frame}\\frametitle{%s}" "\\end{frame}")))
2463 : #+LaTeX_CLASS: beamer
2464 in the header of your Org-mode document it will automatically export
2465 to the Beamer document class on LaTeX export. With the above
2466 configuration top-level headers will be mapped to sections in the
2467 Beamer document, second-level headers will be mapped to frames, and
2468 lower level headlines will be mapped to itemize objects.
2470 This above is adapted from an [[http://article.gmane.org/gmane.emacs.orgmode/15077/match=beamer+dokos][email by Nick Dokos]], and an [[http://article.gmane.org/gmane.emacs.orgmode/17767/match=beamer+dokos][email by
2471 Thomas Dye]]. For a much more complex Beamer setup see the [[http://article.gmane.org/gmane.emacs.orgmode/17767/match=beamer+dokos][email by
2474 ** How can I use RefTeX in Org-mode files for LaTeX export and in Org-babel LaTeX code blocks?
2476 [[http://www.gnu.org/software/auctex/reftex.html][RefTeX]] is an indispensable tool for the author of LaTeX documents. It
2477 aids in creation of bibliographies, cross-references, indexes, and
2478 glossaries. RefTeX understands the structure of multi-file LaTeX
2479 documents and is able to collect from them information about the
2480 location(s) of external data stores used in creation of the final
2481 document. RefTeX was written by Carsten Dominik and is currently
2482 being maintained by the [[http://www.gnu.org/software/auctex/index.html][AucTeX]] project.
2484 *** Using RefTeX In Org-mode Files for LaTeX Export
2485 In Org-mode files for LaTeX export, the trick is to find a way to tell
2486 RefTeX the locations of external data stores. One way is to set the
2487 variable, =reftex-default-bibliography=. Add lines like these to
2490 #+begin_src emacs-lisp
2491 (setq reftex-default-bibliography
2493 ("default.bib" "other-default.bib")))
2496 In practice, this is a limited solution and the
2497 typical user will want to pass this information on a per-file basis.
2498 Two solutions to this problem were posted on a blog, [[http://www.mfasold.net/blog/2009/02/using-emacs-org-mode-to-draft-papers/][Mario's
2501 The first solution, proposed by Mario, enables the RefTeX citation
2502 function in Org-mode. Add these lines to .emacs:
2504 #+begin_src emacs-lisp
2505 (defun org-mode-reftex-setup ()
2506 (load-library "reftex")
2507 (and (buffer-file-name)
2508 (file-exists-p (buffer-file-name))
2510 (define-key org-mode-map (kbd "C-c )") 'reftex-citation))
2511 (add-hook 'org-mode-hook 'org-mode-reftex-setup)
2514 Then add the following lines anywhere in the Org-mode file (Org-mode
2515 will recognize them as LaTeX commands):
2518 \bibliographystyle{plain}
2519 \bibliography{BIB-NAME}
2522 With this setup, =C-c )= will invoke =reftex-citation= which will
2523 insert a reference in the usual way:
2528 ,This is a citation \cite{tierney90}.
2530 ,\bibliographystyle{plain}
2534 This Org-mode file will export the following LaTeX output:
2536 #+begin_src latex :exports code
2537 % Created 2010-03-22 Mon 14:34
2538 \documentclass[11pt,letter]{article}
2539 \usepackage[utf8]{inputenc}
2540 \usepackage[T1]{fontenc}
2541 \usepackage{hyperref}
2545 \date{2010-03-22 Mon}
2551 \setcounter{tocdepth}{3}
2555 \section{test reftex}
2559 This is a citation \cite{tierney90}.
2561 \bibliographystyle{plain}
2568 A second solution, to activate the RefTeX minor mode on a per-file
2569 basis, was posted by Kevin Brubeck Unhammer in response to this idea.
2570 Add the following lines to .emacs:
2572 #+begin_src emacs-lisp
2573 (add-hook ‘org-mode-hook
2575 (if (member “WRITE” org-todo-keywords-1)
2576 (org-mode-article-modes))))
2579 where =org-mode-article-modes= is defined as follows:
2581 #+begin_src emacs-lisp
2582 (defun org-mode-article-modes ()
2584 (bib-cite-minor-mode t)
2585 (and (buffer-file-name)
2586 (file-exists-p (buffer-file-name))
2587 (reftex-parse-all)))
2590 Add the =\bibliographystyle{}= and =\bibliography{}= lines to the
2591 Org-mode file as before and define a TODO keyword, =WRITE=, perhaps
2595 ,#+TODO: TODO(t) STARTED(s) WRITE | DONE(d) DEFERRED(f)
2598 With this setup, you insert a citation with =M-x reftex-citation RET=.
2600 *** Using RefTeX in Org-babel LaTeX Code Blocks
2602 In Org-babel LaTeX code blocks, the trick is to give RefTeX access to
2603 information in other Org-babel LaTeX code blocks. If you use an Emacs
2604 starter kit where configuration information is held in Org-mode files,
2605 then the second solution is preferable because you won't be asked for
2606 a master file when Emacs is started. For this reason, the second
2607 solution is modified for use with Org-babel latex code blocks. No
2608 key-binding is needed here because Org-babel code blocks are edited
2609 within the usual AucTeX environment.
2611 Add the following lines to .emacs (adapted from Kevin Brubeck Unhammer's [[http://www.mfasold.net/blog/2009/02/using-emacs-org-mode-to-draft-papers/][Reftex Setup]])
2612 #+begin_src emacs-lisp
2613 (defun org-mode-article-modes ()
2615 (and (buffer-file-name)
2616 (file-exists-p (buffer-file-name))
2617 (reftex-parse-all)))
2619 (add-hook 'org-mode-hook
2621 (if (member "REFTEX" org-todo-keywords-1)
2622 (org-mode-article-modes))))
2625 Then add a line like the following line to the top of your org-mode file:
2628 ,#+TODO: TODO(t) STARTED(s) | DONE(d) DEFERRED(f) REFTEX
2631 When you open an org-mode file with a line like this, RefTeX will
2632 prompt for the master .tex file, which will be parsed in the usual
2633 way. This means that the .tex file should already exist, perhaps by
2634 tangling the LaTeX preamble and postamble, before
2635 =org-mode-article-modes= is activated for the Org-mode file.
2639 ** Which versions of MobileOrg do exist
2641 :CUSTOM_ID: mobileorg_versions
2644 - MobileOrg for the iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad series of devices, by
2645 Richard Moreland. Check out
2646 [[http://mobileorg.ncogni.to/][Richard's page]]
2647 - Matt Jones is developing a feature-equivalent application for
2649 [[http://wiki.github.com/matburt/mobileorg-android/][his project page]].
2651 ** What can I do if I don't want to use Dropbox.com
2653 :CUSTOM_ID: mobileorg_webdav
2656 Dropbox.com is the easiest way to connect between Emacs and MobileOrg,
2657 you can get a free account there. If for some reason you cannot or do
2658 not want to use this path, you can use any webdav server. On this
2659 webdav server you need to create a dedicated directory for the
2660 communication between Emacs and MobileOrg. If you can mount that
2661 directory locally so that Emacs can directly write to it, just point
2662 to that directory using the variable =org-mobile-directory=. Using
2663 the /tramp/ method, =org-mobile-directory= may point to a remote
2664 directory accessible through, for example, /ssh/ and /scp/:
2666 #+begin_src emacs-lisp
2667 (setq org-mobile-directory "/scpc:user@@remote.host:org/webdav/")
2670 If Emacs cannot access the WebDAV directory directly using a /tramp/
2671 method, you can use a local directory for staging. Other means must
2672 then be used to keep this directory in sync with the WebDAV directory.
2673 In the following example, files are staged in =~/stage/=, and Org-mode
2674 hooks take care of moving files to and from the WebDAV directory using
2677 #+begin_src emacs-lisp
2678 (setq org-mobile-directory "~/stage/")
2679 (add-hook 'org-mobile-post-push-hook
2680 (lambda () (shell-command "scp -r ~/stage/* user@@wdhost:mobile/")))
2681 (add-hook 'org-mobile-pre-pull-hook
2682 (lambda () (shell-command "scp user@@wdhost:mobile/mobileorg.org ~/stage/ ")))
2683 (add-hook 'org-mobile-post-pull-hook
2684 (lambda () (shell-command "scp ~/stage/mobileorg.org user@@wdhost:mobile/")))
2687 * COMMENT HTML style specifications
2689 #+begin_src emacs-lisp
2690 (defun org-faq-make-target ()
2691 "Make hard target for current headline."
2693 (if (not (org-on-heading-p))
2694 (error "Not on a headline"))
2695 (let ((h (org-trim (org-get-heading 'no-tags))))
2696 (if (string-match "[ \t]*\\?\\'" h)
2697 (setq h (replace-match "" t t h)))
2698 (while (string-match "[ \t]+" h)
2699 (setq h (replace-match "-" t t h)))
2700 (org-entry-put nil "CUSTOM_ID" h)))