org-mode/doc/org.texi

\input texinfo  @c -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
@c %**start of header
@setfilename ../../info/org.info
@settitle The Org Manual
@include docstyle.texi

@include org-version.inc

@c Version and Contact Info
@set MAINTAINERSITE @uref{https://orgmode.org,maintainers web page}
@set AUTHOR Carsten Dominik
@set MAINTAINER Carsten Dominik
@set MAINTAINEREMAIL @email{carsten at orgmode dot org}
@set MAINTAINERCONTACT @uref{mailto:carsten at orgmode dot org,contact the maintainer}
@c %**end of header
@finalout


@c -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

@c Macro definitions for commands and keys
@c =======================================

@c The behavior of the key/command macros will depend on the flag cmdnames
@c When set, commands names are shown.  When clear, they are not shown.

@set cmdnames

@c Below we define the following macros for Org key tables:

@c orgkey{key}                        A key item
@c orgcmd{key,cmd}                    Key with command name
@c xorgcmd{key,cmd}                   Key with command name as @itemx
@c orgcmdnki{key,cmd}                 Like orgcmd, but do not index the key
@c orgcmdtkc{text,key,cmd}            Like orgcmd,special text instead of key
@c orgcmdkkc{key1,key2,cmd}           Two keys with one command name, use "or"
@c orgcmdkxkc{key1,key2,cmd}          Two keys with one command name, but
@c                                    different functions, so format as @itemx
@c orgcmdkskc{key1,key2,cmd}          Same as orgcmdkkc, but use "or short"
@c xorgcmdkskc{key1,key2,cmd}         Same as previous, but use @itemx
@c orgcmdkkcc{key1,key2,cmd1,cmd2}    Two keys and two commands

@c a key but no command
@c    Inserts:    @item key
@macro orgkey{key}
@kindex \key\
@item @kbd{\key\}
@end macro

@macro xorgkey{key}
@kindex \key\
@itemx @kbd{\key\}
@end macro

@c one key with a command
@c   Inserts:    @item KEY               COMMAND
@macro orgcmd{key,command}
@ifset cmdnames
@kindex \key\
@findex \command\
@iftex
@item @kbd{\key\} @hskip 0pt plus 1filll @code{\command\}
@end iftex
@ifnottex
@item @kbd{\key\} @tie{}@tie{}@tie{}@tie{}(@code{\command\})
@end ifnottex
@end ifset
@ifclear cmdnames
@kindex \key\
@item @kbd{\key\}
@end ifclear
@end macro

@c One key with one command, formatted using @itemx
@c   Inserts:    @itemx KEY               COMMAND
@macro xorgcmd{key,command}
@ifset cmdnames
@kindex \key\
@findex \command\
@iftex
@itemx @kbd{\key\} @hskip 0pt plus 1filll @code{\command\}
@end iftex
@ifnottex
@itemx @kbd{\key\} @tie{}@tie{}@tie{}@tie{}(@code{\command\})
@end ifnottex
@end ifset
@ifclear cmdnames
@kindex \key\
@itemx @kbd{\key\}
@end ifclear
@end macro

@c one key with a command, bit do not index the key
@c   Inserts:    @item KEY               COMMAND
@macro orgcmdnki{key,command}
@ifset cmdnames
@findex \command\
@iftex
@item @kbd{\key\} @hskip 0pt plus 1filll @code{\command\}
@end iftex
@ifnottex
@item @kbd{\key\} @tie{}@tie{}@tie{}@tie{}(@code{\command\})
@end ifnottex
@end ifset
@ifclear cmdnames
@item @kbd{\key\}
@end ifclear
@end macro

@c one key with a command, and special text to replace key in item
@c   Inserts:    @item TEXT                    COMMAND
@macro orgcmdtkc{text,key,command}
@ifset cmdnames
@kindex \key\
@findex \command\
@iftex
@item @kbd{\text\} @hskip 0pt plus 1filll @code{\command\}
@end iftex
@ifnottex
@item @kbd{\text\} @tie{}@tie{}@tie{}@tie{}(@code{\command\})
@end ifnottex
@end ifset
@ifclear cmdnames
@kindex \key\
@item @kbd{\text\}
@end ifclear
@end macro

@c two keys with one command
@c   Inserts:    @item KEY1 or KEY2            COMMAND
@macro orgcmdkkc{key1,key2,command}
@ifset cmdnames
@kindex \key1\
@kindex \key2\
@findex \command\
@iftex
@item @kbd{\key1\} @ @r{or} @ @kbd{\key2\} @hskip 0pt plus 1filll @code{\command\}
@end iftex
@ifnottex
@item @kbd{\key1\} @ @r{or} @ @kbd{\key2\} @tie{}@tie{}@tie{}@tie{}(@code{\command\})
@end ifnottex
@end ifset
@ifclear cmdnames
@kindex \key1\
@kindex \key2\
@item @kbd{\key1\} @ @r{or} @ @kbd{\key2\}
@end ifclear
@end macro

@c Two keys with one command name, but different functions, so format as
@c @itemx
@c   Inserts:    @item KEY1
@c               @itemx KEY2                COMMAND
@macro orgcmdkxkc{key1,key2,command}
@ifset cmdnames
@kindex \key1\
@kindex \key2\
@findex \command\
@iftex
@item @kbd{\key1\}
@itemx @kbd{\key2\} @hskip 0pt plus 1filll @code{\command\}
@end iftex
@ifnottex
@item @kbd{\key1\}
@itemx @kbd{\key2\} @tie{}@tie{}@tie{}@tie{}(@code{\command\})
@end ifnottex
@end ifset
@ifclear cmdnames
@kindex \key1\
@kindex \key2\
@item @kbd{\key1\}
@itemx @kbd{\key2\}
@end ifclear
@end macro

@c Same as previous, but use "or short"
@c   Inserts:    @item KEY1 or short KEY2            COMMAND
@macro orgcmdkskc{key1,key2,command}
@ifset cmdnames
@kindex \key1\
@kindex \key2\
@findex \command\
@iftex
@item @kbd{\key1\} @ @r{or short} @ @kbd{\key2\} @hskip 0pt plus 1filll @code{\command\}
@end iftex
@ifnottex
@item @kbd{\key1\} @ @r{or short} @ @kbd{\key2\} @tie{}@tie{}@tie{}@tie{}(@code{\command\})
@end ifnottex
@end ifset
@ifclear cmdnames
@kindex \key1\
@kindex \key2\
@item @kbd{\key1\} @ @r{or short} @ @kbd{\key2\}
@end ifclear
@end macro

@c Same as previous, but use @itemx
@c   Inserts:    @itemx KEY1 or short KEY2            COMMAND
@macro xorgcmdkskc{key1,key2,command}
@ifset cmdnames
@kindex \key1\
@kindex \key2\
@findex \command\
@iftex
@itemx @kbd{\key1\} @ @r{or short} @ @kbd{\key2\} @hskip 0pt plus 1filll @code{\command\}
@end iftex
@ifnottex
@itemx @kbd{\key1\} @ @r{or short} @ @kbd{\key2\} @tie{}@tie{}@tie{}@tie{}(@code{\command\})
@end ifnottex
@end ifset
@ifclear cmdnames
@kindex \key1\
@kindex \key2\
@itemx @kbd{\key1\} @ @r{or short} @ @kbd{\key2\}
@end ifclear
@end macro

@c two keys with two commands
@c   Inserts:    @item KEY1                        COMMAND1
@c               @itemx KEY2                       COMMAND2
@macro orgcmdkkcc{key1,key2,command1,command2}
@ifset cmdnames
@kindex \key1\
@kindex \key2\
@findex \command1\
@findex \command2\
@iftex
@item @kbd{\key1\} @hskip 0pt plus 1filll @code{\command1\}
@itemx @kbd{\key2\} @hskip 0pt plus 1filll @code{\command2\}
@end iftex
@ifnottex
@item @kbd{\key1\} @tie{}@tie{}@tie{}@tie{}(@code{\command1\})
@itemx @kbd{\key2\} @tie{}@tie{}@tie{}@tie{}(@code{\command2\})
@end ifnottex
@end ifset
@ifclear cmdnames
@kindex \key1\
@kindex \key2\
@item @kbd{\key1\}
@itemx @kbd{\key2\}
@end ifclear
@end macro
@c -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

@iftex
@c @hyphenation{time-stamp time-stamps time-stamp-ing time-stamp-ed}
@end iftex

@c Subheadings inside a table.
@macro tsubheading{text}
@ifinfo
@subsubheading \text\
@end ifinfo
@ifnotinfo
@item @b{\text\}
@end ifnotinfo
@end macro

@copying
This manual is for Org version @value{VERSION}.

Copyright @copyright{} 2004--2018 Free Software Foundation, Inc.

@quotation
Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.3 or
any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with no
Invariant Sections, with the Front-Cover Texts being ``A GNU Manual,''
and with the Back-Cover Texts as in (a) below.  A copy of the license
is included in the section entitled ``GNU Free Documentation License.''

(a) The FSF's Back-Cover Text is: ``You have the freedom to copy and
modify this GNU manual.''
@end quotation
@end copying

@dircategory Emacs editing modes
@direntry
* Org Mode: (org).      Outline-based notes management and organizer
@end direntry

@titlepage
@title The Org Manual

@subtitle Release @value{VERSION}
@author by Carsten Dominik
with contributions by Bastien Guerry, Nicolas Goaziou, Eric Schulte,
Jambunathan K, Dan Davison, Thomas Dye, David O'Toole, and Philip Rooke.

@c The following two commands start the copyright page.
@page
@vskip 0pt plus 1filll
@insertcopying
@end titlepage

@c Output the short table of contents at the beginning.
@shortcontents

@c Output the table of contents at the beginning.
@contents

@ifnottex

@node Top, Introduction, (dir), (dir)
@top Org Mode Manual

@insertcopying
@end ifnottex

@menu
* Introduction::                Getting started
* Document structure::          A tree works like your brain
* Tables::                      Pure magic for quick formatting
* Hyperlinks::                  Notes in context
* TODO items::                  Every tree branch can be a TODO item
* Tags::                        Tagging headlines and matching sets of tags
* Properties and columns::      Storing information about an entry
* Dates and times::             Making items useful for planning
* Capture - Refile - Archive::  The ins and outs for projects
* Agenda views::                Collecting information into views
* Markup::                      Prepare text for rich export
* Exporting::                   Sharing and publishing notes
* Publishing::                  Create a web site of linked Org files
* Working with source code::    Export, evaluate, and tangle code blocks
* Miscellaneous::               All the rest which did not fit elsewhere
* Hacking::                     How to hack your way around
* MobileOrg::                   Viewing and capture on a mobile device
* History and acknowledgments::  How Org came into being
* GNU Free Documentation License::  The license for this documentation.
* Main Index::                  An index of Org's concepts and features
* Key Index::                   Key bindings and where they are described
* Command and Function Index::  Command names and some internal functions
* Variable Index::              Variables mentioned in the manual

@detailmenu
 --- The Detailed Node Listing ---

Introduction

* Summary::                     Brief summary of what Org does
* Installation::                Installing Org
* Activation::                  How to activate Org for certain buffers
* Feedback::                    Bug reports, ideas, patches etc.
* Conventions::                 Typesetting conventions in the manual

Document structure

* Outlines::                    Org is based on Outline mode
* Headlines::                   How to typeset Org tree headlines
* Visibility cycling::          Show and hide, much simplified
* Motion::                      Jumping to other headlines
* Structure editing::           Changing sequence and level of headlines
* Sparse trees::                Matches embedded in context
* Plain lists::                 Additional structure within an entry
* Drawers::                     Tucking stuff away
* Blocks::                      Folding blocks
* Footnotes::                   How footnotes are defined in Org's syntax
* Org syntax::                  Formal description of Org's syntax

Visibility cycling

* Global and local cycling::    Cycling through various visibility states
* Initial visibility::          Setting the initial visibility state
* Catching invisible edits::    Preventing mistakes when editing invisible parts

Tables

* Built-in table editor::       Simple tables
* Column width and alignment::  Overrule the automatic settings
* Column groups::               Grouping to trigger vertical lines
* Orgtbl mode::                 The table editor as minor mode
* The spreadsheet::             The table editor has spreadsheet capabilities
* Org-Plot::                    Plotting from org tables

The spreadsheet

* References::                  How to refer to another field or range
* Formula syntax for Calc::     Using Calc to compute stuff
* Formula syntax for Lisp::     Writing formulas in Emacs Lisp
* Durations and time values::   How to compute durations and time values
* Field and range formulas::    Formula for specific (ranges of) fields
* Column formulas::             Formulas valid for an entire column
* Lookup functions::            Lookup functions for searching tables
* Editing and debugging formulas::  Fixing formulas
* Updating the table::          Recomputing all dependent fields
* Advanced features::           Field and column names, parameters and automatic recalc

Hyperlinks

* Link format::                 How links in Org are formatted
* Internal links::              Links to other places in the current file
* External links::              URL-like links to the world
* Handling links::              Creating, inserting and following
* Using links outside Org::     Linking from my C source code?
* Link abbreviations::          Shortcuts for writing complex links
* Search options::              Linking to a specific location
* Custom searches::             When the default search is not enough

Internal links

* Radio targets::               Make targets trigger links in plain text

TODO items

* TODO basics::                 Marking and displaying TODO entries
* TODO extensions::             Workflow and assignments
* Progress logging::            Dates and notes for progress
* Priorities::                  Some things are more important than others
* Breaking down tasks::         Splitting a task into manageable pieces
* Checkboxes::                  Tick-off lists

Extended use of TODO keywords

* Workflow states::             From TODO to DONE in steps
* TODO types::                  I do this, Fred does the rest
* Multiple sets in one file::   Mixing it all, and still finding your way
* Fast access to TODO states::  Single letter selection of a state
* Per-file keywords::           Different files, different requirements
* Faces for TODO keywords::     Highlighting states
* TODO dependencies::           When one task needs to wait for others

Progress logging

* Closing items::               When was this entry marked DONE?
* Tracking TODO state changes::  When did the status change?
* Tracking your habits::        How consistent have you been?

Tags

* Tag inheritance::             Tags use the tree structure of the outline
* Setting tags::                How to assign tags to a headline
* Tag hierarchy::               Create a hierarchy of tags
* Tag searches::                Searching for combinations of tags

Properties and columns

* Property syntax::             How properties are spelled out
* Special properties::          Access to other Org mode features
* Property searches::           Matching property values
* Property inheritance::        Passing values down the tree
* Column view::                 Tabular viewing and editing
* Property API::                Properties for Lisp programmers

Column view

* Defining columns::            The COLUMNS format property
* Using column view::           How to create and use column view
* Capturing column view::       A dynamic block for column view

Defining columns

* Scope of column definitions::  Where defined, where valid?
* Column attributes::           Appearance and content of a column

Dates and times

* Timestamps::                  Assigning a time to a tree entry
* Creating timestamps::         Commands which insert timestamps
* Deadlines and scheduling::    Planning your work
* Clocking work time::          Tracking how long you spend on a task
* Effort estimates::            Planning work effort in advance
* Timers::                      Notes with a running timer

Creating timestamps

* The date/time prompt::        How Org mode helps you entering date and time
* Custom time format::          Making dates look different

Deadlines and scheduling

* Inserting deadline/schedule::  Planning items
* Repeated tasks::              Items that show up again and again

Clocking work time

* Clocking commands::           Starting and stopping a clock
* The clock table::             Detailed reports
* Resolving idle time::         Resolving time when you've been idle

Capture - Refile - Archive

* Capture::                     Capturing new stuff
* Attachments::                 Add files to tasks
* RSS feeds::                   Getting input from RSS feeds
* Protocols::                   External (e.g., Browser) access to Emacs and Org
* Refile and copy::             Moving/copying a tree from one place to another
* Archiving::                   What to do with finished projects

Capture

* Setting up capture::          Where notes will be stored
* Using capture::               Commands to invoke and terminate capture
* Capture templates::           Define the outline of different note types

Capture templates

* Template elements::           What is needed for a complete template entry
* Template expansion::          Filling in information about time and context
* Templates in contexts::       Only show a template in a specific context

Protocols for external access

* @code{store-link} protocol::  Store a link, push URL to kill-ring.
* @code{capture} protocol::     Fill a buffer with external information.
* @code{open-source} protocol::  Edit published contents.

Archiving

* Moving subtrees::             Moving a tree to an archive file
* Internal archiving::          Switch off a tree but keep it in the file

Agenda views

* Agenda files::                Files being searched for agenda information
* Agenda dispatcher::           Keyboard access to agenda views
* Built-in agenda views::       What is available out of the box?
* Presentation and sorting::    How agenda items are prepared for display
* Agenda commands::             Remote editing of Org trees
* Custom agenda views::         Defining special searches and views
* Exporting agenda views::      Writing a view to a file
* Agenda column view::          Using column view for collected entries

The built-in agenda views

* Weekly/daily agenda::         The calendar page with current tasks
* Global TODO list::            All unfinished action items
* Matching tags and properties::  Structured information with fine-tuned search
* Search view::                 Find entries by searching for text
* Stuck projects::              Find projects you need to review

Presentation and sorting

* Categories::                  Not all tasks are equal
* Time-of-day specifications::  How the agenda knows the time
* Sorting agenda items::        The order of things
* Filtering/limiting agenda items::  Dynamically narrow the agenda

Custom agenda views

* Storing searches::            Type once, use often
* Block agenda::                All the stuff you need in a single buffer
* Setting options::             Changing the rules

Markup for rich export

* Paragraphs::                  The basic unit of text
* Emphasis and monospace::      Bold, italic, etc.
* Horizontal rules::            Make a line
* Images and tables::           Images, tables and caption mechanism
* Literal examples::            Source code examples with special formatting
* Special symbols::             Greek letters and other symbols
* Subscripts and superscripts::  Simple syntax for raising/lowering text
* Embedded @LaTeX{}::           LaTeX can be freely used inside Org documents

Embedded @LaTeX{}

* @LaTeX{} fragments::          Complex formulas made easy
* Previewing @LaTeX{} fragments::  What will this snippet look like?
* CDLaTeX mode::                Speed up entering of formulas

Exporting

* The export dispatcher::       The main interface
* Export settings::             Common export settings
* Table of contents::           The if and where of the table of contents
* Include files::               Include additional files into a document
* Macro replacement::           Use macros to create templates
* Comment lines::               What will not be exported
* ASCII/Latin-1/UTF-8 export::  Exporting to flat files with encoding
* Beamer export::               Exporting as a Beamer presentation
* HTML export::                 Exporting to HTML
* @LaTeX{} export::             Exporting to @LaTeX{}, and processing to PDF
* Markdown export::             Exporting to Markdown
* OpenDocument Text export::    Exporting to OpenDocument Text
* Org export::                  Exporting to Org
* Texinfo export::              Exporting to Texinfo
* iCalendar export::            Exporting to iCalendar
* Other built-in back-ends::    Exporting to a man page
* Advanced configuration::      Fine-tuning the export output
* Export in foreign buffers::   Author tables and lists in Org syntax

Beamer export

* Beamer export commands::      For creating Beamer documents.
* Beamer specific export settings::  For customizing Beamer export.
* Sectioning Frames and Blocks in Beamer::  For composing Beamer slides.
* Beamer specific syntax::      For using in Org documents.
* Editing support::             For using helper functions.
* A Beamer example::            A complete presentation.

HTML export

* HTML Export commands::        Invoking HTML export
* HTML Specific export settings::  Settings for HTML export
* HTML doctypes::               Exporting various (X)HTML flavors
* HTML preamble and postamble::  Inserting preamble and postamble
* Quoting HTML tags::           Using direct HTML in Org files
* Links in HTML export::        Interpreting and formatting links
* Tables in HTML export::       Formatting and modifying tables
* Images in HTML export::       Inserting figures with HTML output
* Math formatting in HTML export::  Handling math equations
* Text areas in HTML export::   Showing an alternate approach, an example
* CSS support::                 Styling HTML output
* JavaScript support::          Folding scripting in the web browser

@LaTeX{} export

* @LaTeX{} export commands::    For producing @LaTeX{} and PDF documents.
* @LaTeX{} specific export settings::  Unique to this @LaTeX{} back-end.
* @LaTeX{} header and sectioning::  For file structure.
* Quoting @LaTeX{} code::       Directly in the Org document.
* Tables in @LaTeX{} export::   Attributes specific to tables.
* Images in @LaTeX{} export::   Attributes specific to images.
* Plain lists in @LaTeX{} export::  Attributes specific to lists.
* Source blocks in @LaTeX{} export::  Attributes specific to source code blocks.
* Example blocks in @LaTeX{} export::  Attributes specific to example blocks.
* Special blocks in @LaTeX{} export::  Attributes specific to special blocks.
* Horizontal rules in @LaTeX{} export::  Attributes specific to horizontal rules.

OpenDocument Text export

* Pre-requisites for ODT export::  Required packages.
* ODT export commands::         Invoking export.
* ODT specific export settings::  Configuration options.
* Extending ODT export::        Producing @file{.doc}, @file{.pdf} files.
* Applying custom styles::      Styling the output.
* Links in ODT export::         Handling and formatting links.
* Tables in ODT export::        Org table conversions.
* Images in ODT export::        Inserting images.
* Math formatting in ODT export::  Formatting @LaTeX{} fragments.
* Labels and captions in ODT export::  Rendering objects.
* Literal examples in ODT export::  For source code and example blocks.
* Advanced topics in ODT export::  For power users.

Math formatting in ODT export

* Working with @LaTeX{} math snippets::  Embedding in @LaTeX{} format.
* Working with MathML or OpenDocument formula files::  Embedding in native format.

Advanced topics in ODT export

* Configuring a document converter::  Registering a document converter.
* Working with OpenDocument style files::  Exploring internals.
* Creating one-off styles::     Customizing styles, highlighting.
* Customizing tables in ODT export::  Defining table templates.
* Validating OpenDocument XML::  Debugging corrupted OpenDocument files.

Texinfo export

* Texinfo export commands::     Invoking commands.
* Texinfo specific export settings::  Setting the environment.
* Texinfo file header::         Generating the header.
* Texinfo title and copyright page::  Creating preamble pages.
* Info directory file::     Installing a manual in Info file hierarchy.
* Headings and sectioning structure::  Building document structure.
* Indices::                     Creating indices.
* Quoting Texinfo code::        Incorporating literal Texinfo code.
* Plain lists in Texinfo export::  List attributes.
* Tables in Texinfo export::    Table attributes.
* Images in Texinfo export::    Image attributes.
* Special blocks in Texinfo export::  Special block attributes.
* A Texinfo example::           Processing Org to Texinfo.

Publishing

* Configuration::               Defining projects
* Uploading files::             How to get files up on the server
* Sample configuration::        Example projects
* Triggering publication::      Publication commands

Configuration

* Project alist::               The central configuration variable
* Sources and destinations::    From here to there
* Selecting files::             What files are part of the project?
* Publishing action::           Setting the function doing the publishing
* Publishing options::          Tweaking HTML/@LaTeX{} export
* Publishing links::            Which links keep working after publishing?
* Sitemap::                     Generating a list of all pages
* Generating an index::         An index that reaches across pages

Sample configuration

* Simple example::              One-component publishing
* Complex example::             A multi-component publishing example

Working with source code

* Structure of code blocks::    Code block syntax described
* Editing source code::         Language major-mode editing
* Exporting code blocks::       Export contents and/or results
* Extracting source code::      Create pure source code files
* Evaluating code blocks::      Place results of evaluation in the Org mode buffer
* Library of Babel::            Use and contribute to a library of useful code blocks
* Languages::                   List of supported code block languages
* Header arguments::            Configure code block functionality
* Results of evaluation::       How evaluation results are handled
* Noweb reference syntax::      Literate programming in Org mode
* Key bindings and useful functions::  Work quickly with code blocks
* Batch execution::             Call functions from the command line

Header arguments

* Using header arguments::      Different ways to set header arguments
* Specific header arguments::   List of header arguments

Using header arguments

* System-wide header arguments::  Set globally, language-specific
* Language-specific header arguments::  Set in the Org file's headers
* Header arguments in Org mode properties::  Set in the Org file
* Language-specific mode properties::
* Code block specific header arguments::  The most commonly used method
* Arguments in function calls::  The most specific level, takes highest priority

Specific header arguments

* var::                         Pass arguments to @samp{src} code blocks
* results::                     Specify results type; how to collect
* file::                        Specify a path for output file
* file-desc::                   Specify a description for file results
* file-ext::                    Specify an extension for file output
* output-dir::                  Specify a directory for output file
* dir::                         Specify the default directory for code block execution
* exports::                     Specify exporting code, results, both, none
* tangle::                      Toggle tangling; or specify file name
* mkdirp::                      Toggle for parent directory creation for target files during tangling
* comments::                    Toggle insertion of comments in tangled code files
* padline::                     Control insertion of padding lines in tangled code files
* no-expand::                   Turn off variable assignment and noweb expansion during tangling
* session::                     Preserve the state of code evaluation
* noweb::                       Toggle expansion of noweb references
* noweb-ref::                   Specify block's noweb reference resolution target
* noweb-sep::                   String to separate noweb references
* cache::                       Avoid re-evaluating unchanged code blocks
* sep::                         Delimiter for writing tabular results outside Org
* hlines::                      Handle horizontal lines in tables
* colnames::                    Handle column names in tables
* rownames::                    Handle row names in tables
* shebang::                     Make tangled files executable
* tangle-mode::                 Set permission of tangled files
* eval::                        Limit evaluation of specific code blocks
* wrap::                        Mark source block evaluation results
* post::                        Post processing of results of code block evaluation
* prologue::                    Text to prepend to body of code block
* epilogue::                    Text to append to body of code block

Miscellaneous

* Completion::                  M-TAB guesses completions
* Structure templates::         Quick insertion of structural elements
* Speed keys::                  Electric commands at the beginning of a headline
* Code evaluation security::    Org mode files evaluate inline code
* Customization::               Adapting Org to changing tastes
* In-buffer settings::          Overview of the #+KEYWORDS
* The very busy C-c C-c key::   When in doubt, press C-c C-c
* Clean view::                  Getting rid of leading stars in the outline
* TTY keys::                    Using Org on a tty
* Interaction::                 With other Emacs packages
* org-crypt::                   Encrypting Org files

Interaction with other packages

* Cooperation::                 Packages Org cooperates with
* Conflicts::                   Packages that lead to conflicts

Hacking

* Hooks::                       How to reach into Org's internals
* Add-on packages::             Available extensions
* Adding hyperlink types::      New custom link types
* Adding export back-ends::     How to write new export back-ends
* Context-sensitive commands::  How to add functionality to such commands
* Tables in arbitrary syntax::  Orgtbl for @LaTeX{} and other programs
* Dynamic blocks::              Automatically filled blocks
* Special agenda views::        Customized views
* Speeding up your agendas::    Tips on how to speed up your agendas
* Extracting agenda information::  Post-processing of agenda information
* Using the property API::      Writing programs that use entry properties
* Using the mapping API::       Mapping over all or selected entries

Tables and lists in arbitrary syntax

* Radio tables::                Sending and receiving radio tables
* A @LaTeX{} example::          Step by step, almost a tutorial
* Translator functions::        Copy and modify

MobileOrg

* Setting up the staging area::  For the mobile device
* Pushing to MobileOrg::        Uploading Org files and agendas
* Pulling from MobileOrg::      Integrating captured and flagged items

@end detailmenu
@end menu

@node Introduction
@chapter Introduction
@cindex introduction

@menu
* Summary::                     Brief summary of what Org does
* Installation::                Installing Org
* Activation::                  How to activate Org for certain buffers
* Feedback::                    Bug reports, ideas, patches etc.
* Conventions::                 Typesetting conventions in the manual
@end menu

@node Summary
@section Summary
@cindex summary

Org is a mode for keeping notes, maintaining TODO lists, and project planning
with a fast and effective plain-text system.  It also is an authoring system
with unique support for literate programming and reproducible research.

Org is implemented on top of Outline mode, which makes it possible to keep
the content of large files well structured.  Visibility cycling and structure
editing help to work with the tree.  Tables are easily created with a
built-in table editor.  Plain text URL-like links connect to websites,
emails, Usenet messages, BBDB entries, and any files related to the projects.

Org develops organizational tasks around notes files that contain lists or
information about projects as plain text.  Project planning and task
management makes use of metadata which is part of an outline node.  Based on
this data, specific entries can be extracted in queries and create dynamic
@i{agenda views} that also integrate the Emacs calendar and diary.  Org can
be used to implement many different project planning schemes, such as David
Allen's GTD system.

Org files can serve as a single source authoring system with export to many
different formats such as HTML, @LaTeX{}, Open Document, and Markdown.  New
export backends can be derived from existing ones, or defined from scratch.

Org files can include source code blocks, which makes Org uniquely suited for
authoring technical documents with code examples.  Org source code blocks are
fully functional; they can be evaluated in place and their results can be
captured in the file.  This makes it possible to create a single file
reproducible research compendium.

Org keeps simple things simple.  When first fired up, it should feel like a
straightforward, easy to use outliner.  Complexity is not imposed, but a
large amount of functionality is available when needed.  Org is a toolbox.
Many users actually run only a (very personal) fraction of Org's capabilities, and
know that there is more whenever they need it.

All of this is achieved with strictly plain text files, the most portable and
future-proof file format.  Org runs in Emacs.  Emacs is one of the most
widely ported programs, so that Org mode is available on every major
platform.

@cindex FAQ
There is a website for Org which provides links to the newest
version of Org, as well as additional information, frequently asked
questions (FAQ), links to tutorials, etc.  This page is located at
@uref{https://orgmode.org}.
@cindex print edition

An earlier version (7.3) of this manual is available as a
@uref{http://www.network-theory.co.uk/org/manual/, paperback book from
Network Theory Ltd.}

@page

@node Installation
@section Installation
@cindex installation

Org is part of recent distributions of GNU Emacs, so you normally don't need
to install it.  If, for one reason or another, you want to install Org on top
of this pre-packaged version, there are three ways to do it:

@itemize @bullet
@item By using Emacs package system.
@item By downloading Org as an archive.
@item By using Org's git repository.
@end itemize

We @b{strongly recommend} to stick to a single installation method.

@subsubheading Using Emacs packaging system

Recent Emacs distributions include a packaging system which lets you install
Elisp libraries.  You can install Org with @kbd{M-x package-install RET org}.

@noindent @b{Important}: you need to do this in a session where no @code{.org} file has
been visited, i.e., where no Org built-in function have been loaded.
Otherwise autoload Org functions will mess up the installation.

Then, to make sure your Org configuration is taken into account, initialize
the package system with @code{(package-initialize)} in your Emacs init file
before setting any Org option.  If you want to use Org's package repository,
check out the @uref{https://orgmode.org/elpa.html, Org ELPA page}.

@subsubheading Downloading Org as an archive

You can download Org latest release from @uref{https://orgmode.org/, Org's
website}.  In this case, make sure you set the load-path correctly in your
Emacs init file:

@lisp
(add-to-list 'load-path "~/path/to/orgdir/lisp")
@end lisp

The downloaded archive contains contributed libraries that are not included
in Emacs.  If you want to use them, add the @file{contrib} directory to your
load-path:

@lisp
(add-to-list 'load-path "~/path/to/orgdir/contrib/lisp" t)
@end lisp

Optionally, you can compile the files and/or install them in your system.
Run @code{make help} to list compilation and installation options.

@subsubheading Using Org's git repository

You can clone Org's repository and install Org like this:

@example
$ cd ~/src/
$ git clone https://code.orgmode.org/bzg/org-mode.git
$ make autoloads
@end example

Note that in this case, @code{make autoloads} is mandatory: it defines Org's
version in @file{org-version.el} and Org's autoloads in
@file{org-loaddefs.el}.

Remember to add the correct load-path as described in the method above.

You can also compile with @code{make}, generate the documentation with
@code{make doc}, create a local configuration with @code{make config} and
install Org with @code{make install}.  Please run @code{make help} to get
the list of compilation/installation options.

For more detailed explanations on Org's build system, please check the Org
Build System page on @uref{https://orgmode.org/worg/dev/org-build-system.html,
Worg}.

@node Activation
@section Activation
@cindex activation
@cindex autoload
@cindex ELPA
@cindex global key bindings
@cindex key bindings, global
@findex org-agenda
@findex org-capture
@findex org-store-link
@findex org-iswitchb

Org mode buffers need font-lock to be turned on: this is the default in
Emacs@footnote{If you don't use font-lock globally, turn it on in Org buffer
with @code{(add-hook 'org-mode-hook 'turn-on-font-lock)}}.

There are compatibility issues between Org mode and some other Elisp
packages, please take the time to check the list (@pxref{Conflicts}).

The four Org commands @command{org-store-link}, @command{org-capture},
@command{org-agenda}, and @command{org-iswitchb} should be accessible through
global keys (i.e., anywhere in Emacs, not just in Org buffers).  Here are
suggested bindings for these keys, please modify the keys to your own
liking.
@lisp
(global-set-key "\C-cl" 'org-store-link)
(global-set-key "\C-ca" 'org-agenda)
(global-set-key "\C-cc" 'org-capture)
(global-set-key "\C-cb" 'org-iswitchb)
@end lisp

@cindex Org mode, turning on
Files with the @file{.org} extension use Org mode by default.  To turn on Org
mode in a file that does not have the extension @file{.org}, make the first
line of a file look like this:

@example
MY PROJECTS    -*- mode: org; -*-
@end example

@vindex org-insert-mode-line-in-empty-file
@noindent which will select Org mode for this buffer no matter what
the file's name is.  See also the variable
@code{org-insert-mode-line-in-empty-file}.

Many commands in Org work on the region if the region is @i{active}.  To make
use of this, you need to have @code{transient-mark-mode} turned on, which is
the default.  If you do not like @code{transient-mark-mode}, you can create
an active region by using the mouse to select a region, or pressing
@kbd{C-@key{SPC}} twice before moving the cursor.

@node Feedback
@section Feedback
@cindex feedback
@cindex bug reports
@cindex maintainer
@cindex author

If you find problems with Org, or if you have questions, remarks, or ideas
about it, please mail to the Org mailing list @email{emacs-orgmode@@gnu.org}.
You can subscribe to the list
@uref{https://lists.gnu.org/mailman/listinfo/emacs-orgmode, on this web page}.
If you are not a member of the mailing list, your mail will be passed to the
list after a moderator has approved it@footnote{Please consider subscribing
to the mailing list, in order to minimize the work the mailing list
moderators have to do.}.

For bug reports, please first try to reproduce the bug with the latest
version of Org available---if you are running an outdated version, it is
quite possible that the bug has been fixed already.  If the bug persists,
prepare a report and provide as much information as possible, including the
version information of Emacs (@kbd{M-x emacs-version @key{RET}}) and Org
(@kbd{M-x org-version RET}), as well as the Org related setup in the Emacs
init file.  The easiest way to do this is to use the command
@example
@kbd{M-x org-submit-bug-report RET}
@end example
@noindent which will put all this information into an Emacs mail buffer so
that you only need to add your description.  If you are not sending the Email
from within Emacs, please copy and paste the content into your Email program.

Sometimes you might face a problem due to an error in your Emacs or Org mode
setup.  Before reporting a bug, it is very helpful to start Emacs with minimal
customizations and reproduce the problem.  Doing so often helps you determine
if the problem is with your customization or with Org mode itself.  You can
start a typical minimal session with a command like the example below.

@example
$ emacs -Q -l /path/to/minimal-org.el
@end example

However if you are using Org mode as distributed with Emacs, a minimal setup
is not necessary.  In that case it is sufficient to start Emacs as
@code{emacs -Q}.  The @code{minimal-org.el} setup file can have contents as
shown below.

@lisp
;;; Minimal setup to load latest 'org-mode'

;; activate debugging
(setq debug-on-error t
      debug-on-signal nil
      debug-on-quit nil)

;; add latest org-mode to load path
(add-to-list 'load-path "/path/to/org-mode/lisp")
(add-to-list 'load-path "/path/to/org-mode/contrib/lisp" t)
@end lisp

If an error occurs, a backtrace can be very useful (see below on how to
create one).  Often a small example file helps, along with clear information
about:

@enumerate
@item What exactly did you do?
@item What did you expect to happen?
@item What happened instead?
@end enumerate
@noindent Thank you for helping to improve this program.

@subsubheading How to create a useful backtrace

@cindex backtrace of an error
If working with Org produces an error with a message you don't
understand, you may have hit a bug.  The best way to report this is by
providing, in addition to what was mentioned above, a @emph{backtrace}.
This is information from the built-in debugger about where and how the
error occurred.  Here is how to produce a useful backtrace:

@enumerate
@item
Reload uncompiled versions of all Org mode Lisp files.  The backtrace
contains much more information if it is produced with uncompiled code.
To do this, use
@example
@kbd{C-u M-x org-reload RET}
@end example
@noindent
or select @code{Org -> Refresh/Reload -> Reload Org uncompiled} from the
menu.
@item
Go to the @code{Options} menu and select @code{Enter Debugger on Error}.
@item
Do whatever you have to do to hit the error.  Don't forget to
document the steps you take.
@item
When you hit the error, a @file{*Backtrace*} buffer will appear on the
screen.  Save this buffer to a file (for example using @kbd{C-x C-w}) and
attach it to your bug report.
@end enumerate

@node Conventions
@section Typesetting conventions used in this manual

@subsubheading TODO keywords, tags, properties, etc.

Org mainly uses three types of keywords: TODO keywords, tags and property
names.  In this manual we use the following conventions:

@table @code
@item TODO
@itemx WAITING
TODO keywords are written with all capitals, even if they are
user-defined.
@item boss
@itemx ARCHIVE
User-defined tags are written in lowercase; built-in tags with special
meaning are written with all capitals.
@item Release
@itemx PRIORITY
User-defined properties are capitalized; built-in properties with
special meaning are written with all capitals.
@end table

Moreover, Org uses @i{option keywords} (like @code{#+TITLE} to set the title)
and @i{environment keywords} (like @code{#+BEGIN_EXPORT html} to start
a @code{HTML} environment).  They are written in uppercase in the manual to
enhance its readability, but you can use lowercase in your Org file.

@subsubheading Key bindings and commands
@kindex C-c a
@findex org-agenda
@kindex C-c c
@findex org-capture

The manual suggests a few global key bindings, in particular @kbd{C-c a} for
@code{org-agenda} and @kbd{C-c c} for @code{org-capture}.  These are only
suggestions, but the rest of the manual assumes that these key bindings are in
place in order to list commands by key access.

Also, the manual lists both the keys and the corresponding commands for
accessing a functionality.  Org mode often uses the same key for different
functions, depending on context.  The command that is bound to such keys has
a generic name, like @code{org-metaright}.  In the manual we will, wherever
possible, give the function that is internally called by the generic command.
For example, in the chapter on document structure, @kbd{M-@key{right}} will
be listed to call @code{org-do-demote}, while in the chapter on tables, it
will be listed to call @code{org-table-move-column-right}.  If you prefer,
you can compile the manual without the command names by unsetting the flag
@code{cmdnames} in @file{org.texi}.

@node Document structure
@chapter Document structure
@cindex document structure
@cindex structure of document

Org is based on Outline mode and provides flexible commands to
edit the structure of the document.

@menu
* Outlines::                    Org is based on Outline mode
* Headlines::                   How to typeset Org tree headlines
* Visibility cycling::          Show and hide, much simplified
* Motion::                      Jumping to other headlines
* Structure editing::           Changing sequence and level of headlines
* Sparse trees::                Matches embedded in context
* Plain lists::                 Additional structure within an entry
* Drawers::                     Tucking stuff away
* Blocks::                      Folding blocks
* Footnotes::                   How footnotes are defined in Org's syntax
* Org syntax::                  Formal description of Org's syntax
@end menu

@node Outlines
@section Outlines
@cindex outlines
@cindex Outline mode

Org is implemented on top of Outline mode.  Outlines allow a
document to be organized in a hierarchical structure, which (at least
for me) is the best representation of notes and thoughts.  An overview
of this structure is achieved by folding (hiding) large parts of the
document to show only the general document structure and the parts
currently being worked on.  Org greatly simplifies the use of
outlines by compressing the entire show/hide functionality into a single
command, @command{org-cycle}, which is bound to the @key{TAB} key.

@node Headlines
@section Headlines
@cindex headlines
@cindex outline tree
@vindex org-special-ctrl-a/e
@vindex org-special-ctrl-k
@vindex org-ctrl-k-protect-subtree

Headlines define the structure of an outline tree.  The headlines in Org
start with one or more stars, on the left margin@footnote{See the variables
@code{org-special-ctrl-a/e}, @code{org-special-ctrl-k}, and
@code{org-ctrl-k-protect-subtree} to configure special behavior of @kbd{C-a},
@kbd{C-e}, and @kbd{C-k} in headlines.} @footnote{Clocking only works with
headings indented less than 30 stars.}.  For example:

@example
* Top level headline
** Second level
*** 3rd level
    some text
*** 3rd level
    more text

* Another top level headline
@end example

@vindex org-footnote-section
@noindent Note that a headline named after @code{org-footnote-section},
which defaults to @samp{Footnotes}, is considered as special.  A subtree with
this headline will be silently ignored by exporting functions.

Some people find the many stars too noisy and would prefer an
outline that has whitespace followed by a single star as headline
starters.  @ref{Clean view}, describes a setup to realize this.

@vindex org-cycle-separator-lines
An empty line after the end of a subtree is considered part of it and
will be hidden when the subtree is folded.  However, if you leave at
least two empty lines, one empty line will remain visible after folding
the subtree, in order to structure the collapsed view.  See the
variable @code{org-cycle-separator-lines} to modify this behavior.

@node Visibility cycling
@section Visibility cycling
@cindex cycling, visibility
@cindex visibility cycling
@cindex trees, visibility
@cindex show hidden text
@cindex hide text

@menu
* Global and local cycling::    Cycling through various visibility states
* Initial visibility::          Setting the initial visibility state
* Catching invisible edits::    Preventing mistakes when editing invisible parts
@end menu

@node Global and local cycling
@subsection Global and local cycling

Outlines make it possible to hide parts of the text in the buffer.
Org uses just two commands, bound to @key{TAB} and
@kbd{S-@key{TAB}} to change the visibility in the buffer.

@cindex subtree visibility states
@cindex subtree cycling
@cindex folded, subtree visibility state
@cindex children, subtree visibility state
@cindex subtree, subtree visibility state
@table @asis
@orgcmd{@key{TAB},org-cycle}
@emph{Subtree cycling}: Rotate current subtree among the states

@example
,-> FOLDED -> CHILDREN -> SUBTREE --.
'-----------------------------------'
@end example

@vindex org-cycle-emulate-tab
The cursor must be on a headline for this to work@footnote{see, however,
the option @code{org-cycle-emulate-tab}.}.

@cindex global visibility states
@cindex global cycling
@cindex overview, global visibility state
@cindex contents, global visibility state
@cindex show all, global visibility state
@orgcmd{S-@key{TAB},org-global-cycle}
@itemx C-u @key{TAB}
@emph{Global cycling}: Rotate the entire buffer among the states

@example
,-> OVERVIEW -> CONTENTS -> SHOW ALL --.
'--------------------------------------'
@end example

When @kbd{S-@key{TAB}} is called with a numeric prefix argument N, the
CONTENTS view up to headlines of level N will be shown.  Note that inside
tables, @kbd{S-@key{TAB}} jumps to the previous field.

@vindex org-cycle-global-at-bob
You can run global cycling using @key{TAB} only if point is at the very
beginning of the buffer, but not on a headline, and
@code{org-cycle-global-at-bob} is set to a non-@code{nil} value.

@cindex set startup visibility, command
@orgcmd{C-u C-u @key{TAB},org-set-startup-visibility}
Switch back to the startup visibility of the buffer (@pxref{Initial visibility}).
@cindex show all, command
@orgcmd{C-u C-u C-u @key{TAB},outline-show-all}
Show all, including drawers.
@cindex revealing context
@orgcmd{C-c C-r,org-reveal}
Reveal context around point, showing the current entry, the following heading
and the hierarchy above.  Useful for working near a location that has been
exposed by a sparse tree command (@pxref{Sparse trees}) or an agenda command
(@pxref{Agenda commands}).  With a prefix argument show, on each
level, all sibling headings.  With a double prefix argument, also show the
entire subtree of the parent.
@cindex show branches, command
@orgcmd{C-c C-k,outline-show-branches}
Expose all the headings of the subtree, CONTENTS view for just one subtree.
@cindex show children, command
@orgcmd{C-c @key{TAB},outline-show-children}
Expose all direct children of the subtree.  With a numeric prefix argument N,
expose all children down to level N@.
@orgcmd{C-c C-x b,org-tree-to-indirect-buffer}
Show the current subtree in an indirect buffer@footnote{The indirect buffer
(@pxref{Indirect Buffers,,,emacs,GNU Emacs Manual}) will contain the entire
buffer, but will be narrowed to the current tree.  Editing the indirect
buffer will also change the original buffer, but without affecting visibility
in that buffer.}.  With a numeric prefix argument N, go up to level N and
then take that tree.  If N is negative then go up that many levels.  With
a @kbd{C-u} prefix, do not remove the previously used indirect buffer.
@orgcmd{C-c C-x v,org-copy-visible}
Copy the @i{visible} text in the region into the kill ring.
@end table

@node Initial visibility
@subsection Initial visibility

@cindex visibility, initialize
@vindex org-startup-folded
@vindex org-agenda-inhibit-startup
@cindex @code{overview}, STARTUP keyword
@cindex @code{content}, STARTUP keyword
@cindex @code{showall}, STARTUP keyword
@cindex @code{showeverything}, STARTUP keyword

When Emacs first visits an Org file, the global state is set to OVERVIEW,
i.e., only the top level headlines are visible@footnote{When
@code{org-agenda-inhibit-startup} is non-@code{nil}, Org will not honor the default
visibility state when first opening a file for the agenda (@pxref{Speeding up
your agendas}).}.  This can be configured through the variable
@code{org-startup-folded}, or on a per-file basis by adding one of the
following lines anywhere in the buffer:

@example
#+STARTUP: overview
#+STARTUP: content
#+STARTUP: showall
#+STARTUP: showeverything
@end example

@cindex property, VISIBILITY
@noindent
Furthermore, any entries with a @samp{VISIBILITY} property (@pxref{Properties
and columns}) will get their visibility adapted accordingly.  Allowed values
for this property are @code{folded}, @code{children}, @code{content}, and
@code{all}.

@table @asis
@orgcmd{C-u C-u @key{TAB},org-set-startup-visibility}
Switch back to the startup visibility of the buffer, i.e., whatever is
requested by startup options and @samp{VISIBILITY} properties in individual
entries.
@end table

@node Catching invisible edits
@subsection Catching invisible edits

@vindex org-catch-invisible-edits
@cindex edits, catching invisible
Sometimes you may inadvertently edit an invisible part of the buffer and be
confused on what has been edited and how to undo the mistake.  Setting
@code{org-catch-invisible-edits} to non-@code{nil} will help prevent this.  See the
docstring of this option on how Org should catch invisible edits and process
them.

@node Motion
@section Motion
@cindex motion, between headlines
@cindex jumping, to headlines
@cindex headline navigation
The following commands jump to other headlines in the buffer.

@table @asis
@orgcmd{C-c C-n,org-next-visible-heading}
Next heading.
@orgcmd{C-c C-p,org-previous-visible-heading}
Previous heading.
@orgcmd{C-c C-f,org-forward-same-level}
Next heading same level.
@orgcmd{C-c C-b,org-backward-same-level}
Previous heading same level.
@orgcmd{C-c C-u,outline-up-heading}
Backward to higher level heading.
@orgcmd{C-c C-j,org-goto}
Jump to a different place without changing the current outline
visibility.  Shows the document structure in a temporary buffer, where
you can use the following keys to find your destination:
@vindex org-goto-auto-isearch
@example
@key{TAB}         @r{Cycle visibility.}
@key{down} / @key{up}   @r{Next/previous visible headline.}
@key{RET}         @r{Select this location.}
@kbd{/}           @r{Do a Sparse-tree search}
@r{The following keys work if you turn off @code{org-goto-auto-isearch}}
n / p        @r{Next/previous visible headline.}
f / b        @r{Next/previous headline same level.}
u            @r{One level up.}
0-9          @r{Digit argument.}
q            @r{Quit}
@end example
@vindex org-goto-interface
@noindent
See also the option @code{org-goto-interface}.
@end table

@node Structure editing
@section Structure editing
@cindex structure editing
@cindex headline, promotion and demotion
@cindex promotion, of subtrees
@cindex demotion, of subtrees
@cindex subtree, cut and paste
@cindex pasting, of subtrees
@cindex cutting, of subtrees
@cindex copying, of subtrees
@cindex sorting, of subtrees
@cindex subtrees, cut and paste

@table @asis
@orgcmd{M-@key{RET},org-meta-return}
@vindex org-M-RET-may-split-line
Insert a new heading, item or row.

If the command is used at the @emph{beginning} of a line, and if there is
a heading or a plain list item (@pxref{Plain lists}) at point, the new
heading/item is created @emph{before} the current line.  When used at the
beginning of a regular line of text, turn that line into a heading.

When this command is used in the middle of a line, the line is split and the
rest of the line becomes the new item or headline.  If you do not want the
line to be split, customize @code{org-M-RET-may-split-line}.

Calling the command with a @kbd{C-u} prefix unconditionally inserts a new
heading at the end of the current subtree, thus preserving its contents.
With a double @kbd{C-u C-u} prefix, the new heading is created at the end of
the parent subtree instead.
@orgcmd{C-@key{RET},org-insert-heading-respect-content}
Insert a new heading at the end of the current subtree.
@orgcmd{M-S-@key{RET},org-insert-todo-heading}
@vindex org-treat-insert-todo-heading-as-state-change
Insert new TODO entry with same level as current heading.  See also the
variable @code{org-treat-insert-todo-heading-as-state-change}.
@orgcmd{C-S-@key{RET},org-insert-todo-heading-respect-content}
Insert new TODO entry with same level as current heading.  Like
@kbd{C-@key{RET}}, the new headline will be inserted after the current
subtree.
@orgcmd{@key{TAB},org-cycle}
In a new entry with no text yet, the first @key{TAB} demotes the entry to
become a child of the previous one.  The next @key{TAB} makes it a parent,
and so on, all the way to top level.  Yet another @key{TAB}, and you are back
to the initial level.
@orgcmd{M-@key{left},org-do-promote}
Promote current heading by one level.
@orgcmd{M-@key{right},org-do-demote}
Demote current heading by one level.
@orgcmd{M-S-@key{left},org-promote-subtree}
Promote the current subtree by one level.
@orgcmd{M-S-@key{right},org-demote-subtree}
Demote the current subtree by one level.
@orgcmd{M-@key{up},org-move-subtree-up}
Move subtree up (swap with previous subtree of same
level).
@orgcmd{M-@key{down},org-move-subtree-down}
Move subtree down (swap with next subtree of same level).
@orgcmd{M-h,org-mark-element}
Mark the element at point.  Hitting repeatedly will mark subsequent elements
of the one just marked.  E.g., hitting @key{M-h} on a paragraph will mark it,
hitting @key{M-h} immediately again will mark the next one.
@orgcmd{C-c @@,org-mark-subtree}
Mark the subtree at point.  Hitting repeatedly will mark subsequent subtrees
of the same level than the marked subtree.
@orgcmd{C-c C-x C-w,org-cut-subtree}
Kill subtree, i.e., remove it from buffer but save in kill ring.
With a numeric prefix argument N, kill N sequential subtrees.
@orgcmd{C-c C-x M-w,org-copy-subtree}
Copy subtree to kill ring.  With a numeric prefix argument N, copy the N
sequential subtrees.
@orgcmd{C-c C-x C-y,org-paste-subtree}
Yank subtree from kill ring.  This does modify the level of the subtree to
make sure the tree fits in nicely at the yank position.  The yank level can
also be specified with a numeric prefix argument, or by yanking after a
headline marker like @samp{****}.
@orgcmd{C-y,org-yank}
@vindex org-yank-adjusted-subtrees
@vindex org-yank-folded-subtrees
Depending on the options @code{org-yank-adjusted-subtrees} and
@code{org-yank-folded-subtrees}, Org's internal @code{yank} command will
paste subtrees folded and in a clever way, using the same command as @kbd{C-c
C-x C-y}.  With the default settings, no level adjustment will take place,
but the yanked tree will be folded unless doing so would swallow text
previously visible.  Any prefix argument to this command will force a normal
@code{yank} to be executed, with the prefix passed along.  A good way to
force a normal yank is @kbd{C-u C-y}.  If you use @code{yank-pop} after a
yank, it will yank previous kill items plainly, without adjustment and
folding.
@orgcmd{C-c C-x c,org-clone-subtree-with-time-shift}
Clone a subtree by making a number of sibling copies of it.  You will be
prompted for the number of copies to make, and you can also specify if any
timestamps in the entry should be shifted.  This can be useful, for example,
to create a number of tasks related to a series of lectures to prepare.  For
more details, see the docstring of the command
@code{org-clone-subtree-with-time-shift}.
@orgcmd{C-c C-w,org-refile}
Refile entry or region to a different location.  @xref{Refile and copy}.
@orgcmd{C-c ^,org-sort}
Sort same-level entries.  When there is an active region, all entries in the
region will be sorted.  Otherwise the children of the current headline are
sorted.  The command prompts for the sorting method, which can be
alphabetically, numerically, by time (first timestamp with active preferred,
creation time, scheduled time, deadline time), by priority, by TODO keyword
(in the sequence the keywords have been defined in the setup) or by the value
of a property.  Reverse sorting is possible as well.  You can also supply
your own function to extract the sorting key.  With a @kbd{C-u} prefix,
sorting will be case-sensitive.
@orgcmd{C-x n s,org-narrow-to-subtree}
Narrow buffer to current subtree.
@orgcmd{C-x n b,org-narrow-to-block}
Narrow buffer to current block.
@orgcmd{C-x n w,widen}
Widen buffer to remove narrowing.
@orgcmd{C-c *,org-toggle-heading}
Turn a normal line or plain list item into a headline (so that it becomes a
subheading at its location).  Also turn a headline into a normal line by
removing the stars.  If there is an active region, turn all lines in the
region into headlines.  If the first line in the region was an item, turn
only the item lines into headlines.  Finally, if the first line is a
headline, remove the stars from all headlines in the region.
@end table

@cindex region, active
@cindex active region
@cindex transient mark mode
When there is an active region (Transient Mark mode), promotion and
demotion work on all headlines in the region.  To select a region of
headlines, it is best to place both point and mark at the beginning of a
line, mark at the beginning of the first headline, and point at the line
just after the last headline to change.  Note that when the cursor is
inside a table (@pxref{Tables}), the Meta-Cursor keys have different
functionality.


@node Sparse trees
@section Sparse trees
@cindex sparse trees
@cindex trees, sparse
@cindex folding, sparse trees
@cindex occur, command

@vindex org-show-context-detail
An important feature of Org mode is the ability to construct @emph{sparse
trees} for selected information in an outline tree, so that the entire
document is folded as much as possible, but the selected information is made
visible along with the headline structure above it@footnote{See also the
variable @code{org-show-context-detail} to decide how much context is shown
around each match.}.  Just try it out and you will see immediately how it
works.

Org mode contains several commands for creating such trees, all these
commands can be accessed through a dispatcher:

@table @asis
@orgcmd{C-c /,org-sparse-tree}
This prompts for an extra key to select a sparse-tree creating command.
@orgcmdkkc{C-c / r,C-c / /,org-occur}
@vindex org-remove-highlights-with-change
Prompts for a regexp and shows a sparse tree with all matches.  If
the match is in a headline, the headline is made visible.  If the match is in
the body of an entry, headline and body are made visible.  In order to
provide minimal context, also the full hierarchy of headlines above the match
is shown, as well as the headline following the match.  Each match is also
highlighted; the highlights disappear when the buffer is changed by an
editing command@footnote{This depends on the option
@code{org-remove-highlights-with-change}}, or by pressing @kbd{C-c C-c}.
When called with a @kbd{C-u} prefix argument, previous highlights are kept,
so several calls to this command can be stacked.
@orgcmdkkc{M-g n,M-g M-n,next-error}
Jump to the next sparse tree match in this buffer.
@orgcmdkkc{M-g p,M-g M-p,previous-error}
Jump to the previous sparse tree match in this buffer.
@end table

@noindent
@vindex org-agenda-custom-commands
For frequently used sparse trees of specific search strings, you can
use the option @code{org-agenda-custom-commands} to define fast
keyboard access to specific sparse trees.  These commands will then be
accessible through the agenda dispatcher (@pxref{Agenda dispatcher}).
For example:

@lisp
(setq org-agenda-custom-commands
      '(("f" occur-tree "FIXME")))
@end lisp

@noindent will define the key @kbd{C-c a f} as a shortcut for creating
a sparse tree matching the string @samp{FIXME}.

The other sparse tree commands select headings based on TODO keywords,
tags, or properties and will be discussed later in this manual.

@kindex C-c C-e C-v
@cindex printing sparse trees
@cindex visible text, printing
To print a sparse tree, you can use the Emacs command
@code{ps-print-buffer-with-faces} which does not print invisible parts of the
document.  Or you can use @kbd{C-c C-e C-v} to export only the visible part
of the document and print the resulting file.

@node Plain lists
@section Plain lists
@cindex plain lists
@cindex lists, plain
@cindex lists, ordered
@cindex ordered lists

Within an entry of the outline tree, hand-formatted lists can provide
additional structure.  They also provide a way to create lists of checkboxes
(@pxref{Checkboxes}).  Org supports editing such lists, and every exporter
(@pxref{Exporting}) can parse and format them.

Org knows ordered lists, unordered lists, and description lists.
@itemize @bullet
@item
@emph{Unordered} list items start with @samp{-}, @samp{+}, or
@samp{*}@footnote{When using @samp{*} as a bullet, lines must be indented or
they will be seen as top-level headlines.  Also, when you are hiding leading
stars to get a clean outline view, plain list items starting with a star may
be hard to distinguish from true headlines.  In short: even though @samp{*}
is supported, it may be better to not use it for plain list items.}  as
bullets.
@item
@vindex org-plain-list-ordered-item-terminator
@vindex org-list-allow-alphabetical
@emph{Ordered} list items start with a numeral followed by either a period or
a right parenthesis@footnote{You can filter out any of them by configuring
@code{org-plain-list-ordered-item-terminator}.}, such as @samp{1.} or
@samp{1)}@footnote{You can also get @samp{a.}, @samp{A.}, @samp{a)} and
@samp{A)} by configuring @code{org-list-allow-alphabetical}.  To minimize
confusion with normal text, those are limited to one character only.  Beyond
that limit, bullets will automatically fallback to numbers.}.  If you want a
list to start with a different value (e.g., 20), start the text of the item
with @code{[@@20]}@footnote{If there's a checkbox in the item, the cookie
must be put @emph{before} the checkbox.  If you have activated alphabetical
lists, you can also use counters like @code{[@@b]}.}.  Those constructs can
be used in any item of the list in order to enforce a particular numbering.
@item
@emph{Description} list items are unordered list items, and contain the
separator @samp{ :: } to distinguish the description @emph{term} from the
description.
@end itemize

Items belonging to the same list must have the same indentation on the first
line.  In particular, if an ordered list reaches number @samp{10.}, then the
2--digit numbers must be written left-aligned with the other numbers in the
list.  An item ends before the next line that is less or equally indented
than its bullet/number.

A list ends whenever every item has ended, which means before any line less
or equally indented than items at top level.  It also ends before two blank
lines.  In that case, all items are closed.  Here is an example:

@example
@group
** Lord of the Rings
   My favorite scenes are (in this order)
   1. The attack of the Rohirrim
   2. Eowyn's fight with the witch king
      + this was already my favorite scene in the book
      + I really like Miranda Otto.
   3. Peter Jackson being shot by Legolas
      - on DVD only
      He makes a really funny face when it happens.
   But in the end, no individual scenes matter but the film as a whole.
   Important actors in this film are:
   - @b{Elijah Wood} :: He plays Frodo
   - @b{Sean Astin} :: He plays Sam, Frodo's friend.  I still remember
     him very well from his role as Mikey Walsh in @i{The Goonies}.
@end group
@end example

Org supports these lists by tuning filling and wrapping commands to deal with
them correctly, and by exporting them properly (@pxref{Exporting}).  Since
indentation is what governs the structure of these lists, many structural
constructs like @code{#+BEGIN_...} blocks can be indented to signal that they
belong to a particular item.

@vindex org-list-demote-modify-bullet
@vindex org-list-indent-offset
If you find that using a different bullet for a sub-list (than that used for
the current list-level) improves readability, customize the variable
@code{org-list-demote-modify-bullet}.  To get a greater difference of
indentation between items and their sub-items, customize
@code{org-list-indent-offset}.

@vindex org-list-automatic-rules
The following commands act on items when the cursor is in the first line of
an item (the line with the bullet or number).  Some of them imply the
application of automatic rules to keep list structure intact.  If some of
these actions get in your way, configure @code{org-list-automatic-rules}
to disable them individually.

@table @asis
@orgcmd{@key{TAB},org-cycle}
@cindex cycling, in plain lists
@vindex org-cycle-include-plain-lists
Items can be folded just like headline levels.  Normally this works only if
the cursor is on a plain list item.  For more details, see the variable
@code{org-cycle-include-plain-lists}.  If this variable is set to
@code{integrate}, plain list items will be treated like low-level
headlines.  The level of an item is then given by the indentation of the
bullet/number.  Items are always subordinate to real headlines, however; the
hierarchies remain completely separated.  In a new item with no text yet, the
first @key{TAB} demotes the item to become a child of the previous
one.  Subsequent @key{TAB}s move the item to meaningful levels in the list
and eventually get it back to its initial position.
@orgcmd{M-@key{RET},org-insert-heading}
@vindex org-M-RET-may-split-line
@vindex org-list-automatic-rules
Insert new item at current level.  With a prefix argument, force a new
heading (@pxref{Structure editing}).  If this command is used in the middle
of an item, that item is @emph{split} in two, and the second part becomes the
new item@footnote{If you do not want the item to be split, customize the
variable @code{org-M-RET-may-split-line}.}.  If this command is executed
@emph{before item's body}, the new item is created @emph{before} the current
one.
@end table

@table @kbd
@kindex M-S-@key{RET}
@item M-S-@key{RET}
Insert a new item with a checkbox (@pxref{Checkboxes}).
@kindex S-@key{down}
@item S-up
@itemx S-down
@cindex shift-selection-mode
@vindex org-support-shift-select
@vindex org-list-use-circular-motion
Jump to the previous/next item in the current list@footnote{If you want to
cycle around items that way, you may customize
@code{org-list-use-circular-motion}.}, but only if
@code{org-support-shift-select} is off.  If not, you can still use paragraph
jumping commands like @kbd{C-@key{up}} and @kbd{C-@key{down}} to quite
similar effect.
@kindex M-@key{up}
@kindex M-@key{down}
@item M-up
@itemx M-down
Move the item including subitems up/down@footnote{See
@code{org-list-use-circular-motion} for a cyclic behavior.} (swap with
previous/next item of same indentation).  If the list is ordered, renumbering
is automatic.
@kindex M-@key{left}
@kindex M-@key{right}
@item M-left
@itemx M-right
Decrease/increase the indentation of an item, leaving children alone.
@kindex M-S-@key{left}
@kindex M-S-@key{right}
@item M-S-@key{left}
@itemx M-S-@key{right}
Decrease/increase the indentation of the item, including subitems.
Initially, the item tree is selected based on current indentation.  When
these commands are executed several times in direct succession, the initially
selected region is used, even if the new indentation would imply a different
hierarchy.  To use the new hierarchy, break the command chain with a cursor
motion or so.

As a special case, using this command on the very first item of a list will
move the whole list.  This behavior can be disabled by configuring
@code{org-list-automatic-rules}.  The global indentation of a list has no
influence on the text @emph{after} the list.
@kindex C-c C-c
@item C-c C-c
If there is a checkbox (@pxref{Checkboxes}) in the item line, toggle the
state of the checkbox.  In any case, verify bullets and indentation
consistency in the whole list.
@kindex C-c -
@vindex org-plain-list-ordered-item-terminator
@item C-c -
Cycle the entire list level through the different itemize/enumerate bullets
(@samp{-}, @samp{+}, @samp{*}, @samp{1.}, @samp{1)}) or a subset of them,
depending on @code{org-plain-list-ordered-item-terminator}, the type of list,
and its indentation.  With a numeric prefix argument N, select the Nth bullet
from this list.  If there is an active region when calling this, all selected
lines are converted to list items.  With a prefix argument, selected text is
changed into a single item.  If the first line already was a list item, any
item marker will be removed from the list.  Finally, even without an active
region, a normal line will be converted into a list item.
@kindex C-c *
@item C-c *
Turn a plain list item into a headline (so that it becomes a subheading at
its location).  @xref{Structure editing}, for a detailed explanation.
@kindex C-c C-*
@item C-c C-*
Turn the whole plain list into a subtree of the current heading.  Checkboxes
(@pxref{Checkboxes}) will become TODO (resp. DONE) keywords when unchecked
(resp. checked).
@kindex S-@key{left}
@kindex S-@key{right}
@item S-left/right
@vindex org-support-shift-select
This command also cycles bullet styles when the cursor in on the bullet or
anywhere in an item line, details depending on
@code{org-support-shift-select}.
@kindex C-c ^
@cindex sorting, of plain list
@item C-c ^
Sort the plain list.  You will be prompted for the sorting method:
numerically, alphabetically, by time, by checked status for check lists,
or by a custom function.
@end table

@node Drawers
@section Drawers
@cindex drawers
@cindex visibility cycling, drawers

@cindex org-insert-drawer
@kindex C-c C-x d
Sometimes you want to keep information associated with an entry, but you
normally don't want to see it.  For this, Org mode has @emph{drawers}.  They
can contain anything but a headline and another drawer.  Drawers look like
this:

@example
** This is a headline
   Still outside the drawer
   :DRAWERNAME:
   This is inside the drawer.
   :END:
   After the drawer.
@end example

You can interactively insert drawers at point by calling
@code{org-insert-drawer}, which is bound to @key{C-c C-x d}.  With an active
region, this command will put the region inside the drawer.  With a prefix
argument, this command calls @code{org-insert-property-drawer} and add
a property drawer right below the current headline.  Completion over drawer
keywords is also possible using @kbd{M-@key{TAB}}@footnote{Many desktops
intercept @kbd{M-@key{TAB}} to switch windows.  Use @kbd{C-M-i} or
@kbd{@key{ESC} @key{TAB}} instead for completion (@pxref{Completion}).}.

Visibility cycling (@pxref{Visibility cycling}) on the headline will hide and
show the entry, but keep the drawer collapsed to a single line.  In order to
look inside the drawer, you need to move the cursor to the drawer line and
press @key{TAB} there.  Org mode uses the @code{PROPERTIES} drawer for
storing properties (@pxref{Properties and columns}), and you can also arrange
for state change notes (@pxref{Tracking TODO state changes}) and clock times
(@pxref{Clocking work time}) to be stored in a drawer @code{LOGBOOK}.  If you
want to store a quick note in the LOGBOOK drawer, in a similar way to state
changes, use

@table @kbd
@kindex C-c C-z
@item C-c C-z
Add a time-stamped note to the LOGBOOK drawer.
@end table

@vindex org-export-with-drawers
@vindex org-export-with-properties
You can select the name of the drawers which should be exported with
@code{org-export-with-drawers}.  In that case, drawer contents will appear in
export output.  Property drawers are not affected by this variable: configure
@code{org-export-with-properties} instead.

@node Blocks
@section Blocks

@vindex org-hide-block-startup
@cindex blocks, folding
Org mode uses begin...end blocks for various purposes from including source
code examples (@pxref{Literal examples}) to capturing time logging
information (@pxref{Clocking work time}).  These blocks can be folded and
unfolded by pressing TAB in the begin line.  You can also get all blocks
folded at startup by configuring the option @code{org-hide-block-startup}
or on a per-file basis by using

@cindex @code{hideblocks}, STARTUP keyword
@cindex @code{nohideblocks}, STARTUP keyword
@example
#+STARTUP: hideblocks
#+STARTUP: nohideblocks
@end example

@node Footnotes
@section Footnotes
@cindex footnotes

Org mode supports the creation of footnotes.

A footnote is started by a footnote marker in square brackets in column 0, no
indentation allowed.  It ends at the next footnote definition, headline, or
after two consecutive empty lines.  The footnote reference is simply the
marker in square brackets, inside text.  Markers always start with
@code{fn:}.  For example:

@example
The Org homepage[fn:1] now looks a lot better than it used to.
...
[fn:1] The link is: https://orgmode.org
@end example

Org mode extends the number-based syntax to @emph{named} footnotes and
optional inline definition.  Here are the valid references:

@table @code
@item [fn:name]
A named footnote reference, where @code{name} is a unique label word, or, for
simplicity of automatic creation, a number.
@item [fn::This is the inline definition of this footnote]
A @LaTeX{}-like anonymous footnote where the definition is given directly at the
reference point.
@item [fn:name:a definition]
An inline definition of a footnote, which also specifies a name for the note.
Since Org allows multiple references to the same note, you can then use
@code{[fn:name]} to create additional references.
@end table

@vindex org-footnote-auto-label
Footnote labels can be created automatically, or you can create names yourself.
This is handled by the variable @code{org-footnote-auto-label} and its
corresponding @code{#+STARTUP} keywords.  See the docstring of that variable
for details.

@noindent The following command handles footnotes:

@table @kbd
@kindex C-c C-x f
@item C-c C-x f
The footnote action command.

When the cursor is on a footnote reference, jump to the definition.  When it
is at a definition, jump to the (first) reference.

@vindex org-footnote-define-inline
@vindex org-footnote-section
@vindex org-footnote-auto-adjust
Otherwise, create a new footnote.  Depending on the option
@code{org-footnote-define-inline}@footnote{The corresponding in-buffer
setting is: @code{#+STARTUP: fninline} or @code{#+STARTUP: nofninline}}, the
definition will be placed right into the text as part of the reference, or
separately into the location determined by the option
@code{org-footnote-section}.

When this command is called with a prefix argument, a menu of additional
options is offered:
@example
s   @r{Sort the footnote definitions by reference sequence.  During editing,}
    @r{Org makes no effort to sort footnote definitions into a particular}
    @r{sequence.  If you want them sorted, use this command, which will}
    @r{also move entries according to @code{org-footnote-section}.  Automatic}
    @r{sorting after each insertion/deletion can be configured using the}
    @r{option @code{org-footnote-auto-adjust}.}
r   @r{Renumber the simple @code{fn:N} footnotes.  Automatic renumbering}
    @r{after each insertion/deletion can be configured using the option}
    @r{@code{org-footnote-auto-adjust}.}
S   @r{Short for first @code{r}, then @code{s} action.}
n   @r{Normalize the footnotes by collecting all definitions (including}
    @r{inline definitions) into a special section, and then numbering them}
    @r{in sequence.  The references will then also be numbers.}
d   @r{Delete the footnote at point, and all definitions of and references}
    @r{to it.}
@end example
Depending on the variable @code{org-footnote-auto-adjust}@footnote{the
corresponding in-buffer options are @code{fnadjust} and @code{nofnadjust}.},
renumbering and sorting footnotes can be automatic after each insertion or
deletion.

@kindex C-c C-c
@item C-c C-c
If the cursor is on a footnote reference, jump to the definition.  If it is a
the definition, jump back to the reference.  When called at a footnote
location with a prefix argument, offer the same menu as @kbd{C-c C-x f}.
@kindex C-c C-o
@kindex mouse-1
@kindex mouse-2
@item C-c C-o  @r{or} mouse-1/2
Footnote labels are also links to the corresponding definition/reference, and
you can use the usual commands to follow these links.

@vindex org-edit-footnote-reference
@kindex C-c '
@item C-c '
@item C-c '
Edit the footnote definition corresponding to the reference at point in
a separate window.  The window can be closed by pressing @kbd{C-c '}.

@end table

@node Org syntax
@section Org syntax
@cindex Org syntax

A reference document providing a formal description of Org's syntax is
available as @uref{https://orgmode.org/worg/dev/org-syntax.html, a draft on
Worg}, written and maintained by Nicolas Goaziou.  It defines Org's core
internal concepts such as @code{headlines}, @code{sections}, @code{affiliated
keywords}, @code{(greater) elements} and @code{objects}.  Each part of an Org
file falls into one of the categories above.

To explore the abstract structure of an Org buffer, run this in a buffer:

@lisp
M-: (org-element-parse-buffer) RET
@end lisp

It will output a list containing the buffer's content represented as an
abstract structure.  The export engine relies on the information stored in
this list.  Most interactive commands (e.g., for structure editing) also
rely on the syntactic meaning of the surrounding context.

@cindex syntax checker
@cindex linter
You can check syntax in your documents using @code{org-lint} command.

@node Tables
@chapter Tables
@cindex tables
@cindex editing tables

Org comes with a fast and intuitive table editor.  Spreadsheet-like
calculations are supported using the Emacs @file{calc} package
(@pxref{Top, Calc, , calc, Gnu Emacs Calculator Manual}).

@menu
* Built-in table editor::       Simple tables
* Column width and alignment::  Overrule the automatic settings
* Column groups::               Grouping to trigger vertical lines
* Orgtbl mode::                 The table editor as minor mode
* The spreadsheet::             The table editor has spreadsheet capabilities
* Org-Plot::                    Plotting from org tables
@end menu

@node Built-in table editor
@section The built-in table editor
@cindex table editor, built-in

Org makes it easy to format tables in plain ASCII@.  Any line with @samp{|} as
the first non-whitespace character is considered part of a table.  @samp{|}
is also the column separator@footnote{To insert a vertical bar into a table
field, use @code{\vert} or, inside a word @code{abc\vert@{@}def}.}.  A table
might look like this:

@example
| Name  | Phone | Age |
|-------+-------+-----|
| Peter |  1234 |  17 |
| Anna  |  4321 |  25 |
@end example

A table is re-aligned automatically each time you press @key{TAB} or
@key{RET} or @kbd{C-c C-c} inside the table.  @key{TAB} also moves to
the next field (@key{RET} to the next row) and creates new table rows
at the end of the table or before horizontal lines.  The indentation
of the table is set by the first line.  Any line starting with
@samp{|-} is considered as a horizontal separator line and will be
expanded on the next re-align to span the whole table width.  So, to
create the above table, you would only type

@example
|Name|Phone|Age|
|-
@end example

@noindent and then press @key{TAB} to align the table and start filling in
fields.  Even faster would be to type @code{|Name|Phone|Age} followed by
@kbd{C-c @key{RET}}.

@vindex org-table-auto-blank-field
When typing text into a field, Org treats @key{DEL}, @key{Backspace}, and all
character keys in a special way, so that inserting and deleting avoids
shifting other fields.  Also, when typing @emph{immediately after the cursor
was moved into a new field with @kbd{@key{TAB}}, @kbd{S-@key{TAB}} or
@kbd{@key{RET}}}, the field is automatically made blank.  If this behavior is
too unpredictable for you, configure the option
@code{org-table-auto-blank-field}.

@table @kbd
@tsubheading{Creation and conversion}
@orgcmd{C-c |,org-table-create-or-convert-from-region}
Convert the active region to a table.  If every line contains at least one
TAB character, the function assumes that the material is tab separated.
If every line contains a comma, comma-separated values (CSV) are assumed.
If not, lines are split at whitespace into fields.  You can use a prefix
argument to force a specific separator: @kbd{C-u} forces CSV, @kbd{C-u
C-u} forces TAB, @kbd{C-u C-u C-u} will prompt for a regular expression to
match the separator, and a numeric argument N indicates that at least N
consecutive spaces, or alternatively a TAB will be the separator.
@*
If there is no active region, this command creates an empty Org
table.  But it is easier just to start typing, like
@kbd{|Name|Phone|Age @key{RET} |- @key{TAB}}.

@tsubheading{Re-aligning and field motion}
@orgcmd{C-c C-c,org-table-align}
Re-align the table and don't move to another field.
@c
@orgcmd{C-c SPC,org-table-blank-field}
Blank the field at point.
@c
@orgcmd{TAB,org-table-next-field}
Re-align the table, move to the next field.  Creates a new row if
necessary.
@c
@orgcmd{S-@key{TAB},org-table-previous-field}
Re-align, move to previous field.
@c
@orgcmd{@key{RET},org-table-next-row}
Re-align the table and move down to next row.  Creates a new row if
necessary.  At the beginning or end of a line, @key{RET} still does
NEWLINE, so it can be used to split a table.
@c
@orgcmd{M-a,org-table-beginning-of-field}
Move to beginning of the current table field, or on to the previous field.
@orgcmd{M-e,org-table-end-of-field}
Move to end of the current table field, or on to the next field.

@tsubheading{Column and row editing}
@orgcmdkkcc{M-@key{left},M-@key{right},org-table-move-column-left,org-table-move-column-right}
Move the current column left/right.
@c
@orgcmd{M-S-@key{left},org-table-delete-column}
Kill the current column.
@c
@orgcmd{M-S-@key{right},org-table-insert-column}
Insert a new column to the left of the cursor position.
@c
@orgcmdkkcc{M-@key{up},M-@key{down},org-table-move-row-up,org-table-move-row-down}
Move the current row up/down.
@c
@orgcmd{M-S-@key{up},org-table-kill-row}
Kill the current row or horizontal line.
@c
@orgcmd{M-S-@key{down},org-table-insert-row}
Insert a new row above the current row.  With a prefix argument, the line is
created below the current one.
@c
@orgcmd{C-c -,org-table-insert-hline}
Insert a horizontal line below current row.  With a prefix argument, the line
is created above the current line.
@c
@orgcmd{C-c @key{RET},org-table-hline-and-move}
Insert a horizontal line below current row, and move the cursor into the row
below that line.
@c
@orgcmd{C-c ^,org-table-sort-lines}
Sort the table lines in the region.  The position of point indicates the
column to be used for sorting, and the range of lines is the range
between the nearest horizontal separator lines, or the entire table.  If
point is before the first column, you will be prompted for the sorting
column.  If there is an active region, the mark specifies the first line
and the sorting column, while point should be in the last line to be
included into the sorting.  The command prompts for the sorting type
(alphabetically, numerically, or by time).  You can sort in normal or
reverse order.  You can also supply your own key extraction and comparison
functions.  When called with a prefix argument, alphabetic sorting will be
case-sensitive.

@tsubheading{Regions}
@orgcmd{C-c C-x M-w,org-table-copy-region}
Copy a rectangular region from a table to a special clipboard.  Point and
mark determine edge fields of the rectangle.  If there is no active region,
copy just the current field.  The process ignores horizontal separator lines.
@c
@orgcmd{C-c C-x C-w,org-table-cut-region}
Copy a rectangular region from a table to a special clipboard, and
blank all fields in the rectangle.  So this is the ``cut'' operation.
@c
@orgcmd{C-c C-x C-y,org-table-paste-rectangle}
Paste a rectangular region into a table.
The upper left corner ends up in the current field.  All involved fields
will be overwritten.  If the rectangle does not fit into the present table,
the table is enlarged as needed.  The process ignores horizontal separator
lines.
@c
@orgcmd{M-@key{RET},org-table-wrap-region}
Split the current field at the cursor position and move the rest to the line
below.  If there is an active region, and both point and mark are in the same
column, the text in the column is wrapped to minimum width for the given
number of lines.  A numeric prefix argument may be used to change the number
of desired lines.  If there is no region, but you specify a prefix argument,
the current field is made blank, and the content is appended to the field
above.

@tsubheading{Calculations}
@cindex formula, in tables
@cindex calculations, in tables
@cindex region, active
@cindex active region
@cindex transient mark mode
@orgcmd{C-c +,org-table-sum}
Sum the numbers in the current column, or in the rectangle defined by
the active region.  The result is shown in the echo area and can
be inserted with @kbd{C-y}.
@c
@orgcmd{S-@key{RET},org-table-copy-down}
@vindex org-table-copy-increment
When current field is empty, copy from first non-empty field above.  When not
empty, copy current field down to next row and move cursor along with it.
Depending on the option @code{org-table-copy-increment}, integer field
values will be incremented during copy.  Integers that are too large will not
be incremented.  Also, a @code{0} prefix argument temporarily disables the
increment.  This key is also used by shift-selection and related modes
(@pxref{Conflicts}).

@tsubheading{Miscellaneous}
@orgcmd{C-c `,org-table-edit-field}
Edit the current field in a separate window.  This is useful for fields that
are not fully visible (@pxref{Column width and alignment}).  When called with
a @kbd{C-u} prefix, just make the full field visible, so that it can be
edited in place.  When called with two @kbd{C-u} prefixes, make the editor
window follow the cursor through the table and always show the current
field.  The follow mode exits automatically when the cursor leaves the table,
or when you repeat this command with @kbd{C-u C-u C-c `}.
@c
@item M-x org-table-import RET
Import a file as a table.  The table should be TAB or whitespace
separated.  Use, for example, to import a spreadsheet table or data
from a database, because these programs generally can write
TAB-separated text files.  This command works by inserting the file into
the buffer and then converting the region to a table.  Any prefix
argument is passed on to the converter, which uses it to determine the
separator.
@orgcmd{C-c |,org-table-create-or-convert-from-region}
Tables can also be imported by pasting tabular text into the Org
buffer, selecting the pasted text with @kbd{C-x C-x} and then using the
@kbd{C-c |} command (see above under @i{Creation and conversion}).
@c
@item M-x org-table-export RET
@findex org-table-export
@vindex org-table-export-default-format
Export the table, by default as a TAB-separated file.  Use for data
exchange with, for example, spreadsheet or database programs.  The format
used to export the file can be configured in the option
@code{org-table-export-default-format}.  You may also use properties
@code{TABLE_EXPORT_FILE} and @code{TABLE_EXPORT_FORMAT} to specify the file
name and the format for table export in a subtree.  Org supports quite
general formats for exported tables.  The exporter format is the same as the
format used by Orgtbl radio tables, see @ref{Translator functions}, for a
detailed description.
@end table

@node Column width and alignment
@section Column width and alignment
@cindex narrow columns in tables
@cindex alignment in tables

The width of columns is automatically determined by the table editor.  The
alignment of a column is determined automatically from the fraction of
number-like versus non-number fields in the column.

@vindex org-table-automatic-realign
Editing a field may modify alignment of the table.  Moving a contiguous row
or column---i.e., using @kbd{TAB} or @kbd{RET}---automatically re-aligns it.
If you want to disable this behavior, set @code{org-table-automatic-realign}
to @code{nil}.  In any case, you can always align manually a table:

@table @asis
@orgcmd{C-c C-c,org-table-align}
Align the current table.
@end table

@vindex org-startup-align-all-tables
@noindent
Setting the option @code{org-startup-align-all-tables} re-aligns all tables
in a file upon visiting it.  You can also set this option on a per-file basis
with:

@example
#+STARTUP: align
#+STARTUP: noalign
@end example

Sometimes a single field or a few fields need to carry more text, leading to
inconveniently wide columns.  Maybe you want to hide away several columns or
display them with a fixed width, regardless of content, as shown in the
following example.

@example
@group
|---+---------------------+--------|           |---+-------@dots{}|@dots{}|
|   | <6>                 |        |           |   | <6>   @dots{}|@dots{}|
| 1 | one                 | some   |   ----\   | 1 | one   @dots{}|@dots{}|
| 2 | two                 | boring |   ----/   | 2 | two   @dots{}|@dots{}|
| 3 | This is a long text | column |           | 3 | This i@dots{}|@dots{}|
|---+---------------------+--------|           |---+-------@dots{}|@dots{}|
@end group
@end example

To set the width of a column, one field anywhere in the column may contain
just the string @samp{<N>} where @samp{N} specifies the width as a number of
characters.  You control displayed width of columns with the following tools:

@table @asis
@orgcmd{C-c @key{TAB},org-table-toggle-column-width}
Shrink or expand current column.

If a width cookie specifies a width W for the column, shrinking it displays
the first W visible characters only.  Otherwise, the column is shrunk to
a single character.

When called before the first column or after the last one, ask for a list of
column ranges to operate on.

@orgcmd{C-u C-c @key{TAB},org-table-shrink}
Shrink all columns with a column width.  Expand the others.

@orgcmd{C-u C-u C-c @key{TAB},org-table-expand}
Expand all columns.
@end table

To see the full text of a shrunk field, hold the mouse over it---a tool-tip
window then shows the full content.  Alternatively @kbd{C-h .}
(@code{display-local-help}) reveals the full content.  For convenience, any
change to a shrunk column expands it.

@vindex org-startup-shrink-all-tables
Setting the option @code{org-startup-shrink-all-tables} shrinks all columns
containing a width cookie in a file the moment it is visited.  You can also
set this option on a per-file basis with:

@example
#+STARTUP: shrink
@end example

If you would like to overrule the automatic alignment of number-rich columns
to the right and of string-rich columns to the left, you can use @samp{<r>},
@samp{<c>} or @samp{<l>} in a similar fashion.  You may also combine
alignment and field width like this: @samp{<r10>}.

Lines which only contain these formatting cookies are removed automatically
upon exporting the document.

@node Column groups
@section Column groups
@cindex grouping columns in tables

When Org exports tables, it does so by default without vertical lines because
that is visually more satisfying in general.  Occasionally however, vertical
lines can be useful to structure a table into groups of columns, much like
horizontal lines can do for groups of rows.  In order to specify column
groups, you can use a special row where the first field contains only
@samp{/}.  The further fields can either contain @samp{<} to indicate that
this column should start a group, @samp{>} to indicate the end of a group, or
@samp{<>} (no space between @samp{<} and @samp{>}) to make a column a group
of its own.  Boundaries between column groups will upon export be marked with
vertical lines.  Here is an example:

@example
| N | N^2 | N^3 | N^4 | ~sqrt(n)~ | ~sqrt[4](N)~ |
|---+-----+-----+-----+-----------+--------------|
| / |   < |     |   > |         < |            > |
| 1 |   1 |   1 |   1 |         1 |            1 |
| 2 |   4 |   8 |  16 |    1.4142 |       1.1892 |
| 3 |   9 |  27 |  81 |    1.7321 |       1.3161 |
|---+-----+-----+-----+-----------+--------------|
#+TBLFM: $2=$1^2::$3=$1^3::$4=$1^4::$5=sqrt($1)::$6=sqrt(sqrt(($1)))
@end example

It is also sufficient to just insert the column group starters after
every vertical line you would like to have:

@example
|  N | N^2 | N^3 | N^4 | sqrt(n) | sqrt[4](N) |
|----+-----+-----+-----+---------+------------|
| /  | <   |     |     | <       |            |
@end example

@node Orgtbl mode
@section The Orgtbl minor mode
@cindex Orgtbl mode
@cindex minor mode for tables

If you like the intuitive way the Org table editor works, you
might also want to use it in other modes like Text mode or Mail mode.
The minor mode Orgtbl mode makes this possible.  You can always toggle
the mode with @kbd{M-x orgtbl-mode RET}.  To turn it on by default, for
example in Message mode, use

@lisp
(add-hook 'message-mode-hook 'turn-on-orgtbl)
@end lisp

Furthermore, with some special setup, it is possible to maintain tables
in arbitrary syntax with Orgtbl mode.  For example, it is possible to
construct @LaTeX{} tables with the underlying ease and power of
Orgtbl mode, including spreadsheet capabilities.  For details, see
@ref{Tables in arbitrary syntax}.

@node The spreadsheet
@section The spreadsheet
@cindex calculations, in tables
@cindex spreadsheet capabilities
@cindex @file{calc} package

The table editor makes use of the Emacs @file{calc} package to implement
spreadsheet-like capabilities.  It can also evaluate Emacs Lisp forms to
derive fields from other fields.  While fully featured, Org's implementation
is not identical to other spreadsheets.  For example, Org knows the concept
of a @emph{column formula} that will be applied to all non-header fields in a
column without having to copy the formula to each relevant field.  There is
also a formula debugger, and a formula editor with features for highlighting
fields in the table corresponding to the references at the point in the
formula, moving these references by arrow keys

@menu
* References::                  How to refer to another field or range
* Formula syntax for Calc::     Using Calc to compute stuff
* Formula syntax for Lisp::     Writing formulas in Emacs Lisp
* Durations and time values::   How to compute durations and time values
* Field and range formulas::    Formula for specific (ranges of) fields
* Column formulas::             Formulas valid for an entire column
* Lookup functions::            Lookup functions for searching tables
* Editing and debugging formulas::  Fixing formulas
* Updating the table::          Recomputing all dependent fields
* Advanced features::           Field and column names, parameters and automatic recalc
@end menu

@node References
@subsection References
@cindex references

To compute fields in the table from other fields, formulas must
reference other fields or ranges.  In Org, fields can be referenced
by name, by absolute coordinates, and by relative coordinates.  To find
out what the coordinates of a field are, press @kbd{C-c ?} in that
field, or press @kbd{C-c @}} to toggle the display of a grid.

@subsubheading Field references
@cindex field references
@cindex references, to fields

Formulas can reference the value of another field in two ways.  Like in
any other spreadsheet, you may reference fields with a letter/number
combination like @code{B3}, meaning the 2nd field in the 3rd row.
@vindex org-table-use-standard-references
However, Org prefers@footnote{Org will understand references typed by the
user as @samp{B4}, but it will not use this syntax when offering a formula
for editing.  You can customize this behavior using the option
@code{org-table-use-standard-references}.} to use another, more general
representation that looks like this:
@example
@@@var{row}$@var{column}
@end example

Column specifications can be absolute like @code{$1},
@code{$2},...@code{$@var{N}}, or relative to the current column (i.e., the
column of the field which is being computed) like @code{$+1} or @code{$-2}.
@code{$<} and @code{$>} are immutable references to the first and last
column, respectively, and you can use @code{$>>>} to indicate the third
column from the right.

The row specification only counts data lines and ignores horizontal separator
lines (hlines).  Like with columns, you can use absolute row numbers
@code{@@1}, @code{@@2},...@code{@@@var{N}}, and row numbers relative to the
current row like @code{@@+3} or @code{@@-1}.  @code{@@<} and @code{@@>} are
immutable references the first and last@footnote{For backward compatibility
you can also use special names like @code{$LR5} and @code{$LR12} to refer in
a stable way to the 5th and 12th field in the last row of the table.
However, this syntax is deprecated, it should not be used for new documents.
Use @code{@@>$} instead.} row in the table, respectively.  You may also
specify the row relative to one of the hlines: @code{@@I} refers to the first
hline, @code{@@II} to the second, etc.  @code{@@-I} refers to the first such
line above the current line, @code{@@+I} to the first such line below the
current line.  You can also write @code{@@III+2} which is the second data line
after the third hline in the table.

@code{@@0} and @code{$0} refer to the current row and column, respectively,
i.e., to the row/column for the field being computed.  Also, if you omit
either the column or the row part of the reference, the current row/column is
implied.

Org's references with @emph{unsigned} numbers are fixed references
in the sense that if you use the same reference in the formula for two
different fields, the same field will be referenced each time.
Org's references with @emph{signed} numbers are floating
references because the same reference operator can reference different
fields depending on the field being calculated by the formula.

Here are a few examples:

@example
@@2$3      @r{2nd row, 3rd column (same as @code{C2})}
$5        @r{column 5 in the current row (same as @code{E&})}
@@2        @r{current column, row 2}
@@-1$-3    @r{the field one row up, three columns to the left}
@@-I$2     @r{field just under hline above current row, column 2}
@@>$5      @r{field in the last row, in column 5}
@end example

@subsubheading Range references
@cindex range references
@cindex references, to ranges

You may reference a rectangular range of fields by specifying two field
references connected by two dots @samp{..}.  If both fields are in the
current row, you may simply use @samp{$2..$7}, but if at least one field
is in a different row, you need to use the general @code{@@row$column}
format at least for the first field (i.e the reference must start with
@samp{@@} in order to be interpreted correctly).  Examples:

@example
$1..$3        @r{first three fields in the current row}
$P..$Q        @r{range, using column names (see under Advanced)}
$<<<..$>>     @r{start in third column, continue to the last but one}
@@2$1..@@4$3    @r{6 fields between these two fields (same as @code{A2..C4})}
@@-1$-2..@@-1   @r{3 fields in the row above, starting from 2 columns on the left}
@@I..II        @r{between first and second hline, short for @code{@@I..@@II}}
@end example

@noindent Range references return a vector of values that can be fed
into Calc vector functions.  Empty fields in ranges are normally suppressed,
so that the vector contains only the non-empty fields.  For other options
with the mode switches @samp{E}, @samp{N} and examples @pxref{Formula syntax
for Calc}.

@subsubheading Field coordinates in formulas
@cindex field coordinates
@cindex coordinates, of field
@cindex row, of field coordinates
@cindex column, of field coordinates

One of the very first actions during evaluation of Calc formulas and Lisp
formulas is to substitute @code{@@#} and @code{$#} in the formula with the
row or column number of the field where the current result will go to.  The
traditional Lisp formula equivalents are @code{org-table-current-dline} and
@code{org-table-current-column}.  Examples:

@table @code
@item if(@@# % 2, $#, string(""))
Insert column number on odd rows, set field to empty on even rows.
@item $2 = '(identity remote(FOO, @@@@#$1))
Copy text or values of each row of column 1 of the table named @code{FOO}
into column 2 of the current table.
@item @@3 = 2 * remote(FOO, @@1$$#)
Insert the doubled value of each column of row 1 of the table named
@code{FOO} into row 3 of the current table.
@end table

@noindent For the second/third example, the table named @code{FOO} must have
at least as many rows/columns as the current table.  Note that this is
inefficient@footnote{The computation time scales as O(N^2) because the table
named @code{FOO} is parsed for each field to be read.} for large number of
rows/columns.

@subsubheading Named references
@cindex named references
@cindex references, named
@cindex name, of column or field
@cindex constants, in calculations
@cindex #+CONSTANTS

@vindex org-table-formula-constants
@samp{$name} is interpreted as the name of a column, parameter or
constant.  Constants are defined globally through the option
@code{org-table-formula-constants}, and locally (for the file) through a
line like

@example
#+CONSTANTS: c=299792458. pi=3.14 eps=2.4e-6
@end example

@noindent
@vindex constants-unit-system
@pindex constants.el
Also properties (@pxref{Properties and columns}) can be used as
constants in table formulas: for a property @samp{:Xyz:} use the name
@samp{$PROP_Xyz}, and the property will be searched in the current
outline entry and in the hierarchy above it.  If you have the
@file{constants.el} package, it will also be used to resolve constants,
including natural constants like @samp{$h} for Planck's constant, and
units like @samp{$km} for kilometers@footnote{@file{constants.el} can
supply the values of constants in two different unit systems, @code{SI}
and @code{cgs}.  Which one is used depends on the value of the variable
@code{constants-unit-system}.  You can use the @code{#+STARTUP} options
@code{constSI} and @code{constcgs} to set this value for the current
buffer.}.  Column names and parameters can be specified in special table
lines.  These are described below, see @ref{Advanced features}.  All
names must start with a letter, and further consist of letters and
numbers.

@subsubheading Remote references
@cindex remote references
@cindex references, remote
@cindex references, to a different table
@cindex name, of column or field
@cindex constants, in calculations
@cindex #+NAME, for table

You may also reference constants, fields and ranges from a different table,
either in the current file or even in a different file.  The syntax is

@example
remote(NAME-OR-ID,REF)
@end example

@noindent
where NAME can be the name of a table in the current file as set by a
@code{#+NAME: Name} line before the table.  It can also be the ID of an
entry, even in a different file, and the reference then refers to the first
table in that entry.  REF is an absolute field or range reference as
described above for example @code{@@3$3} or @code{$somename}, valid in the
referenced table.

Indirection of NAME-OR-ID: When NAME-OR-ID has the format @code{@@ROW$COLUMN}
it will be substituted with the name or ID found in this field of the current
table.  For example @code{remote($1, @@>$2)} => @code{remote(year_2013,
@@>$1)}.  The format @code{B3} is not supported because it can not be
distinguished from a plain table name or ID.

@node Formula syntax for Calc
@subsection Formula syntax for Calc
@cindex formula syntax, Calc
@cindex syntax, of formulas

A formula can be any algebraic expression understood by the Emacs @file{Calc}
package.  Note that @file{calc} has the non-standard convention that @samp{/}
has lower precedence than @samp{*}, so that @samp{a/b*c} is interpreted as
@samp{a/(b*c)}.  Before evaluation by @code{calc-eval} (@pxref{Calling Calc
from Your Programs, calc-eval, Calling Calc from Your Lisp Programs, calc,
GNU Emacs Calc Manual}), variable substitution takes place according to the
rules described above.
@cindex vectors, in table calculations
The range vectors can be directly fed into the Calc vector functions
like @samp{vmean} and @samp{vsum}.

@cindex format specifier
@cindex mode, for @file{calc}
@vindex org-calc-default-modes
A formula can contain an optional mode string after a semicolon.  This
string consists of flags to influence Calc and other modes during
execution.  By default, Org uses the standard Calc modes (precision
12, angular units degrees, fraction and symbolic modes off).  The display
format, however, has been changed to @code{(float 8)} to keep tables
compact.  The default settings can be configured using the option
@code{org-calc-default-modes}.

@noindent List of modes:

@table @asis
@item @code{p20}
Set the internal Calc calculation precision to 20 digits.
@item @code{n3}, @code{s3}, @code{e2}, @code{f4}
Normal, scientific, engineering or fixed format of the result of Calc passed
back to Org.  Calc formatting is unlimited in precision as long as the Calc
calculation precision is greater.
@item @code{D}, @code{R}
Degree and radian angle modes of Calc.
@item @code{F}, @code{S}
Fraction and symbolic modes of Calc.
@item @code{T}, @code{t}, @code{U}
Duration computations in Calc or Lisp, @pxref{Durations and time values}.
@item @code{E}
If and how to consider empty fields.  Without @samp{E} empty fields in range
references are suppressed so that the Calc vector or Lisp list contains only
the non-empty fields.  With @samp{E} the empty fields are kept.  For empty
fields in ranges or empty field references the value @samp{nan} (not a
number) is used in Calc formulas and the empty string is used for Lisp
formulas.  Add @samp{N} to use 0 instead for both formula types.  For the
value of a field the mode @samp{N} has higher precedence than @samp{E}.
@item @code{N}
Interpret all fields as numbers, use 0 for non-numbers.  See the next section
to see how this is essential for computations with Lisp formulas.  In Calc
formulas it is used only occasionally because there number strings are
already interpreted as numbers without @samp{N}.
@item @code{L}
Literal, for Lisp formulas only.  See the next section.
@end table

@noindent
Unless you use large integer numbers or high-precision-calculation and
-display for floating point numbers you may alternatively provide a
@samp{printf} format specifier to reformat the Calc result after it has been
passed back to Org instead of letting Calc already do the
formatting@footnote{The @samp{printf} reformatting is limited in precision
because the value passed to it is converted into an @samp{integer} or
@samp{double}.  The @samp{integer} is limited in size by truncating the
signed value to 32 bits.  The @samp{double} is limited in precision to 64
bits overall which leaves approximately 16 significant decimal digits.}.  A
few examples:

@example
$1+$2                @r{Sum of first and second field}
$1+$2;%.2f           @r{Same, format result to two decimals}
exp($2)+exp($1)      @r{Math functions can be used}
$0;%.1f              @r{Reformat current cell to 1 decimal}
($3-32)*5/9          @r{Degrees F -> C conversion}
$c/$1/$cm            @r{Hz -> cm conversion, using @file{constants.el}}
tan($1);Dp3s1        @r{Compute in degrees, precision 3, display SCI 1}
sin($1);Dp3%.1e      @r{Same, but use printf specifier for display}
taylor($3,x=7,2)     @r{Taylor series of $3, at x=7, second degree}
@end example

Calc also contains a complete set of logical operations, (@pxref{Logical
Operations, , Logical Operations, calc, GNU Emacs Calc Manual}).  For example

@table @code
@item if($1 < 20, teen, string(""))
"teen" if age $1 is less than 20, else the Org table result field is set to
empty with the empty string.
@item if("$1" == "nan" || "$2" == "nan", string(""), $1 + $2); E f-1
Sum of the first two columns.  When at least one of the input fields is empty
the Org table result field is set to empty.  @samp{E} is required to not
convert empty fields to 0.  @samp{f-1} is an optional Calc format string
similar to @samp{%.1f} but leaves empty results empty.
@item if(typeof(vmean($1..$7)) == 12, string(""), vmean($1..$7); E
Mean value of a range unless there is any empty field.  Every field in the
range that is empty is replaced by @samp{nan} which lets @samp{vmean} result
in @samp{nan}.  Then @samp{typeof == 12} detects the @samp{nan} from
@samp{vmean} and the Org table result field is set to empty.  Use this when
the sample set is expected to never have missing values.
@item if("$1..$7" == "[]", string(""), vmean($1..$7))
Mean value of a range with empty fields skipped.  Every field in the range
that is empty is skipped.  When all fields in the range are empty the mean
value is not defined and the Org table result field is set to empty.  Use
this when the sample set can have a variable size.
@item vmean($1..$7); EN
To complete the example before: Mean value of a range with empty fields
counting as samples with value 0.  Use this only when incomplete sample sets
should be padded with 0 to the full size.
@end table

You can add your own Calc functions defined in Emacs Lisp with @code{defmath}
and use them in formula syntax for Calc.

@node Formula syntax for Lisp
@subsection Emacs Lisp forms as formulas
@cindex Lisp forms, as table formulas

It is also possible to write a formula in Emacs Lisp.  This can be useful
for string manipulation and control structures, if Calc's functionality is
not enough.

If a formula starts with an apostrophe followed by an opening parenthesis,
then it is evaluated as a Lisp form.  The evaluation should return either a
string or a number.  Just as with @file{calc} formulas, you can specify modes
and a printf format after a semicolon.

With Emacs Lisp forms, you need to be conscious about the way field
references are interpolated into the form.  By default, a reference will be
interpolated as a Lisp string (in double-quotes) containing the field.  If
you provide the @samp{N} mode switch, all referenced elements will be numbers
(non-number fields will be zero) and interpolated as Lisp numbers, without
quotes.  If you provide the @samp{L} flag, all fields will be interpolated
literally, without quotes.  I.e., if you want a reference to be interpreted
as a string by the Lisp form, enclose the reference operator itself in
double-quotes, like @code{"$3"}.  Ranges are inserted as space-separated
fields, so you can embed them in list or vector syntax.

Here are a few examples---note how the @samp{N} mode is used when we do
computations in Lisp:

@table @code
@item '(concat (substring $1 1 2) (substring $1 0 1) (substring $1 2))
Swap the first two characters of the content of column 1.
@item '(+ $1 $2);N
Add columns 1 and 2, equivalent to Calc's @code{$1+$2}.
@item '(apply '+ '($1..$4));N
Compute the sum of columns 1 to 4, like Calc's @code{vsum($1..$4)}.
@end table

@node Durations and time values
@subsection Durations and time values
@cindex Duration, computing
@cindex Time, computing
@vindex org-table-duration-custom-format

If you want to compute time values use the @code{T}, @code{t}, or @code{U}
flag, either in Calc formulas or Elisp formulas:

@example
@group
  |  Task 1 |   Task 2 |    Total |
  |---------+----------+----------|
  |    2:12 |     1:47 | 03:59:00 |
  |    2:12 |     1:47 |    03:59 |
  | 3:02:20 | -2:07:00 |     0.92 |
  #+TBLFM: @@2$3=$1+$2;T::@@3$3=$1+$2;U::@@4$3=$1+$2;t
@end group
@end example

Input duration values must be of the form @code{HH:MM[:SS]}, where seconds
are optional.  With the @code{T} flag, computed durations will be displayed
as @code{HH:MM:SS} (see the first formula above).  With the @code{U} flag,
seconds will be omitted so that the result will be only @code{HH:MM} (see
second formula above).  Zero-padding of the hours field will depend upon the
value of the variable @code{org-table-duration-hour-zero-padding}.

With the @code{t} flag, computed durations will be displayed according to the
value of the option @code{org-table-duration-custom-format}, which defaults
to @code{'hours} and will display the result as a fraction of hours (see the
third formula in the example above).

Negative duration values can be manipulated as well, and integers will be
considered as seconds in addition and subtraction.

@node Field and range formulas
@subsection Field and range formulas
@cindex field formula
@cindex range formula
@cindex formula, for individual table field
@cindex formula, for range of fields

To assign a formula to a particular field, type it directly into the field,
preceded by @samp{:=}, for example @samp{:=vsum(@@II..III)}.  When you press
@key{TAB} or @key{RET} or @kbd{C-c C-c} with the cursor still in the field,
the formula will be stored as the formula for this field, evaluated, and the
current field will be replaced with the result.

@cindex #+TBLFM
Formulas are stored in a special line starting with @samp{#+TBLFM:} directly
below the table.  If you type the equation in the 4th field of the 3rd data
line in the table, the formula will look like @samp{@@3$4=$1+$2}.  When
inserting/deleting/swapping columns and rows with the appropriate commands,
@i{absolute references} (but not relative ones) in stored formulas are
modified in order to still reference the same field.  To avoid this, in
particular in range references, anchor ranges at the table borders (using
@code{@@<}, @code{@@>}, @code{$<}, @code{$>}), or at hlines using the
@code{@@I} notation.  Automatic adaptation of field references does of course
not happen if you edit the table structure with normal editing
commands---then you must fix the equations yourself.

Instead of typing an equation into the field, you may also use the following
command

@table @kbd
@orgcmd{C-u C-c =,org-table-eval-formula}
Install a new formula for the current field.  The command prompts for a
formula with default taken from the @samp{#+TBLFM:} line, applies
it to the current field, and stores it.
@end table

The left-hand side of a formula can also be a special expression in order to
assign the formula to a number of different fields.  There is no keyboard
shortcut to enter such range formulas.  To add them, use the formula editor
(@pxref{Editing and debugging formulas}) or edit the @code{#+TBLFM:} line
directly.

@table @code
@item $2=
Column formula, valid for the entire column.  This is so common that Org
treats these formulas in a special way, see @ref{Column formulas}.
@item @@3=
Row formula, applies to all fields in the specified row.  @code{@@>=} means
the last row.
@item @@1$2..@@4$3=
Range formula, applies to all fields in the given rectangular range.  This
can also be used to assign a formula to some but not all fields in a row.
@item $name=
Named field, see @ref{Advanced features}.
@end table

@node Column formulas
@subsection Column formulas
@cindex column formula
@cindex formula, for table column

When you assign a formula to a simple column reference like @code{$3=}, the
same formula will be used in all fields of that column, with the following
very convenient exceptions: (i) If the table contains horizontal separator
hlines with rows above and below, everything before the first such hline is
considered part of the table @emph{header} and will not be modified by column
formulas.  Therefore a header is mandatory when you use column formulas and
want to add hlines to group rows, like for example to separate a total row at
the bottom from the summand rows above.  (ii) Fields that already get a value
from a field/range formula will be left alone by column formulas.  These
conditions make column formulas very easy to use.

To assign a formula to a column, type it directly into any field in the
column, preceded by an equal sign, like @samp{=$1+$2}.  When you press
@key{TAB} or @key{RET} or @kbd{C-c C-c} with the cursor still in the field,
the formula will be stored as the formula for the current column, evaluated
and the current field replaced with the result.  If the field contains only
@samp{=}, the previously stored formula for this column is used.  For each
column, Org will only remember the most recently used formula.  In the
@samp{#+TBLFM:} line, column formulas will look like @samp{$4=$1+$2}.  The
left-hand side of a column formula cannot be the name of column, it must be
the numeric column reference or @code{$>}.

Instead of typing an equation into the field, you may also use the
following command:

@table @kbd
@orgcmd{C-c =,org-table-eval-formula}
Install a new formula for the current column and replace current field with
the result of the formula.  The command prompts for a formula, with default
taken from the @samp{#+TBLFM} line, applies it to the current field and
stores it.  With a numeric prefix argument(e.g., @kbd{C-5 C-c =}) the command
will apply it to that many consecutive fields in the current column.
@end table

@node Lookup functions
@subsection Lookup functions
@cindex lookup functions in tables
@cindex table lookup functions

Org has three predefined Emacs Lisp functions for lookups in tables.
@table @code
@item (org-lookup-first VAL S-LIST R-LIST &optional PREDICATE)
@findex org-lookup-first
Searches for the first element @code{S} in list @code{S-LIST} for which
@lisp
(PREDICATE VAL S)
@end lisp
is @code{t}; returns the value from the corresponding position in list
@code{R-LIST}.  The default @code{PREDICATE} is @code{equal}.  Note that the
parameters @code{VAL} and @code{S} are passed to @code{PREDICATE} in the same
order as the corresponding parameters are in the call to
@code{org-lookup-first}, where @code{VAL} precedes @code{S-LIST}.  If
@code{R-LIST} is @code{nil}, the matching element @code{S} of @code{S-LIST}
is returned.
@item (org-lookup-last VAL S-LIST R-LIST &optional PREDICATE)
@findex org-lookup-last
Similar to @code{org-lookup-first} above, but searches for the @i{last}
element for which @code{PREDICATE} is @code{t}.
@item (org-lookup-all VAL S-LIST R-LIST &optional PREDICATE)
@findex org-lookup-all
Similar to @code{org-lookup-first}, but searches for @i{all} elements for
which @code{PREDICATE} is @code{t}, and returns @i{all} corresponding
values.  This function can not be used by itself in a formula, because it
returns a list of values.  However, powerful lookups can be built when this
function is combined with other Emacs Lisp functions.
@end table

If the ranges used in these functions contain empty fields, the @code{E} mode
for the formula should usually be specified: otherwise empty fields will not be
included in @code{S-LIST} and/or @code{R-LIST} which can, for example, result
in an incorrect mapping from an element of @code{S-LIST} to the corresponding
element of @code{R-LIST}.

These three functions can be used to implement associative arrays, count
matching cells, rank results, group data etc.  For practical examples
see @uref{https://orgmode.org/worg/org-tutorials/org-lookups.html, this
tutorial on Worg}.

@node Editing and debugging formulas
@subsection Editing and debugging formulas
@cindex formula editing
@cindex editing, of table formulas

@vindex org-table-use-standard-references
You can edit individual formulas in the minibuffer or directly in the field.
Org can also prepare a special buffer with all active formulas of a table.
When offering a formula for editing, Org converts references to the standard
format (like @code{B3} or @code{D&}) if possible.  If you prefer to only work
with the internal format (like @code{@@3$2} or @code{$4}), configure the
option @code{org-table-use-standard-references}.

@table @kbd
@orgcmdkkc{C-c =,C-u C-c =,org-table-eval-formula}
Edit the formula associated with the current column/field in the
minibuffer.  See @ref{Column formulas}, and @ref{Field and range formulas}.
@orgcmd{C-u C-u C-c =,org-table-eval-formula}
Re-insert the active formula (either a
field formula, or a column formula) into the current field, so that you
can edit it directly in the field.  The advantage over editing in the
minibuffer is that you can use the command @kbd{C-c ?}.
@orgcmd{C-c ?,org-table-field-info}
While editing a formula in a table field, highlight the field(s)
referenced by the reference at the cursor position in the formula.
@kindex C-c @}
@findex org-table-toggle-coordinate-overlays
@item C-c @}
Toggle the display of row and column numbers for a table, using overlays
(@command{org-table-toggle-coordinate-overlays}).  These are updated each
time the table is aligned; you can force it with @kbd{C-c C-c}.
@kindex C-c @{
@findex org-table-toggle-formula-debugger
@item C-c @{
Toggle the formula debugger on and off
(@command{org-table-toggle-formula-debugger}).  See below.
@orgcmd{C-c ',org-table-edit-formulas}
Edit all formulas for the current table in a special buffer, where the
formulas will be displayed one per line.  If the current field has an
active formula, the cursor in the formula editor will mark it.
While inside the special buffer, Org will automatically highlight
any field or range reference at the cursor position.  You may edit,
remove and add formulas, and use the following commands:

@table @kbd
@orgcmdkkc{C-c C-c,C-x C-s,org-table-fedit-finish}
Exit the formula editor and store the modified formulas.  With @kbd{C-u}
prefix, also apply the new formulas to the entire table.
@orgcmd{C-c C-q,org-table-fedit-abort}
Exit the formula editor without installing changes.
@orgcmd{C-c C-r,org-table-fedit-toggle-ref-type}
Toggle all references in the formula editor between standard (like
@code{B3}) and internal (like @code{@@3$2}).
@orgcmd{@key{TAB},org-table-fedit-lisp-indent}
Pretty-print or indent Lisp formula at point.  When in a line containing
a Lisp formula, format the formula according to Emacs Lisp rules.
Another @key{TAB} collapses the formula back again.  In the open
formula, @key{TAB} re-indents just like in Emacs Lisp mode.
@orgcmd{M-@key{TAB},lisp-complete-symbol}
Complete Lisp symbols, just like in Emacs Lisp mode.@footnote{Many desktops
intercept @kbd{M-@key{TAB}} to switch windows.  Use @kbd{C-M-i} or
@kbd{@key{ESC} @key{TAB}} instead for completion (@pxref{Completion}).}
@kindex S-@key{up}
@kindex S-@key{down}
@kindex S-@key{left}
@kindex S-@key{right}
@findex org-table-fedit-ref-up
@findex org-table-fedit-ref-down
@findex org-table-fedit-ref-left
@findex org-table-fedit-ref-right
@item S-@key{up}/@key{down}/@key{left}/@key{right}
Shift the reference at point.  For example, if the reference is
@code{B3} and you press @kbd{S-@key{right}}, it will become @code{C3}.
This also works for relative references and for hline references.
@orgcmdkkcc{M-S-@key{up},M-S-@key{down},org-table-fedit-line-up,org-table-fedit-line-down}
Move the test line for column formulas in the Org buffer up and
down.
@orgcmdkkcc{M-@key{up},M-@key{down},org-table-fedit-scroll-down,org-table-fedit-scroll-up}
Scroll the window displaying the table.
@kindex C-c @}
@findex org-table-toggle-coordinate-overlays
@item C-c @}
Turn the coordinate grid in the table on and off.
@end table
@end table

Making a table field blank does not remove the formula associated with
the field, because that is stored in a different line (the @samp{#+TBLFM}
line)---during the next recalculation the field will be filled again.
To remove a formula from a field, you have to give an empty reply when
prompted for the formula, or to edit the @samp{#+TBLFM} line.

@kindex C-c C-c
You may edit the @samp{#+TBLFM} directly and re-apply the changed
equations with @kbd{C-c C-c} in that line or with the normal
recalculation commands in the table.

@anchor{Using multiple #+TBLFM lines}
@subsubheading Using multiple #+TBLFM lines
@cindex #+TBLFM line, multiple
@cindex #+TBLFM
@cindex #+TBLFM, switching
@kindex C-c C-c

You may apply the formula temporarily.  This is useful when you
switch the formula.  Place multiple @samp{#+TBLFM} lines right
after the table, and then press @kbd{C-c C-c} on the formula to
apply.  Here is an example:

@example
| x | y |
|---+---|
| 1 |   |
| 2 |   |
#+TBLFM: $2=$1*1
#+TBLFM: $2=$1*2
@end example

@noindent
Pressing @kbd{C-c C-c} in the line of @samp{#+TBLFM: $2=$1*2} yields:

@example
| x | y |
|---+---|
| 1 | 2 |
| 2 | 4 |
#+TBLFM: $2=$1*1
#+TBLFM: $2=$1*2
@end example

@noindent
Note: If you recalculate this table (with @kbd{C-u C-c *}, for example), you
will get the following result of applying only the first @samp{#+TBLFM} line.

@example
| x | y |
|---+---|
| 1 | 1 |
| 2 | 2 |
#+TBLFM: $2=$1*1
#+TBLFM: $2=$1*2
@end example

@subsubheading Debugging formulas
@cindex formula debugging
@cindex debugging, of table formulas
When the evaluation of a formula leads to an error, the field content
becomes the string @samp{#ERROR}.  If you would like see what is going
on during variable substitution and calculation in order to find a bug,
turn on formula debugging in the @code{Tbl} menu and repeat the
calculation, for example by pressing @kbd{C-u C-u C-c = @key{RET}} in a
field.  Detailed information will be displayed.

@node Updating the table
@subsection Updating the table
@cindex recomputing table fields
@cindex updating, table

Recalculation of a table is normally not automatic, but needs to be
triggered by a command.  See @ref{Advanced features}, for a way to make
recalculation at least semi-automatic.

In order to recalculate a line of a table or the entire table, use the
following commands:

@table @kbd
@orgcmd{C-c *,org-table-recalculate}
Recalculate the current row by first applying the stored column formulas
from left to right, and all field/range formulas in the current row.
@c
@kindex C-u C-c *
@item C-u C-c *
@kindex C-u C-c C-c
@itemx C-u C-c C-c
Recompute the entire table, line by line.  Any lines before the first
hline are left alone, assuming that these are part of the table header.
@c
@orgcmdkkc{C-u C-u C-c *,C-u C-u C-c C-c,org-table-iterate}
Iterate the table by recomputing it until no further changes occur.
This may be necessary if some computed fields use the value of other
fields that are computed @i{later} in the calculation sequence.
@item M-x org-table-recalculate-buffer-tables RET
@findex org-table-recalculate-buffer-tables
Recompute all tables in the current buffer.
@item M-x org-table-iterate-buffer-tables RET
@findex org-table-iterate-buffer-tables
Iterate all tables in the current buffer, in order to converge table-to-table
dependencies.
@end table

@node Advanced features
@subsection Advanced features

If you want the recalculation of fields to happen automatically, or if you
want to be able to assign @i{names}@footnote{Such names must start by an
alphabetic character and use only alphanumeric/underscore characters.} to
fields and columns, you need to reserve the first column of the table for
special marking characters.

@table @kbd
@orgcmd{C-#,org-table-rotate-recalc-marks}
Rotate the calculation mark in first column through the states @samp{ },
@samp{#}, @samp{*}, @samp{!}, @samp{$}.  When there is an active region,
change all marks in the region.
@end table

Here is an example of a table that collects exam results of students and
makes use of these features:

@example
@group
|---+---------+--------+--------+--------+-------+------|
|   | Student | Prob 1 | Prob 2 | Prob 3 | Total | Note |
|---+---------+--------+--------+--------+-------+------|
| ! |         |     P1 |     P2 |     P3 |   Tot |      |
| # | Maximum |     10 |     15 |     25 |    50 | 10.0 |
| ^ |         |     m1 |     m2 |     m3 |    mt |      |
|---+---------+--------+--------+--------+-------+------|
| # | Peter   |     10 |      8 |     23 |    41 |  8.2 |
| # | Sam     |      2 |      4 |      3 |     9 |  1.8 |
|---+---------+--------+--------+--------+-------+------|
|   | Average |        |        |        |  25.0 |      |
| ^ |         |        |        |        |    at |      |
| $ | max=50  |        |        |        |       |      |
|---+---------+--------+--------+--------+-------+------|
#+TBLFM: $6=vsum($P1..$P3)::$7=10*$Tot/$max;%.1f::$at=vmean(@@-II..@@-I);%.1f
@end group
@end example

@noindent @b{Important}: please note that for these special tables,
recalculating the table with @kbd{C-u C-c *} will only affect rows that
are marked @samp{#} or @samp{*}, and fields that have a formula assigned
to the field itself.  The column formulas are not applied in rows with
empty first field.

@cindex marking characters, tables
The marking characters have the following meaning:

@table @samp
@item !
The fields in this line define names for the columns, so that you may
refer to a column as @samp{$Tot} instead of @samp{$6}.
@item ^
This row defines names for the fields @emph{above} the row.  With such
a definition, any formula in the table may use @samp{$m1} to refer to
the value @samp{10}.  Also, if you assign a formula to a names field, it
will be stored as @samp{$name=...}.
@item _
Similar to @samp{^}, but defines names for the fields in the row
@emph{below}.
@item $
Fields in this row can define @emph{parameters} for formulas.  For
example, if a field in a @samp{$} row contains @samp{max=50}, then
formulas in this table can refer to the value 50 using @samp{$max}.
Parameters work exactly like constants, only that they can be defined on
a per-table basis.
@item #
Fields in this row are automatically recalculated when pressing
@key{TAB} or @key{RET} or @kbd{S-@key{TAB}} in this row.  Also, this row
is selected for a global recalculation with @kbd{C-u C-c *}.  Unmarked
lines will be left alone by this command.
@item *
Selects this line for global recalculation with @kbd{C-u C-c *}, but
not for automatic recalculation.  Use this when automatic
recalculation slows down editing too much.
@item @w{ }
Unmarked lines are exempt from recalculation with @kbd{C-u C-c *}.
All lines that should be recalculated should be marked with @samp{#}
or @samp{*}.
@item /
Do not export this line.  Useful for lines that contain the narrowing
@samp{<N>} markers or column group markers.
@end table

Finally, just to whet your appetite for what can be done with the
fantastic @file{calc.el} package, here is a table that computes the Taylor
series of degree @code{n} at location @code{x} for a couple of
functions.

@example
@group
|---+-------------+---+-----+--------------------------------------|
|   | Func        | n | x   | Result                               |
|---+-------------+---+-----+--------------------------------------|
| # | exp(x)      | 1 | x   | 1 + x                                |
| # | exp(x)      | 2 | x   | 1 + x + x^2 / 2                      |
| # | exp(x)      | 3 | x   | 1 + x + x^2 / 2 + x^3 / 6            |
| # | x^2+sqrt(x) | 2 | x=0 | x*(0.5 / 0) + x^2 (2 - 0.25 / 0) / 2 |
| # | x^2+sqrt(x) | 2 | x=1 | 2 + 2.5 x - 2.5 + 0.875 (x - 1)^2    |
| * | tan(x)      | 3 | x   | 0.0175 x + 1.77e-6 x^3               |
|---+-------------+---+-----+--------------------------------------|
#+TBLFM: $5=taylor($2,$4,$3);n3
@end group
@end example

@node Org-Plot
@section Org-Plot
@cindex graph, in tables
@cindex plot tables using Gnuplot
@cindex #+PLOT

Org-Plot can produce graphs of information stored in org tables, either
graphically or in ASCII-art.

@subheading Graphical plots using @file{Gnuplot}

Org-Plot produces 2D and 3D graphs using @file{Gnuplot}
@uref{http://www.gnuplot.info/} and @file{gnuplot-mode}
@uref{http://xafs.org/BruceRavel/GnuplotMode}.  To see this in action, ensure
that you have both Gnuplot and Gnuplot mode installed on your system, then
call @kbd{C-c " g} or @kbd{M-x org-plot/gnuplot @key{RET}} on the following
table.

@example
@group
#+PLOT: title:"Citas" ind:1 deps:(3) type:2d with:histograms set:"yrange [0:]"
| Sede      | Max cites | H-index |
|-----------+-----------+---------|
| Chile     |    257.72 |   21.39 |
| Leeds     |    165.77 |   19.68 |
| Sao Paolo |     71.00 |   11.50 |
| Stockholm |    134.19 |   14.33 |
| Morelia   |    257.56 |   17.67 |
@end group
@end example

Notice that Org Plot is smart enough to apply the table's headers as labels.
Further control over the labels, type, content, and appearance of plots can
be exercised through the @code{#+PLOT:} lines preceding a table.  See below
for a complete list of Org-plot options.  The @code{#+PLOT:} lines are
optional.  For more information and examples see the Org-plot tutorial at
@uref{https://orgmode.org/worg/org-tutorials/org-plot.html}.

@subsubheading Plot Options

@table @code
@item set
Specify any @command{gnuplot} option to be set when graphing.

@item title
Specify the title of the plot.

@item ind
Specify which column of the table to use as the @code{x} axis.

@item deps
Specify the columns to graph as a Lisp style list, surrounded by parentheses
and separated by spaces for example @code{dep:(3 4)} to graph the third and
fourth columns (defaults to graphing all other columns aside from the @code{ind}
column).

@item type
Specify whether the plot will be @code{2d}, @code{3d}, or @code{grid}.

@item with
Specify a @code{with} option to be inserted for every col being plotted
(e.g., @code{lines}, @code{points}, @code{boxes}, @code{impulses}, etc...).
Defaults to @code{lines}.

@item file
If you want to plot to a file, specify @code{"@var{path/to/desired/output-file}"}.

@item labels
List of labels to be used for the @code{deps} (defaults to the column headers
if they exist).

@item line
Specify an entire line to be inserted in the Gnuplot script.

@item map
When plotting @code{3d} or @code{grid} types, set this to @code{t} to graph a
flat mapping rather than a @code{3d} slope.

@item timefmt
Specify format of Org mode timestamps as they will be parsed by Gnuplot.
Defaults to @samp{%Y-%m-%d-%H:%M:%S}.

@item script
If you want total control, you can specify a script file (place the file name
between double-quotes) which will be used to plot.  Before plotting, every
instance of @code{$datafile} in the specified script will be replaced with
the path to the generated data file.  Note: even if you set this option, you
may still want to specify the plot type, as that can impact the content of
the data file.
@end table

@subheading ASCII bar plots

While the cursor is on a column, typing @kbd{C-c " a} or
@kbd{M-x orgtbl-ascii-plot @key{RET}} create a new column containing an
ASCII-art bars plot.  The plot is implemented through a regular column
formula.  When the source column changes, the bar plot may be updated by
refreshing the table, for example typing @kbd{C-u C-c *}.

@example
@group
| Sede          | Max cites |              |
|---------------+-----------+--------------|
| Chile         |    257.72 | WWWWWWWWWWWW |
| Leeds         |    165.77 | WWWWWWWh     |
| Sao Paolo     |     71.00 | WWW;         |
| Stockholm     |    134.19 | WWWWWW:      |
| Morelia       |    257.56 | WWWWWWWWWWWH |
| Rochefourchat |      0.00 |              |
#+TBLFM: $3='(orgtbl-ascii-draw $2 0.0 257.72 12)
@end group
@end example

The formula is an elisp call:
@lisp
(orgtbl-ascii-draw COLUMN MIN MAX WIDTH)
@end lisp

@table @code
@item COLUMN
  is a reference to the source column.

@item MIN MAX
  are the minimal and maximal values displayed.  Sources values
  outside this range are displayed as @samp{too small}
  or @samp{too large}.

@item WIDTH
  is the width in characters of the bar-plot.  It defaults to @samp{12}.

@end table

@node Hyperlinks
@chapter Hyperlinks
@cindex hyperlinks

Like HTML, Org provides links inside a file, external links to
other files, Usenet articles, emails, and much more.

@menu
* Link format::                 How links in Org are formatted
* Internal links::              Links to other places in the current file
* External links::              URL-like links to the world
* Handling links::              Creating, inserting and following
* Using links outside Org::     Linking from my C source code?
* Link abbreviations::          Shortcuts for writing complex links
* Search options::              Linking to a specific location
* Custom searches::             When the default search is not enough
@end menu

@node Link format
@section Link format
@cindex link format
@cindex format, of links

Org will recognize plain URL-like links and activate them as
clickable links.  The general link format, however, looks like this:

@example
[[link][description]]       @r{or alternatively}           [[link]]
@end example

@noindent
Once a link in the buffer is complete (all brackets present), Org
will change the display so that @samp{description} is displayed instead
of @samp{[[link][description]]} and @samp{link} is displayed instead of
@samp{[[link]]}.  Links will be highlighted in the face @code{org-link},
which by default is an underlined face.  You can directly edit the
visible part of a link.  Note that this can be either the @samp{link}
part (if there is no description) or the @samp{description} part.  To
edit also the invisible @samp{link} part, use @kbd{C-c C-l} with the
cursor on the link.

If you place the cursor at the beginning or just behind the end of the
displayed text and press @key{BACKSPACE}, you will remove the
(invisible) bracket at that location.  This makes the link incomplete
and the internals are again displayed as plain text.  Inserting the
missing bracket hides the link internals again.  To show the
internal structure of all links, use the menu entry
@code{Org->Hyperlinks->Literal links}.

@node Internal links
@section Internal links
@cindex internal links
@cindex links, internal
@cindex targets, for links

@cindex property, CUSTOM_ID
If the link does not look like a URL, it is considered to be internal in the
current file.  The most important case is a link like
@samp{[[#my-custom-id]]} which will link to the entry with the
@code{CUSTOM_ID} property @samp{my-custom-id}.  You are responsible yourself
to make sure these custom IDs are unique in a file.

Links such as @samp{[[My Target]]} or @samp{[[My Target][Find my target]]}
lead to a text search in the current file.

The link can be followed with @kbd{C-c C-o} when the cursor is on the link,
or with a mouse click (@pxref{Handling links}).  Links to custom IDs will
point to the corresponding headline.  The preferred match for a text link is
a @i{dedicated target}: the same string in double angular brackets, like
@samp{<<My Target>>}.

@cindex #+NAME
If no dedicated target exists, the link will then try to match the exact name
of an element within the buffer.  Naming is done with the @code{#+NAME}
keyword, which has to be put in the line before the element it refers to, as
in the following example

@example
#+NAME: My Target
| a  | table      |
|----+------------|
| of | four cells |
@end example

If none of the above succeeds, Org will search for a headline that is exactly
the link text but may also include a TODO keyword and tags@footnote{To insert
a link targeting a headline, in-buffer completion can be used.  Just type
a star followed by a few optional letters into the buffer and press
@kbd{M-@key{TAB}}.  All headlines in the current buffer will be offered as
completions.}.

During export, internal links will be used to mark objects and assign them
a number.  Marked objects will then be referenced by links pointing to them.
In particular, links without a description will appear as the number assigned
to the marked object@footnote{When targeting a @code{#+NAME} keyword,
@code{#+CAPTION} keyword is mandatory in order to get proper numbering
(@pxref{Images and tables}).}.  In the following excerpt from an Org buffer

@example
- one item
- <<target>>another item
Here we refer to item [[target]].
@end example

@noindent
The last sentence will appear as @samp{Here we refer to item 2} when
exported.

In non-Org files, the search will look for the words in the link text.  In
the above example the search would be for @samp{my target}.

Following a link pushes a mark onto Org's own mark ring.  You can
return to the previous position with @kbd{C-c &}.  Using this command
several times in direct succession goes back to positions recorded
earlier.

@menu
* Radio targets::               Make targets trigger links in plain text
@end menu

@node Radio targets
@subsection Radio targets
@cindex radio targets
@cindex targets, radio
@cindex links, radio targets

Org can automatically turn any occurrences of certain target names
in normal text into a link.  So without explicitly creating a link, the
text connects to the target radioing its position.  Radio targets are
enclosed by triple angular brackets.  For example, a target @samp{<<<My
Target>>>} causes each occurrence of @samp{my target} in normal text to
become activated as a link.  The Org file is scanned automatically
for radio targets only when the file is first loaded into Emacs.  To
update the target list during editing, press @kbd{C-c C-c} with the
cursor on or at a target.

@node External links
@section External links
@cindex links, external
@cindex external links
@cindex Gnus links
@cindex BBDB links
@cindex IRC links
@cindex URL links
@cindex file links
@cindex RMAIL links
@cindex MH-E links
@cindex USENET links
@cindex SHELL links
@cindex Info links
@cindex Elisp links

Org supports links to files, websites, Usenet and email messages, BBDB
database entries and links to both IRC conversations and their logs.
External links are URL-like locators.  They start with a short identifying
string followed by a colon.  There can be no space after the colon.  The
following list shows examples for each link type.

@example
http://www.astro.uva.nl/~dominik             @r{on the web}
doi:10.1000/182                              @r{DOI for an electronic resource}
file:/home/dominik/images/jupiter.jpg        @r{file, absolute path}
/home/dominik/images/jupiter.jpg             @r{same as above}
file:papers/last.pdf                         @r{file, relative path}
./papers/last.pdf                            @r{same as above}
file:/ssh:myself@@some.where:papers/last.pdf  @r{file, path on remote machine}
/ssh:myself@@some.where:papers/last.pdf       @r{same as above}
file:sometextfile::NNN                       @r{file, jump to line number}
file:projects.org                            @r{another Org file}
file:projects.org::some words                @r{text search in Org file}@footnote{
The actual behavior of the search will depend on the value of
the option @code{org-link-search-must-match-exact-headline}.  If its value
is @code{nil}, then a fuzzy text search will be done.  If it is @code{t}, then only
the exact headline will be matched, ignoring spaces and cookies.  If the
value is @code{query-to-create}, then an exact headline will be searched; if
it is not found, then the user will be queried to create it.}
file:projects.org::*task title               @r{heading search in Org file}@footnote{
Headline searches always match the exact headline, ignoring
spaces and cookies.  If the headline is not found and the value of the option
@code{org-link-search-must-match-exact-headline} is @code{query-to-create},
then the user will be queried to create it.}
docview:papers/last.pdf::NNN                 @r{open in doc-view mode at page}
id:B7423F4D-2E8A-471B-8810-C40F074717E9      @r{Link to heading by ID}
news:comp.emacs                              @r{Usenet link}
mailto:adent@@galaxy.net                      @r{Mail link}
mhe:folder                                   @r{MH-E folder link}
mhe:folder#id                                @r{MH-E message link}
rmail:folder                                 @r{RMAIL folder link}
rmail:folder#id                              @r{RMAIL message link}
gnus:group                                   @r{Gnus group link}
gnus:group#id                                @r{Gnus article link}
bbdb:R.*Stallman                             @r{BBDB link (with regexp)}
irc:/irc.com/#emacs/bob                      @r{IRC link}
info:org#External links                      @r{Info node or index link}
shell:ls *.org                               @r{A shell command}
elisp:org-agenda                             @r{Interactive Elisp command}
elisp:(find-file-other-frame "Elisp.org")    @r{Elisp form to evaluate}
@end example

@cindex VM links
@cindex WANDERLUST links
On top of these built-in link types, some are available through the
@code{contrib/} directory (@pxref{Installation}).  For example, these links
to VM or Wanderlust messages are available when you load the corresponding
libraries from the @code{contrib/} directory:

@example
vm:folder                                    @r{VM folder link}
vm:folder#id                                 @r{VM message link}
vm://myself@@some.where.org/folder#id         @r{VM on remote machine}
vm-imap:account:folder                       @r{VM IMAP folder link}
vm-imap:account:folder#id                    @r{VM IMAP message link}
wl:folder                                    @r{WANDERLUST folder link}
wl:folder#id                                 @r{WANDERLUST message link}
@end example

For customizing Org to add new link types @ref{Adding hyperlink types}.

A link should be enclosed in double brackets and may contain a descriptive
text to be displayed instead of the URL (@pxref{Link format}), for example:

@example
[[https://www.gnu.org/software/emacs/][GNU Emacs]]
@end example

@noindent
If the description is a file name or URL that points to an image, HTML
export (@pxref{HTML export}) will inline the image as a clickable
button.  If there is no description at all and the link points to an
image,
that image will be inlined into the exported HTML file.

@cindex square brackets, around links
@cindex plain text external links
Org also finds external links in the normal text and activates them
as links.  If spaces must be part of the link (for example in
@samp{bbdb:Richard Stallman}), or if you need to remove ambiguities
about the end of the link, enclose them in square brackets.

@node Handling links
@section Handling links
@cindex links, handling

Org provides methods to create a link in the correct syntax, to
insert it into an Org file, and to follow the link.

@table @kbd
@orgcmd{C-c l,org-store-link}
@cindex storing links
Store a link to the current location.  This is a @emph{global} command (you
must create the key binding yourself) which can be used in any buffer to
create a link.  The link will be stored for later insertion into an Org
buffer (see below).  What kind of link will be created depends on the current
buffer:

@b{Org mode buffers}@*
For Org files, if there is a @samp{<<target>>} at the cursor, the link points
to the target.  Otherwise it points to the current headline, which will also
be the description@footnote{If the headline contains a timestamp, it will be
removed from the link and result in a wrong link---you should avoid putting
timestamp in the headline.}.

@vindex org-id-link-to-org-use-id
@cindex property, CUSTOM_ID
@cindex property, ID
If the headline has a @code{CUSTOM_ID} property, a link to this custom ID
will be stored.  In addition or alternatively (depending on the value of
@code{org-id-link-to-org-use-id}), a globally unique @code{ID} property will
be created and/or used to construct a link@footnote{The library
@file{org-id.el} must first be loaded, either through @code{org-customize} by
enabling @code{org-id} in @code{org-modules}, or by adding @code{(require
'org-id)} in your Emacs init file.}.  So using this command in Org buffers
will potentially create two links: a human-readable from the custom ID, and
one that is globally unique and works even if the entry is moved from file to
file.  Later, when inserting the link, you need to decide which one to use.

@b{Email/News clients: VM, Rmail, Wanderlust, MH-E, Gnus}@*
Pretty much all Emacs mail clients are supported.  The link will point to the
current article, or, in some GNUS buffers, to the group.  The description is
constructed from the author and the subject.

@b{Web browsers: Eww, W3 and W3M}@*
Here the link will be the current URL, with the page title as description.

@b{Contacts: BBDB}@*
Links created in a BBDB buffer will point to the current entry.

@b{Chat: IRC}@*
@vindex org-irc-link-to-logs
For IRC links, if you set the option @code{org-irc-link-to-logs} to @code{t},
a @samp{file:/} style link to the relevant point in the logs for the current
conversation is created.  Otherwise an @samp{irc:/} style link to the
user/channel/server under the point will be stored.

@b{Other files}@*
For any other files, the link will point to the file, with a search string
(@pxref{Search options}) pointing to the contents of the current line.  If
there is an active region, the selected words will form the basis of the
search string.  If the automatically created link is not working correctly or
accurately enough, you can write custom functions to select the search string
and to do the search for particular file types---see @ref{Custom searches}.
The key binding @kbd{C-c l} is only a suggestion---see @ref{Installation}.

@b{Agenda view}@*
When the cursor is in an agenda view, the created link points to the
entry referenced by the current line.

@c
@orgcmd{C-c C-l,org-insert-link}
@cindex link completion
@cindex completion, of links
@cindex inserting links
@vindex org-keep-stored-link-after-insertion
@vindex org-link-parameters
Insert a link@footnote{Note that you don't have to use this command to
insert a link.  Links in Org are plain text, and you can type or paste them
straight into the buffer.  By using this command, the links are automatically
enclosed in double brackets, and you will be asked for the optional
descriptive text.}.  This prompts for a link to be inserted into the buffer.
You can just type a link, using text for an internal link, or one of the link
type prefixes mentioned in the examples above.  The link will be inserted
into the buffer@footnote{After insertion of a stored link, the link will be
removed from the list of stored links.  To keep it in the list later use, use
a triple @kbd{C-u} prefix argument to @kbd{C-c C-l}, or configure the option
@code{org-keep-stored-link-after-insertion}.}, along with a descriptive text.
If some text was selected when this command is called, the selected text
becomes the default description.

@b{Inserting stored links}@*
All links stored during the
current session are part of the history for this prompt, so you can access
them with @key{up} and @key{down} (or @kbd{M-p/n}).

@b{Completion support}@* Completion with @key{TAB} will help you to insert
valid link prefixes like @samp{https:}, including the prefixes
defined through link abbreviations (@pxref{Link abbreviations}).  If you
press @key{RET} after inserting only the @var{prefix}, Org will offer
specific completion support for some link types@footnote{This works if
a completion function is defined in the @samp{:complete} property of a link
in @code{org-link-parameters}.}  For example, if you type @kbd{file
@key{RET}}, file name completion (alternative access: @kbd{C-u C-c C-l}, see
below) will be offered, and after @kbd{bbdb @key{RET}} you can complete
contact names.
@orgkey C-u C-c C-l
@cindex file name completion
@cindex completion, of file names
When @kbd{C-c C-l} is called with a @kbd{C-u} prefix argument, a link to
a file will be inserted and you may use file name completion to select
the name of the file.  The path to the file is inserted relative to the
directory of the current Org file, if the linked file is in the current
directory or in a sub-directory of it, or if the path is written relative
to the current directory using @samp{../}.  Otherwise an absolute path
is used, if possible with @samp{~/} for your home directory.  You can
force an absolute path with two @kbd{C-u} prefixes.
@c
@item C-c C-l @ @r{(with cursor on existing link)}
When the cursor is on an existing link, @kbd{C-c C-l} allows you to edit the
link and description parts of the link.
@c
@cindex following links
@orgcmd{C-c C-o,org-open-at-point}
@vindex org-file-apps
@vindex org-link-frame-setup
Open link at point.  This will launch a web browser for URLs (using
@command{browse-url-at-point}), run VM/MH-E/Wanderlust/Rmail/Gnus/BBDB for
the corresponding links, and execute the command in a shell link.  When the
cursor is on an internal link, this command runs the corresponding search.
When the cursor is on a TAG list in a headline, it creates the corresponding
TAGS view.  If the cursor is on a timestamp, it compiles the agenda for that
date.  Furthermore, it will visit text and remote files in @samp{file:} links
with Emacs and select a suitable application for local non-text files.
Classification of files is based on file extension only.  See option
@code{org-file-apps}.  If you want to override the default application and
visit the file with Emacs, use a @kbd{C-u} prefix.  If you want to avoid
opening in Emacs, use a @kbd{C-u C-u} prefix.@*
If the cursor is on a headline, but not on a link, offer all links in the
headline and entry text.  If you want to setup the frame configuration for
following links, customize @code{org-link-frame-setup}.

@orgkey @key{RET}
@vindex org-return-follows-link
When @code{org-return-follows-link} is set, @kbd{@key{RET}} will also follow
the link at point.
@c
@kindex mouse-2
@kindex mouse-1
@item mouse-2
@itemx mouse-1
On links, @kbd{mouse-1} and @kbd{mouse-2} will open the link just as @kbd{C-c
C-o} would.
@c
@kindex mouse-3
@item mouse-3
@vindex org-display-internal-link-with-indirect-buffer
Like @kbd{mouse-2}, but force file links to be opened with Emacs, and
internal links to be displayed in another window@footnote{See the
option @code{org-display-internal-link-with-indirect-buffer}}.
@c
@orgcmd{C-c C-x C-v,org-toggle-inline-images}
@cindex inlining images
@cindex images, inlining
@vindex org-startup-with-inline-images
@cindex @code{inlineimages}, STARTUP keyword
@cindex @code{noinlineimages}, STARTUP keyword
Toggle the inline display of linked images.  Normally this will only inline
images that have no description part in the link, i.e., images that will also
be inlined during export.  When called with a prefix argument, also display
images that do have a link description.  You can ask for inline images to be
displayed at startup by configuring the variable
@code{org-startup-with-inline-images}@footnote{with corresponding
@code{#+STARTUP} keywords @code{inlineimages} and @code{noinlineimages}}.
@orgcmd{C-c %,org-mark-ring-push}
@cindex mark ring
Push the current position onto the mark ring, to be able to return
easily.  Commands following an internal link do this automatically.
@c
@orgcmd{C-c &,org-mark-ring-goto}
@cindex links, returning to
Jump back to a recorded position.  A position is recorded by the
commands following internal links, and by @kbd{C-c %}.  Using this
command several times in direct succession moves through a ring of
previously recorded positions.
@c
@orgcmdkkcc{C-c C-x C-n,C-c C-x C-p,org-next-link,org-previous-link}
@cindex links, finding next/previous
Move forward/backward to the next link in the buffer.  At the limit of
the buffer, the search fails once, and then wraps around.  The key
bindings for this are really too long; you might want to bind this also
to @kbd{C-n} and @kbd{C-p}
@lisp
(add-hook 'org-load-hook
  (lambda ()
    (define-key org-mode-map "\C-n" 'org-next-link)
    (define-key org-mode-map "\C-p" 'org-previous-link)))
@end lisp
@end table

@node Using links outside Org
@section Using links outside Org

You can insert and follow links that have Org syntax not only in
Org, but in any Emacs buffer.  For this, you should create two
global commands, like this (please select suitable global keys
yourself):

@lisp
(global-set-key "\C-c L" 'org-insert-link-global)
(global-set-key "\C-c o" 'org-open-at-point-global)
@end lisp

@node Link abbreviations
@section Link abbreviations
@cindex link abbreviations
@cindex abbreviation, links

Long URLs can be cumbersome to type, and often many similar links are
needed in a document.  For this you can use link abbreviations.  An
abbreviated link looks like this

@example
[[linkword:tag][description]]
@end example

@noindent
@vindex org-link-abbrev-alist
where the tag is optional.
The @i{linkword} must be a word, starting with a letter, followed by
letters, numbers, @samp{-}, and @samp{_}.  Abbreviations are resolved
according to the information in the variable @code{org-link-abbrev-alist}
that relates the linkwords to replacement text.  Here is an example:

@smalllisp
@group
(setq org-link-abbrev-alist
  '(("bugzilla"  . "http://10.1.2.9/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=")
    ("url-to-ja" . "http://translate.google.fr/translate?sl=en&tl=ja&u=%h")
    ("google"    . "http://www.google.com/search?q=")
    ("gmap"      . "http://maps.google.com/maps?q=%s")
    ("omap"      . "http://nominatim.openstreetmap.org/search?q=%s&polygon=1")
    ("ads"       . "http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-abs_connect?author=%s&db_key=AST")))
@end group
@end smalllisp

If the replacement text contains the string @samp{%s}, it will be
replaced with the tag.  Using @samp{%h} instead of @samp{%s} will
url-encode the tag (see the example above, where we need to encode
the URL parameter.)  Using @samp{%(my-function)} will pass the tag
to a custom function, and replace it by the resulting string.

If the replacement text doesn't contain any specifier, the tag will simply be
appended in order to create the link.

Instead of a string, you may also specify a function that will be
called with the tag as the only argument to create the link.

With the above setting, you could link to a specific bug with
@code{[[bugzilla:129]]}, search the web for @samp{OrgMode} with
@code{[[google:OrgMode]]}, show the map location of the Free Software
Foundation @code{[[gmap:51 Franklin Street, Boston]]} or of Carsten office
@code{[[omap:Science Park 904, Amsterdam, The Netherlands]]} and find out
what the Org author is doing besides Emacs hacking with
@code{[[ads:Dominik,C]]}.

If you need special abbreviations just for a single Org buffer, you
can define them in the file with

@cindex #+LINK
@example
#+LINK: bugzilla  http://10.1.2.9/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=
#+LINK: google    http://www.google.com/search?q=%s
@end example

@noindent
In-buffer completion (@pxref{Completion}) can be used after @samp{[} to
complete link abbreviations.  You may also define a function that implements
special (e.g., completion) support for inserting such a link with @kbd{C-c
C-l}.  Such a function should not accept any arguments, and return the full
link with prefix.  You can add a completion function to a link like this:

@lisp
(org-link-set-parameters ``type'' :complete #'some-function)
@end lisp


@node Search options
@section Search options in file links
@cindex search option in file links
@cindex file links, searching

File links can contain additional information to make Emacs jump to a
particular location in the file when following a link.  This can be a
line number or a search option after a double@footnote{For backward
compatibility, line numbers can also follow a single colon.} colon.  For
example, when the command @kbd{C-c l} creates a link (@pxref{Handling
links}) to a file, it encodes the words in the current line as a search
string that can be used to find this line back later when following the
link with @kbd{C-c C-o}.

Here is the syntax of the different ways to attach a search to a file
link, together with an explanation:

@example
[[file:~/code/main.c::255]]
[[file:~/xx.org::My Target]]
[[file:~/xx.org::*My Target]]
[[file:~/xx.org::#my-custom-id]]
[[file:~/xx.org::/regexp/]]
@end example

@table @code
@item 255
Jump to line 255.
@item My Target
Search for a link target @samp{<<My Target>>}, or do a text search for
@samp{my target}, similar to the search in internal links, see
@ref{Internal links}.  In HTML export (@pxref{HTML export}), such a file
link will become an HTML reference to the corresponding named anchor in
the linked file.
@item *My Target
In an Org file, restrict search to headlines.
@item #my-custom-id
Link to a heading with a @code{CUSTOM_ID} property
@item /regexp/
Do a regular expression search for @code{regexp}.  This uses the Emacs
command @code{occur} to list all matches in a separate window.  If the
target file is in Org mode, @code{org-occur} is used to create a
sparse tree with the matches.
@c If the target file is a directory,
@c @code{grep} will be used to search all files in the directory.
@end table

As a degenerate case, a file link with an empty file name can be used
to search the current file.  For example, @code{[[file:::find me]]} does
a search for @samp{find me} in the current file, just as
@samp{[[find me]]} would.

@node Custom searches
@section Custom Searches
@cindex custom search strings
@cindex search strings, custom

The default mechanism for creating search strings and for doing the
actual search related to a file link may not work correctly in all
cases.  For example, Bib@TeX{} database files have many entries like
@samp{year="1993"} which would not result in good search strings,
because the only unique identification for a Bib@TeX{} entry is the
citation key.

@vindex org-create-file-search-functions
@vindex org-execute-file-search-functions
If you come across such a problem, you can write custom functions to set
the right search string for a particular file type, and to do the search
for the string in the file.  Using @code{add-hook}, these functions need
to be added to the hook variables
@code{org-create-file-search-functions} and
@code{org-execute-file-search-functions}.  See the docstring for these
variables for more information.  Org actually uses this mechanism
for Bib@TeX{} database files, and you can use the corresponding code as
an implementation example.  See the file @file{org-bibtex.el}.

@node TODO items
@chapter TODO items
@cindex TODO items

Org mode does not maintain TODO lists as separate documents@footnote{Of
course, you can make a document that contains only long lists of TODO items,
but this is not required.}.  Instead, TODO items are an integral part of the
notes file, because TODO items usually come up while taking notes!  With Org
mode, simply mark any entry in a tree as being a TODO item.  In this way,
information is not duplicated, and the entire context from which the TODO
item emerged is always present.

Of course, this technique for managing TODO items scatters them
throughout your notes file.  Org mode compensates for this by providing
methods to give you an overview of all the things that you have to do.

@menu
* TODO basics::                 Marking and displaying TODO entries
* TODO extensions::             Workflow and assignments
* Progress logging::            Dates and notes for progress
* Priorities::                  Some things are more important than others
* Breaking down tasks::         Splitting a task into manageable pieces
* Checkboxes::                  Tick-off lists
@end menu

@node TODO basics
@section Basic TODO functionality

Any headline becomes a TODO item when it starts with the word
@samp{TODO}, for example:

@example
*** TODO Write letter to Sam Fortune
@end example

@noindent
The most important commands to work with TODO entries are:

@table @kbd
@orgcmd{C-c C-t,org-todo}
@cindex cycling, of TODO states
@vindex org-use-fast-todo-selection

Rotate the TODO state of the current item among

@example
,-> (unmarked) -> TODO -> DONE --.
'--------------------------------'
@end example

If TODO keywords have fast access keys (see @ref{Fast access to TODO
states}), you will be prompted for a TODO keyword through the fast selection
interface; this is the default behavior when
@code{org-use-fast-todo-selection} is non-@code{nil}.

The same rotation can also be done ``remotely'' from agenda buffers with the
@kbd{t} command key (@pxref{Agenda commands}).

@orgkey{C-u C-c C-t}
When TODO keywords have no selection keys, select a specific keyword using
completion; otherwise force cycling through TODO states with no prompt.  When
@code{org-use-fast-todo-selection} is set to @code{prefix}, use the fast
selection interface.

@kindex S-@key{right}
@kindex S-@key{left}
@item S-@key{right} @ @r{/} @ S-@key{left}
@vindex org-treat-S-cursor-todo-selection-as-state-change
Select the following/preceding TODO state, similar to cycling.  Useful
mostly if more than two TODO states are possible (@pxref{TODO
extensions}).  See also @ref{Conflicts}, for a discussion of the interaction
with @code{shift-selection-mode}.  See also the variable
@code{org-treat-S-cursor-todo-selection-as-state-change}.
@orgcmd{C-c / t,org-show-todo-tree}
@cindex sparse tree, for TODO
@vindex org-todo-keywords
View TODO items in a @emph{sparse tree} (@pxref{Sparse trees}).  Folds the
entire buffer, but shows all TODO items (with not-DONE state) and the
headings hierarchy above them.  With a prefix argument (or by using @kbd{C-c
/ T}), search for a specific TODO@.  You will be prompted for the keyword,
and you can also give a list of keywords like @code{KWD1|KWD2|...} to list
entries that match any one of these keywords.  With a numeric prefix argument
N, show the tree for the Nth keyword in the option @code{org-todo-keywords}.
With two prefix arguments, find all TODO states, both un-done and done.
@orgcmd{C-c a t,org-todo-list}
Show the global TODO list.  Collects the TODO items (with not-DONE states)
from all agenda files (@pxref{Agenda views}) into a single buffer.  The new
buffer will be in @code{agenda-mode}, which provides commands to examine and
manipulate the TODO entries from the new buffer (@pxref{Agenda commands}).
@xref{Global TODO list}, for more information.
@orgcmd{S-M-@key{RET},org-insert-todo-heading}
Insert a new TODO entry below the current one.
@end table

@noindent
@vindex org-todo-state-tags-triggers
Changing a TODO state can also trigger tag changes.  See the docstring of the
option @code{org-todo-state-tags-triggers} for details.

@node TODO extensions
@section Extended use of TODO keywords
@cindex extended TODO keywords

@vindex org-todo-keywords
By default, marked TODO entries have one of only two states: TODO and
DONE@.  Org mode allows you to classify TODO items in more complex ways
with @emph{TODO keywords} (stored in @code{org-todo-keywords}).  With
special setup, the TODO keyword system can work differently in different
files.

Note that @i{tags} are another way to classify headlines in general and
TODO items in particular (@pxref{Tags}).

@menu
* Workflow states::             From TODO to DONE in steps
* TODO types::                  I do this, Fred does the rest
* Multiple sets in one file::   Mixing it all, and still finding your way
* Fast access to TODO states::  Single letter selection of a state
* Per-file keywords::           Different files, different requirements
* Faces for TODO keywords::     Highlighting states
* TODO dependencies::           When one task needs to wait for others
@end menu

@node Workflow states
@subsection TODO keywords as workflow states
@cindex TODO workflow
@cindex workflow states as TODO keywords

You can use TODO keywords to indicate different @emph{sequential} states
in the process of working on an item, for example@footnote{Changing
this variable only becomes effective after restarting Org mode in a
buffer.}:

@lisp
(setq org-todo-keywords
  '((sequence "TODO" "FEEDBACK" "VERIFY" "|" "DONE" "DELEGATED")))
@end lisp

The vertical bar separates the TODO keywords (states that @emph{need
action}) from the DONE states (which need @emph{no further action}).  If
you don't provide the separator bar, the last state is used as the DONE
state.
@cindex completion, of TODO keywords
With this setup, the command @kbd{C-c C-t} will cycle an entry from TODO
to FEEDBACK, then to VERIFY, and finally to DONE and DELEGATED@.  You may
also use a numeric prefix argument to quickly select a specific state.  For
example @kbd{C-3 C-c C-t} will change the state immediately to VERIFY@.
Or you can use @kbd{S-@key{left}} to go backward through the sequence.  If you
define many keywords, you can use in-buffer completion
(@pxref{Completion}) or even a special one-key selection scheme
(@pxref{Fast access to TODO states}) to insert these words into the
buffer.  Changing a TODO state can be logged with a timestamp, see
@ref{Tracking TODO state changes}, for more information.

@node TODO types
@subsection TODO keywords as types
@cindex TODO types
@cindex names as TODO keywords
@cindex types as TODO keywords

The second possibility is to use TODO keywords to indicate different
@emph{types} of action items.  For example, you might want to indicate
that items are for ``work'' or ``home''.  Or, when you work with several
people on a single project, you might want to assign action items
directly to persons, by using their names as TODO keywords.  This would
be set up like this:

@lisp
(setq org-todo-keywords '((type "Fred" "Sara" "Lucy" "|" "DONE")))
@end lisp

In this case, different keywords do not indicate a sequence, but rather
different types.  So the normal work flow would be to assign a task to
a person, and later to mark it DONE@.  Org mode supports this style by
adapting the workings of the command @kbd{C-c C-t}@footnote{This is also true
for the @kbd{t} command in the agenda buffers.}.  When used several times in
succession, it will still cycle through all names, in order to first select
the right type for a task.  But when you return to the item after some time
and execute @kbd{C-c C-t} again, it will switch from any name directly to
DONE@.  Use prefix arguments or completion to quickly select a specific name.
You can also review the items of a specific TODO type in a sparse tree by
using a numeric prefix to @kbd{C-c / t}.  For example, to see all things Lucy
has to do, you would use @kbd{C-3 C-c / t}.  To collect Lucy's items from all
agenda files into a single buffer, you would use the numeric prefix argument
as well when creating the global TODO list: @kbd{C-3 C-c a t}.

@node Multiple sets in one file
@subsection Multiple keyword sets in one file
@cindex TODO keyword sets

Sometimes you may want to use different sets of TODO keywords in
parallel.  For example, you may want to have the basic
@code{TODO}/@code{DONE}, but also a workflow for bug fixing, and a
separate state indicating that an item has been canceled (so it is not
DONE, but also does not require action).  Your setup would then look
like this:

@lisp
(setq org-todo-keywords
      '((sequence "TODO" "|" "DONE")
        (sequence "REPORT" "BUG" "KNOWNCAUSE" "|" "FIXED")
        (sequence "|" "CANCELED")))
@end lisp

The keywords should all be different, this helps Org mode to keep track
of which subsequence should be used for a given entry.  In this setup,
@kbd{C-c C-t} only operates within a subsequence, so it switches from
@code{DONE} to (nothing) to @code{TODO}, and from @code{FIXED} to
(nothing) to @code{REPORT}.  Therefore you need a mechanism to initially
select the correct sequence.  Besides the obvious ways like typing a
keyword or using completion, you may also apply the following commands:

@table @kbd
@kindex C-S-@key{right}
@kindex C-S-@key{left}
@kindex C-u C-u C-c C-t
@item C-u C-u C-c C-t
@itemx C-S-@key{right}
@itemx C-S-@key{left}
These keys jump from one TODO subset to the next.  In the above example,
@kbd{C-u C-u C-c C-t} or @kbd{C-S-@key{right}} would jump from @code{TODO} or
@code{DONE} to @code{REPORT}, and any of the words in the second row to
@code{CANCELED}.  Note that the @kbd{C-S-} key binding conflict with
@code{shift-selection-mode} (@pxref{Conflicts}).
@kindex S-@key{right}
@kindex S-@key{left}
@item S-@key{right}
@itemx S-@key{left}
@kbd{S-@key{left}} and @kbd{S-@key{right}} and walk through @emph{all}
keywords from all sets, so for example @kbd{S-@key{right}} would switch
from @code{DONE} to @code{REPORT} in the example above.  See also
@ref{Conflicts}, for a discussion of the interaction with
@code{shift-selection-mode}.
@end table

@node Fast access to TODO states
@subsection Fast access to TODO states

If you would like to quickly change an entry to an arbitrary TODO state
instead of cycling through the states, you can set up keys for single-letter
access to the states.  This is done by adding the selection character after
each keyword, in parentheses@footnote{All characters are allowed except
@code{@@^!}, which have a special meaning here.}.  For example:

@lisp
(setq org-todo-keywords
      '((sequence "TODO(t)" "|" "DONE(d)")
        (sequence "REPORT(r)" "BUG(b)" "KNOWNCAUSE(k)" "|" "FIXED(f)")
        (sequence "|" "CANCELED(c)")))
@end lisp

@vindex org-fast-tag-selection-include-todo
If you then press @kbd{C-c C-t} followed by the selection key, the entry
will be switched to this state.  @kbd{SPC} can be used to remove any TODO
keyword from an entry.@footnote{Check also the option
@code{org-fast-tag-selection-include-todo}, it allows you to change the TODO
state through the tags interface (@pxref{Setting tags}), in case you like to
mingle the two concepts.  Note that this means you need to come up with
unique keys across both sets of keywords.}

@node Per-file keywords
@subsection Setting up keywords for individual files
@cindex keyword options
@cindex per-file keywords
@cindex #+TODO
@cindex #+TYP_TODO
@cindex #+SEQ_TODO

It can be very useful to use different aspects of the TODO mechanism in
different files.  For file-local settings, you need to add special lines to
the file which set the keywords and interpretation for that file only.  For
example, to set one of the two examples discussed above, you need one of the
following lines anywhere in the file:

@example
#+TODO: TODO FEEDBACK VERIFY | DONE CANCELED
@end example
@noindent (you may also write @code{#+SEQ_TODO} to be explicit about the
interpretation, but it means the same as @code{#+TODO}), or
@example
#+TYP_TODO: Fred Sara Lucy Mike | DONE
@end example

A setup for using several sets in parallel would be:

@example
#+TODO: TODO | DONE
#+TODO: REPORT BUG KNOWNCAUSE | FIXED
#+TODO: | CANCELED
@end example

@cindex completion, of option keywords
@kindex M-@key{TAB}
@noindent To make sure you are using the correct keyword, type
@samp{#+} into the buffer and then use @kbd{M-@key{TAB}} completion.

@cindex DONE, final TODO keyword
Remember that the keywords after the vertical bar (or the last keyword
if no bar is there) must always mean that the item is DONE (although you
may use a different word).  After changing one of these lines, use
@kbd{C-c C-c} with the cursor still in the line to make the changes
known to Org mode@footnote{Org mode parses these lines only when
Org mode is activated after visiting a file.  @kbd{C-c C-c} with the
cursor in a line starting with @samp{#+} is simply restarting Org mode
for the current buffer.}.

@node Faces for TODO keywords
@subsection Faces for TODO keywords
@cindex faces, for TODO keywords

@vindex org-todo @r{(face)}
@vindex org-done @r{(face)}
@vindex org-todo-keyword-faces
Org mode highlights TODO keywords with special faces: @code{org-todo}
for keywords indicating that an item still has to be acted upon, and
@code{org-done} for keywords indicating that an item is finished.  If
you are using more than 2 different states, you might want to use
special faces for some of them.  This can be done using the option
@code{org-todo-keyword-faces}.  For example:

@lisp
@group
(setq org-todo-keyword-faces
      '(("TODO" . org-warning) ("STARTED" . "yellow")
        ("CANCELED" . (:foreground "blue" :weight bold))))
@end group
@end lisp

While using a list with face properties as shown for CANCELED @emph{should}
work, this does not always seem to be the case.  If necessary, define a
special face and use that.  A string is interpreted as a color.  The option
@code{org-faces-easy-properties} determines if that color is interpreted as a
foreground or a background color.

@node TODO dependencies
@subsection TODO dependencies
@cindex TODO dependencies
@cindex dependencies, of TODO states
@cindex TODO dependencies, NOBLOCKING

@vindex org-enforce-todo-dependencies
@cindex property, ORDERED
The structure of Org files (hierarchy and lists) makes it easy to define TODO
dependencies.  Usually, a parent TODO task should not be marked DONE until
all subtasks (defined as children tasks) are marked as DONE@.  And sometimes
there is a logical sequence to a number of (sub)tasks, so that one task
cannot be acted upon before all siblings above it are done.  If you customize
the option @code{org-enforce-todo-dependencies}, Org will block entries
from changing state to DONE while they have children that are not DONE@.
Furthermore, if an entry has a property @code{ORDERED}, each of its children
will be blocked until all earlier siblings are marked DONE@.  Here is an
example:

@example
* TODO Blocked until (two) is done
** DONE one
** TODO two

* Parent
  :PROPERTIES:
  :ORDERED: t
  :END:
** TODO a
** TODO b, needs to wait for (a)
** TODO c, needs to wait for (a) and (b)
@end example

You can ensure an entry is never blocked by using the @code{NOBLOCKING}
property:

@example
* This entry is never blocked
  :PROPERTIES:
  :NOBLOCKING: t
  :END:
@end example

@table @kbd
@orgcmd{C-c C-x o,org-toggle-ordered-property}
@vindex org-track-ordered-property-with-tag
@cindex property, ORDERED
Toggle the @code{ORDERED} property of the current entry.  A property is used
for this behavior because this should be local to the current entry, not
inherited like a tag.  However, if you would like to @i{track} the value of
this property with a tag for better visibility, customize the option
@code{org-track-ordered-property-with-tag}.
@orgkey{C-u C-u C-u C-c C-t}
Change TODO state, circumventing any state blocking.
@end table

@vindex org-agenda-dim-blocked-tasks
If you set the option @code{org-agenda-dim-blocked-tasks}, TODO entries
that cannot be closed because of such dependencies will be shown in a dimmed
font or even made invisible in agenda views (@pxref{Agenda views}).

@cindex checkboxes and TODO dependencies
@vindex org-enforce-todo-dependencies
You can also block changes of TODO states by looking at checkboxes
(@pxref{Checkboxes}).  If you set the option
@code{org-enforce-todo-checkbox-dependencies}, an entry that has unchecked
checkboxes will be blocked from switching to DONE.

If you need more complex dependency structures, for example dependencies
between entries in different trees or files, check out the contributed
module @file{org-depend.el}.

@page
@node Progress logging
@section Progress logging
@cindex progress logging
@cindex logging, of progress

Org mode can automatically record a timestamp and possibly a note when
you mark a TODO item as DONE, or even each time you change the state of
a TODO item.  This system is highly configurable; settings can be on a
per-keyword basis and can be localized to a file or even a subtree.  For
information on how to clock working time for a task, see @ref{Clocking
work time}.

@menu
* Closing items::               When was this entry marked DONE?
* Tracking TODO state changes::  When did the status change?
* Tracking your habits::        How consistent have you been?
@end menu

@node Closing items
@subsection Closing items

The most basic logging is to keep track of @emph{when} a certain TODO
item was finished.  This is achieved with@footnote{The corresponding
in-buffer setting is: @code{#+STARTUP: logdone}}

@lisp
(setq org-log-done 'time)
@end lisp

@vindex org-closed-keep-when-no-todo
@noindent
Then each time you turn an entry from a TODO (not-done) state into any of the
DONE states, a line @samp{CLOSED: [timestamp]} will be inserted just after
the headline.  If you turn the entry back into a TODO item through further
state cycling, that line will be removed again.  If you turn the entry back
to a non-TODO state (by pressing @key{C-c C-t SPC} for example), that line
will also be removed, unless you set @code{org-closed-keep-when-no-todo} to
non-@code{nil}.  If you want to record a note along with the timestamp,
use@footnote{The corresponding in-buffer setting is: @code{#+STARTUP:
lognotedone}.}

@lisp
(setq org-log-done 'note)
@end lisp

@noindent
You will then be prompted for a note, and that note will be stored below
the entry with a @samp{Closing Note} heading.

@node Tracking TODO state changes
@subsection Tracking TODO state changes
@cindex drawer, for state change recording

@vindex org-log-states-order-reversed
@vindex org-log-into-drawer
@cindex property, LOG_INTO_DRAWER
When TODO keywords are used as workflow states (@pxref{Workflow states}), you
might want to keep track of when a state change occurred and maybe take a
note about this change.  You can either record just a timestamp, or a
time-stamped note for a change.  These records will be inserted after the
headline as an itemized list, newest first@footnote{See the option
@code{org-log-states-order-reversed}}.  When taking a lot of notes, you might
want to get the notes out of the way into a drawer (@pxref{Drawers}).
Customize @code{org-log-into-drawer} to get this behavior---the recommended
drawer for this is called @code{LOGBOOK}@footnote{Note that the
@code{LOGBOOK} drawer is unfolded when pressing @key{SPC} in the agenda to
show an entry---use @key{C-u SPC} to keep it folded here}.  You can also
overrule the setting of this variable for a subtree by setting a
@code{LOG_INTO_DRAWER} property.

Since it is normally too much to record a note for every state, Org mode
expects configuration on a per-keyword basis for this.  This is achieved by
adding special markers @samp{!} (for a timestamp) or @samp{@@} (for a note
with timestamp) in parentheses after each keyword.  For example, with the
setting

@lisp
(setq org-todo-keywords
  '((sequence "TODO(t)" "WAIT(w@@/!)" "|" "DONE(d!)" "CANCELED(c@@)")))
@end lisp

To record a timestamp without a note for TODO keywords configured with
@samp{@@}, just type @kbd{C-c C-c} to enter a blank note when prompted.

@noindent
@vindex org-log-done
You not only define global TODO keywords and fast access keys, but also
request that a time is recorded when the entry is set to
DONE@footnote{It is possible that Org mode will record two timestamps
when you are using both @code{org-log-done} and state change logging.
However, it will never prompt for two notes---if you have configured
both, the state change recording note will take precedence and cancel
the @samp{Closing Note}.}, and that a note is recorded when switching to
WAIT or CANCELED@.  The setting for WAIT is even more special: the
@samp{!} after the slash means that in addition to the note taken when
entering the state, a timestamp should be recorded when @i{leaving} the
WAIT state, if and only if the @i{target} state does not configure
logging for entering it.  So it has no effect when switching from WAIT
to DONE, because DONE is configured to record a timestamp only.  But
when switching from WAIT back to TODO, the @samp{/!} in the WAIT
setting now triggers a timestamp even though TODO has no logging
configured.

You can use the exact same syntax for setting logging preferences local
to a buffer:
@example
#+TODO: TODO(t) WAIT(w@@/!) | DONE(d!) CANCELED(c@@)
@end example

@cindex property, LOGGING
In order to define logging settings that are local to a subtree or a
single item, define a LOGGING property in this entry.  Any non-empty
LOGGING property resets all logging settings to @code{nil}.  You may then turn
on logging for this specific tree using STARTUP keywords like
@code{lognotedone} or @code{logrepeat}, as well as adding state specific
settings like @code{TODO(!)}.  For example

@example
* TODO Log each state with only a time
  :PROPERTIES:
  :LOGGING: TODO(!) WAIT(!) DONE(!) CANCELED(!)
  :END:
* TODO Only log when switching to WAIT, and when repeating
  :PROPERTIES:
  :LOGGING: WAIT(@@) logrepeat
  :END:
* TODO No logging at all
  :PROPERTIES:
  :LOGGING: nil
  :END:
@end example

@node Tracking your habits
@subsection Tracking your habits
@cindex habits

Org has the ability to track the consistency of a special category of TODOs,
called ``habits''.  A habit has the following properties:

@enumerate
@item
You have enabled the @code{habits} module by customizing @code{org-modules}.
@item
The habit is a TODO item, with a TODO keyword representing an open state.
@item
The property @code{STYLE} is set to the value @code{habit}.
@item
The TODO has a scheduled date, usually with a @code{.+} style repeat
interval.  A @code{++} style may be appropriate for habits with time
constraints, e.g., must be done on weekends, or a @code{+} style for an
unusual habit that can have a backlog, e.g., weekly reports.
@item
The TODO may also have minimum and maximum ranges specified by using the
syntax @samp{.+2d/3d}, which says that you want to do the task at least every
three days, but at most every two days.
@item
You must also have state logging for the @code{DONE} state enabled
(@pxref{Tracking TODO state changes}), in order for historical data to be
represented in the consistency graph.  If it is not enabled it is not an
error, but the consistency graphs will be largely meaningless.
@end enumerate

To give you an idea of what the above rules look like in action, here's an
actual habit with some history:

@example
** TODO Shave
   SCHEDULED: <2009-10-17 Sat .+2d/4d>
   :PROPERTIES:
   :STYLE:    habit
   :LAST_REPEAT: [2009-10-19 Mon 00:36]
   :END:
   - State "DONE"       from "TODO"       [2009-10-15 Thu]
   - State "DONE"       from "TODO"       [2009-10-12 Mon]
   - State "DONE"       from "TODO"       [2009-10-10 Sat]
   - State "DONE"       from "TODO"       [2009-10-04 Sun]
   - State "DONE"       from "TODO"       [2009-10-02 Fri]
   - State "DONE"       from "TODO"       [2009-09-29 Tue]
   - State "DONE"       from "TODO"       [2009-09-25 Fri]
   - State "DONE"       from "TODO"       [2009-09-19 Sat]
   - State "DONE"       from "TODO"       [2009-09-16 Wed]
   - State "DONE"       from "TODO"       [2009-09-12 Sat]
@end example

What this habit says is: I want to shave at most every 2 days (given by the
@code{SCHEDULED} date and repeat interval) and at least every 4 days.  If
today is the 15th, then the habit first appears in the agenda on Oct 17,
after the minimum of 2 days has elapsed, and will appear overdue on Oct 19,
after four days have elapsed.

What's really useful about habits is that they are displayed along with a
consistency graph, to show how consistent you've been at getting that task
done in the past.  This graph shows every day that the task was done over the
past three weeks, with colors for each day.  The colors used are:

@table @code
@item Blue
If the task wasn't to be done yet on that day.
@item Green
If the task could have been done on that day.
@item Yellow
If the task was going to be overdue the next day.
@item Red
If the task was overdue on that day.
@end table

In addition to coloring each day, the day is also marked with an asterisk if
the task was actually done that day, and an exclamation mark to show where
the current day falls in the graph.

There are several configuration variables that can be used to change the way
habits are displayed in the agenda.

@table @code
@item org-habit-graph-column
The buffer column at which the consistency graph should be drawn.  This will
overwrite any text in that column, so it is a good idea to keep your habits'
titles brief and to the point.
@item org-habit-preceding-days
The amount of history, in days before today, to appear in consistency graphs.
@item org-habit-following-days
The number of days after today that will appear in consistency graphs.
@item org-habit-show-habits-only-for-today
If non-@code{nil}, only show habits in today's agenda view.  This is set to true by
default.
@end table

Lastly, pressing @kbd{K} in the agenda buffer will cause habits to
temporarily be disabled and they won't appear at all.  Press @kbd{K} again to
bring them back.  They are also subject to tag filtering, if you have habits
which should only be done in certain contexts, for example.

@node Priorities
@section Priorities
@cindex priorities

If you use Org mode extensively, you may end up with enough TODO items that
it starts to make sense to prioritize them.  Prioritizing can be done by
placing a @emph{priority cookie} into the headline of a TODO item, like this

@example
*** TODO [#A] Write letter to Sam Fortune
@end example

@noindent
@vindex org-priority-faces
By default, Org mode supports three priorities: @samp{A}, @samp{B}, and
@samp{C}.  @samp{A} is the highest priority.  An entry without a cookie is
treated just like priority @samp{B}.  Priorities make a difference only for
sorting in the agenda (@pxref{Weekly/daily agenda}); outside the agenda, they
have no inherent meaning to Org mode.  The cookies can be highlighted with
special faces by customizing @code{org-priority-faces}.

Priorities can be attached to any outline node; they do not need to be TODO
items.

@table @kbd
@item @kbd{C-c ,}
@kindex @kbd{C-c ,}
@findex org-priority
Set the priority of the current headline (@command{org-priority}).  The
command prompts for a priority character @samp{A}, @samp{B} or @samp{C}.
When you press @key{SPC} instead, the priority cookie is removed from the
headline.  The priorities can also be changed ``remotely'' from the agenda
buffer with the @kbd{,} command (@pxref{Agenda commands}).
@c
@orgcmdkkcc{S-@key{up},S-@key{down},org-priority-up,org-priority-down}
@vindex org-priority-start-cycle-with-default
Increase/decrease priority of current headline@footnote{See also the option
@code{org-priority-start-cycle-with-default}.}.  Note that these keys are
also used to modify timestamps (@pxref{Creating timestamps}).  See also
@ref{Conflicts}, for a discussion of the interaction with
@code{shift-selection-mode}.
@end table

@vindex org-highest-priority
@vindex org-lowest-priority
@vindex org-default-priority
You can change the range of allowed priorities by setting the options
@code{org-highest-priority}, @code{org-lowest-priority}, and
@code{org-default-priority}.  For an individual buffer, you may set
these values (highest, lowest, default) like this (please make sure that
the highest priority is earlier in the alphabet than the lowest
priority):

@cindex #+PRIORITIES
@example
#+PRIORITIES: A C B
@end example

@node Breaking down tasks
@section Breaking tasks down into subtasks
@cindex tasks, breaking down
@cindex statistics, for TODO items

@vindex org-agenda-todo-list-sublevels
It is often advisable to break down large tasks into smaller, manageable
subtasks.  You can do this by creating an outline tree below a TODO item,
with detailed subtasks on the tree@footnote{To keep subtasks out of the
global TODO list, see the @code{org-agenda-todo-list-sublevels}.}.  To keep
the overview over the fraction of subtasks that are already completed, insert
either @samp{[/]} or @samp{[%]} anywhere in the headline.  These cookies will
be updated each time the TODO status of a child changes, or when pressing
@kbd{C-c C-c} on the cookie.  For example:

@example
* Organize Party [33%]
** TODO Call people [1/2]
*** TODO Peter
*** DONE Sarah
** TODO Buy food
** DONE Talk to neighbor
@end example

@cindex property, COOKIE_DATA
If a heading has both checkboxes and TODO children below it, the meaning of
the statistics cookie become ambiguous.  Set the property
@code{COOKIE_DATA} to either @samp{checkbox} or @samp{todo} to resolve
this issue.

@vindex org-hierarchical-todo-statistics
If you would like to have the statistics cookie count any TODO entries in the
subtree (not just direct children), configure
@code{org-hierarchical-todo-statistics}.  To do this for a single subtree,
include the word @samp{recursive} into the value of the @code{COOKIE_DATA}
property.

@example
* Parent capturing statistics [2/20]
  :PROPERTIES:
  :COOKIE_DATA: todo recursive
  :END:
@end example

If you would like a TODO entry to automatically change to DONE
when all children are done, you can use the following setup:

@example
(defun org-summary-todo (n-done n-not-done)
  "Switch entry to DONE when all subentries are done, to TODO otherwise."
  (let (org-log-done org-log-states)   ; turn off logging
    (org-todo (if (= n-not-done 0) "DONE" "TODO"))))

(add-hook 'org-after-todo-statistics-hook 'org-summary-todo)
@end example


Another possibility is the use of checkboxes to identify (a hierarchy of) a
large number of subtasks (@pxref{Checkboxes}).


@node Checkboxes
@section Checkboxes
@cindex checkboxes

@vindex org-list-automatic-rules
Every item in a plain list@footnote{With the exception of description
lists.  But you can allow it by modifying @code{org-list-automatic-rules}
accordingly.} (@pxref{Plain lists}) can be made into a checkbox by starting
it with the string @samp{[ ]}.  This feature is similar to TODO items
(@pxref{TODO items}), but is more lightweight.  Checkboxes are not included
in the global TODO list, so they are often great to split a task into a
number of simple steps.  Or you can use them in a shopping list.  To toggle a
checkbox, use @kbd{C-c C-c}, or use the mouse (thanks to Piotr Zielinski's
@file{org-mouse.el}).

Here is an example of a checkbox list.

@example
* TODO Organize party [2/4]
  - [-] call people [1/3]
    - [ ] Peter
    - [X] Sarah
    - [ ] Sam
  - [X] order food
  - [ ] think about what music to play
  - [X] talk to the neighbors
@end example

Checkboxes work hierarchically, so if a checkbox item has children that
are checkboxes, toggling one of the children checkboxes will make the
parent checkbox reflect if none, some, or all of the children are
checked.

@cindex statistics, for checkboxes
@cindex checkbox statistics
@cindex property, COOKIE_DATA
@vindex org-checkbox-hierarchical-statistics
The @samp{[2/4]} and @samp{[1/3]} in the first and second line are cookies
indicating how many checkboxes present in this entry have been checked off,
and the total number of checkboxes present.  This can give you an idea on how
many checkboxes remain, even without opening a folded entry.  The cookies can
be placed into a headline or into (the first line of) a plain list item.
Each cookie covers checkboxes of direct children structurally below the
headline/item on which the cookie appears@footnote{Set the option
@code{org-checkbox-hierarchical-statistics} if you want such cookies to
count all checkboxes below the cookie, not just those belonging to direct
children.}.  You have to insert the cookie yourself by typing either
@samp{[/]} or @samp{[%]}.  With @samp{[/]} you get an @samp{n out of m}
result, as in the examples above.  With @samp{[%]} you get information about
the percentage of checkboxes checked (in the above example, this would be
@samp{[50%]} and @samp{[33%]}, respectively).  In a headline, a cookie can
count either checkboxes below the heading or TODO states of children, and it
will display whatever was changed last.  Set the property @code{COOKIE_DATA}
to either @samp{checkbox} or @samp{todo} to resolve this issue.

@cindex blocking, of checkboxes
@cindex checkbox blocking
@cindex property, ORDERED
If the current outline node has an @code{ORDERED} property, checkboxes must
be checked off in sequence, and an error will be thrown if you try to check
off a box while there are unchecked boxes above it.

@noindent The following commands work with checkboxes:

@table @kbd
@orgcmd{C-c C-c,org-toggle-checkbox}
Toggle checkbox status or (with prefix arg) checkbox presence at point.  With
a single prefix argument, add an empty checkbox or remove the current
one@footnote{@kbd{C-u C-c C-c} before the @emph{first} bullet in a list with
no checkbox will add checkboxes to the rest of the list.}.  With a double
prefix argument, set it to @samp{[-]}, which is considered to be an
intermediate state.
@orgcmd{C-c C-x C-b,org-toggle-checkbox}
Toggle checkbox status or (with prefix arg) checkbox presence at point.  With
double prefix argument, set it to @samp{[-]}, which is considered to be an
intermediate state.
@itemize @minus
@item
If there is an active region, toggle the first checkbox in the region
and set all remaining boxes to the same status as the first.  With a prefix
arg, add or remove the checkbox for all items in the region.
@item
If the cursor is in a headline, toggle the state of the first checkbox in the
region between this headline and the next---so @emph{not} the entire
subtree---and propagate this new state to all other checkboxes in the same
area.
@item
If there is no active region, just toggle the checkbox at point.
@end itemize
@orgcmd{M-S-@key{RET},org-insert-todo-heading}
Insert a new item with a checkbox.  This works only if the cursor is already
in a plain list item (@pxref{Plain lists}).
@orgcmd{C-c C-x o,org-toggle-ordered-property}
@vindex org-track-ordered-property-with-tag
@cindex property, ORDERED
Toggle the @code{ORDERED} property of the entry, to toggle if checkboxes must
be checked off in sequence.  A property is used for this behavior because
this should be local to the current entry, not inherited like a tag.
However, if you would like to @i{track} the value of this property with a tag
for better visibility, customize @code{org-track-ordered-property-with-tag}.
@orgcmd{C-c #,org-update-statistics-cookies}
Update the statistics cookie in the current outline entry.  When called with
a @kbd{C-u} prefix, update the entire file.  Checkbox statistic cookies are
updated automatically if you toggle checkboxes with @kbd{C-c C-c} and make
new ones with @kbd{M-S-@key{RET}}.  TODO statistics cookies update when
changing TODO states.  If you delete boxes/entries or add/change them by
hand, use this command to get things back into sync.
@end table

@node Tags
@chapter Tags
@cindex tags
@cindex headline tagging
@cindex matching, tags
@cindex sparse tree, tag based

An excellent way to implement labels and contexts for cross-correlating
information is to assign @i{tags} to headlines.  Org mode has extensive
support for tags.

@vindex org-tag-faces
Every headline can contain a list of tags; they occur at the end of the
headline.  Tags are normal words containing letters, numbers, @samp{_}, and
@samp{@@}.  Tags must be preceded and followed by a single colon, e.g.,
@samp{:work:}.  Several tags can be specified, as in @samp{:work:urgent:}.
Tags will by default be in bold face with the same color as the headline.
You may specify special faces for specific tags using the option
@code{org-tag-faces}, in much the same way as you can for TODO keywords
(@pxref{Faces for TODO keywords}).

@menu
* Tag inheritance::             Tags use the tree structure of the outline
* Setting tags::                How to assign tags to a headline
* Tag hierarchy::               Create a hierarchy of tags
* Tag searches::                Searching for combinations of tags
@end menu

@node Tag inheritance
@section Tag inheritance
@cindex tag inheritance
@cindex inheritance, of tags
@cindex sublevels, inclusion into tags match

@i{Tags} make use of the hierarchical structure of outline trees.  If a
heading has a certain tag, all subheadings will inherit the tag as
well.  For example, in the list

@example
* Meeting with the French group      :work:
** Summary by Frank                  :boss:notes:
*** TODO Prepare slides for him      :action:
@end example

@noindent
the final heading will have the tags @samp{:work:}, @samp{:boss:},
@samp{:notes:}, and @samp{:action:} even though the final heading is not
explicitly marked with all those tags.  You can also set tags that all
entries in a file should inherit just as if these tags were defined in
a hypothetical level zero that surrounds the entire file.  Use a line like
this@footnote{As with all these in-buffer settings, pressing @kbd{C-c C-c}
activates any changes in the line.}:

@cindex #+FILETAGS
@example
#+FILETAGS: :Peter:Boss:Secret:
@end example

@noindent
@vindex org-use-tag-inheritance
@vindex org-tags-exclude-from-inheritance
To limit tag inheritance to specific tags, use @code{org-tags-exclude-from-inheritance}.
To turn it off entirely, use @code{org-use-tag-inheritance}.

@vindex org-tags-match-list-sublevels
When a headline matches during a tags search while tag inheritance is turned
on, all the sublevels in the same tree will (for a simple match form) match
as well@footnote{This is only true if the search does not involve more
complex tests including properties (@pxref{Property searches}).}.  The list
of matches may then become very long.  If you only want to see the first tags
match in a subtree, configure @code{org-tags-match-list-sublevels} (not
recommended).

@vindex org-agenda-use-tag-inheritance
Tag inheritance is relevant when the agenda search tries to match a tag,
either in the @code{tags} or @code{tags-todo} agenda types.  In other agenda
types, @code{org-use-tag-inheritance} has no effect.  Still, you may want to
have your tags correctly set in the agenda, so that tag filtering works fine,
with inherited tags.  Set @code{org-agenda-use-tag-inheritance} to control
this: the default value includes all agenda types, but setting this to @code{nil}
can really speed up agenda generation.

@node Setting tags
@section Setting tags
@cindex setting tags
@cindex tags, setting

@kindex M-@key{TAB}
Tags can simply be typed into the buffer at the end of a headline.
After a colon, @kbd{M-@key{TAB}} offers completion on tags.  There is
also a special command for inserting tags:

@table @kbd
@orgcmd{C-c C-q,org-set-tags-command}
@cindex completion, of tags
@vindex org-tags-column
Enter new tags for the current headline.  Org mode will either offer
completion or a special single-key interface for setting tags, see
below.  After pressing @key{RET}, the tags will be inserted and aligned
to @code{org-tags-column}.  When called with a @kbd{C-u} prefix, all
tags in the current buffer will be aligned to that column, just to make
things look nice.  TAGS are automatically realigned after promotion,
demotion, and TODO state changes (@pxref{TODO basics}).

@orgcmd{C-c C-c,org-set-tags-command}
When the cursor is in a headline, this does the same as @kbd{C-c C-q}.
@end table

@vindex org-tag-alist
Org supports tag insertion based on a @emph{list of tags}.  By
default this list is constructed dynamically, containing all tags
currently used in the buffer.  You may also globally specify a hard list
of tags with the variable @code{org-tag-alist}.  Finally you can set
the default tags for a given file with lines like

@cindex #+TAGS
@example
#+TAGS: @@work @@home @@tennisclub
#+TAGS: laptop car pc sailboat
@end example

If you have globally defined your preferred set of tags using the
variable @code{org-tag-alist}, but would like to use a dynamic tag list
in a specific file, add an empty TAGS option line to that file:

@example
#+TAGS:
@end example

@vindex org-tag-persistent-alist
If you have a preferred set of tags that you would like to use in every file,
in addition to those defined on a per-file basis by TAGS option lines, then
you may specify a list of tags with the variable
@code{org-tag-persistent-alist}.  You may turn this off on a per-file basis
by adding a STARTUP option line to that file:

@example
#+STARTUP: noptag
@end example

By default Org mode uses the standard minibuffer completion facilities for
entering tags.  However, it also implements another, quicker, tag selection
method called @emph{fast tag selection}.  This allows you to select and
deselect tags with just a single key press.  For this to work well you should
assign unique, case-sensitive, letters to most of your commonly used tags.
You can do this globally by configuring the variable @code{org-tag-alist} in
your Emacs init file.  For example, you may find the need to tag many items
in different files with @samp{:@@home:}.  In this case you can set something
like:

@lisp
(setq org-tag-alist '(("@@work" . ?w) ("@@home" . ?h) ("laptop" . ?l)))
@end lisp

@noindent If the tag is only relevant to the file you are working on, then you
can instead set the TAGS option line as:

@example
#+TAGS: @@work(w)  @@home(h)  @@tennisclub(t)  laptop(l)  pc(p)
@end example

@noindent The tags interface will show the available tags in a splash
window.  If you want to start a new line after a specific tag, insert
@samp{\n} into the tag list

@example
#+TAGS: @@work(w)  @@home(h)  @@tennisclub(t) \n laptop(l)  pc(p)
@end example

@noindent or write them in two lines:

@example
#+TAGS: @@work(w)  @@home(h)  @@tennisclub(t)
#+TAGS: laptop(l)  pc(p)
@end example

@noindent
You can also group together tags that are mutually exclusive by using
braces, as in:

@example
#+TAGS: @{ @@work(w)  @@home(h)  @@tennisclub(t) @}  laptop(l)  pc(p)
@end example

@noindent you indicate that at most one of @samp{@@work}, @samp{@@home},
and @samp{@@tennisclub} should be selected.  Multiple such groups are allowed.

@noindent Don't forget to press @kbd{C-c C-c} with the cursor in one of
these lines to activate any changes.

@noindent
To set these mutually exclusive groups in the variable @code{org-tag-alist},
you must use the dummy tags @code{:startgroup} and @code{:endgroup} instead
of the braces.  Similarly, you can use @code{:newline} to indicate a line
break.  The previous example would be set globally by the following
configuration:

@lisp
(setq org-tag-alist '((:startgroup . nil)
                      ("@@work" . ?w) ("@@home" . ?h)
                      ("@@tennisclub" . ?t)
                      (:endgroup . nil)
                      ("laptop" . ?l) ("pc" . ?p)))
@end lisp

If at least one tag has a selection key then pressing @kbd{C-c C-c} will
automatically present you with a special interface, listing inherited tags,
the tags of the current headline, and a list of all valid tags with
corresponding keys@footnote{Keys will automatically be assigned to tags which
have no configured keys.}.

Pressing keys assigned to tags will add or remove them from the list of tags
in the current line.  Selecting a tag in a group of mutually exclusive tags
will turn off any other tags from that group.

In this interface, you can also use the following special keys:

@table @kbd
@kindex @key{TAB}
@item @key{TAB}
Enter a tag in the minibuffer, even if the tag is not in the predefined
list.  You will be able to complete on all tags present in the buffer.
You can also add several tags: just separate them with a comma.

@kindex @key{SPC}
@item @key{SPC}
Clear all tags for this line.

@kindex @key{RET}
@item @key{RET}
Accept the modified set.

@item C-g
Abort without installing changes.

@item q
If @kbd{q} is not assigned to a tag, it aborts like @kbd{C-g}.

@item !
Turn off groups of mutually exclusive tags.  Use this to (as an
exception) assign several tags from such a group.

@item C-c
Toggle auto-exit after the next change (see below).
If you are using expert mode, the first @kbd{C-c} will display the
selection window.
@end table

@noindent
This method lets you assign tags to a headline with very few keys.  With
the above setup, you could clear the current tags and set @samp{@@home},
@samp{laptop} and @samp{pc} tags with just the following keys: @kbd{C-c
C-c @key{SPC} h l p @key{RET}}.  Switching from @samp{@@home} to
@samp{@@work} would be done with @kbd{C-c C-c w @key{RET}} or
alternatively with @kbd{C-c C-c C-c w}.  Adding the non-predefined tag
@samp{Sarah} could be done with @kbd{C-c C-c @key{TAB} S a r a h
@key{RET} @key{RET}}.

@vindex org-fast-tag-selection-single-key
If you find that most of the time you need only a single key press to
modify your list of tags, set @code{org-fast-tag-selection-single-key}.
Then you no longer have to press @key{RET} to exit fast tag selection---it
will immediately exit after the first change.  If you then occasionally
need more keys, press @kbd{C-c} to turn off auto-exit for the current tag
selection process (in effect: start selection with @kbd{C-c C-c C-c}
instead of @kbd{C-c C-c}).  If you set the variable to the value
@code{expert}, the special window is not even shown for single-key tag
selection, it comes up only when you press an extra @kbd{C-c}.

@node Tag hierarchy
@section Tag hierarchy

@cindex group tags
@cindex tags, groups
@cindex tag hierarchy
Tags can be defined in hierarchies.  A tag can be defined as a @emph{group
tag} for a set of other tags.  The group tag can be seen as the ``broader
term'' for its set of tags.  Defining multiple @emph{group tags} and nesting
them creates a tag hierarchy.

One use-case is to create a taxonomy of terms (tags) that can be used to
classify nodes in a document or set of documents.

When you search for a group tag, it will return matches for all members in
the group and its subgroups.  In an agenda view, filtering by a group tag
will display or hide headlines tagged with at least one of the members of the
group or any of its subgroups.  This makes tag searches and filters even more
flexible.

You can set group tags by using brackets and inserting a colon between the
group tag and its related tags---beware that all whitespaces are mandatory so
that Org can parse this line correctly:

@example
#+TAGS: [ GTD : Control Persp ]
@end example

In this example, @samp{GTD} is the @emph{group tag} and it is related to two
other tags: @samp{Control}, @samp{Persp}.  Defining @samp{Control} and
@samp{Persp} as group tags creates an hierarchy of tags:

@example
#+TAGS: [ Control : Context Task ]
#+TAGS: [ Persp : Vision Goal AOF Project ]
@end example

That can conceptually be seen as a hierarchy of tags:

@example
- GTD
  - Persp
    - Vision
    - Goal
    - AOF
    - Project
  - Control
    - Context
    - Task
@end example

You can use the @code{:startgrouptag}, @code{:grouptags} and
@code{:endgrouptag} keyword directly when setting @code{org-tag-alist}
directly:

@lisp
(setq org-tag-alist '((:startgrouptag)
                      ("GTD")
                      (:grouptags)
                      ("Control")
                      ("Persp")
                      (:endgrouptag)
                      (:startgrouptag)
                      ("Control")
                      (:grouptags)
                      ("Context")
                      ("Task")
                      (:endgrouptag)))
@end lisp

The tags in a group can be mutually exclusive if using the same group syntax
as is used for grouping mutually exclusive tags together; using curly
brackets.

@example
#+TAGS: @{ Context : @@Home @@Work @@Call @}
@end example

When setting @code{org-tag-alist} you can use @code{:startgroup} &
@code{:endgroup} instead of @code{:startgrouptag} & @code{:endgrouptag} to
make the tags mutually exclusive.

Furthermore, the members of a @emph{group tag} can also be regular
expressions, creating the possibility of a more dynamic and rule-based
tag structure.  The regular expressions in the group must be specified
within @{ @}.  Here is an expanded example:

@example
#+TAGS: [ Vision : @{V@@@.+@} ]
#+TAGS: [ Goal : @{G@@@.+@} ]
#+TAGS: [ AOF : @{AOF@@@.+@} ]
#+TAGS: [ Project : @{P@@@.+@} ]
@end example

Searching for the tag @samp{Project} will now list all tags also including
regular expression matches for @samp{P@@@.+}, and similarly for tag searches on
@samp{Vision}, @samp{Goal} and @samp{AOF}.  For example, this would work well
for a project tagged with a common project-identifier, e.g. @samp{P@@2014_OrgTags}.

@kindex C-c C-x q
@vindex org-group-tags
If you want to ignore group tags temporarily, toggle group tags support
with @command{org-toggle-tags-groups}, bound to @kbd{C-c C-x q}.  If you
want to disable tag groups completely, set @code{org-group-tags} to @code{nil}.

@node Tag searches
@section Tag searches
@cindex tag searches
@cindex searching for tags

Once a system of tags has been set up, it can be used to collect related
information into special lists.

@table @kbd
@orgcmdkkc{C-c / m,C-c \\,org-match-sparse-tree}
Create a sparse tree with all headlines matching a tags/property/TODO search.
With a @kbd{C-u} prefix argument, ignore headlines that are not a TODO line.
@xref{Matching tags and properties}.
@orgcmd{C-c a m,org-tags-view}
Create a global list of tag matches from all agenda files.  @xref{Matching
tags and properties}.
@orgcmd{C-c a M,org-tags-view}
@vindex org-tags-match-list-sublevels
Create a global list of tag matches from all agenda files, but check
only TODO items and force checking subitems (see the option
@code{org-tags-match-list-sublevels}).
@end table

These commands all prompt for a match string which allows basic Boolean logic
like @samp{+boss+urgent-project1}, to find entries with tags @samp{boss} and
@samp{urgent}, but not @samp{project1}, or @samp{Kathy|Sally} to find entries
tagged as @samp{Kathy} or @samp{Sally}.  The full syntax of the search string
is rich and allows also matching against TODO keywords, entry levels and
properties.  For a complete description with many examples, see @ref{Matching
tags and properties}.


@node Properties and columns
@chapter Properties and columns
@cindex properties

A property is a key-value pair associated with an entry.  Properties can be
set so they are associated with a single entry, with every entry in a tree,
or with every entry in an Org mode file.

There are two main applications for properties in Org mode.  First,
properties are like tags, but with a value.  Imagine maintaining a file where
you document bugs and plan releases for a piece of software.  Instead of
using tags like @code{:release_1:}, @code{:release_2:}, you can use a
property, say @code{:Release:}, that in different subtrees has different
values, such as @code{1.0} or @code{2.0}.  Second, you can use properties to
implement (very basic) database capabilities in an Org buffer.  Imagine
keeping track of your music CDs, where properties could be things such as the
album, artist, date of release, number of tracks, and so on.

Properties can be conveniently edited and viewed in column view
(@pxref{Column view}).

@menu
* Property syntax::             How properties are spelled out
* Special properties::          Access to other Org mode features
* Property searches::           Matching property values
* Property inheritance::        Passing values down the tree
* Column view::                 Tabular viewing and editing
* Property API::                Properties for Lisp programmers
@end menu

@node Property syntax
@section Property syntax
@cindex property syntax
@cindex drawer, for properties

Properties are key-value pairs.  When they are associated with a single entry
or with a tree they need to be inserted into a special drawer
(@pxref{Drawers}) with the name @code{PROPERTIES}, which has to be located
right below a headline, and its planning line (@pxref{Deadlines and
scheduling}) when applicable.  Each property is specified on a single line,
with the key (surrounded by colons) first, and the value after it.  Keys are
case-insensitive.  Here is an example:

@example
* CD collection
** Classic
*** Goldberg Variations
    :PROPERTIES:
    :Title:     Goldberg Variations
    :Composer:  J.S. Bach
    :Artist:    Glen Gould
    :Publisher: Deutsche Grammophon
    :NDisks:    1
    :END:
@end example

Depending on the value of @code{org-use-property-inheritance}, a property set
this way will either be associated with a single entry, or the subtree
defined by the entry, see @ref{Property inheritance}.

You may define the allowed values for a particular property @samp{:Xyz:}
by setting a property @samp{:Xyz_ALL:}.  This special property is
@emph{inherited}, so if you set it in a level 1 entry, it will apply to
the entire tree.  When allowed values are defined, setting the
corresponding property becomes easier and is less prone to typing
errors.  For the example with the CD collection, we can predefine
publishers and the number of disks in a box like this:

@example
* CD collection
  :PROPERTIES:
  :NDisks_ALL:  1 2 3 4
  :Publisher_ALL: "Deutsche Grammophon" Philips EMI
  :END:
@end example

If you want to set properties that can be inherited by any entry in a
file, use a line like
@cindex property, _ALL
@cindex #+PROPERTY
@example
#+PROPERTY: NDisks_ALL 1 2 3 4
@end example

Contrary to properties set from a special drawer, you have to refresh the
buffer with @kbd{C-c C-c} to activate this change.

If you want to add to the value of an existing property, append a @code{+} to
the property name.  The following results in the property @code{var} having
the value ``foo=1 bar=2''.
@cindex property, +
@example
#+PROPERTY: var  foo=1
#+PROPERTY: var+ bar=2
@end example

It is also possible to add to the values of inherited properties.  The
following results in the @code{genres} property having the value ``Classic
Baroque'' under the @code{Goldberg Variations} subtree.
@cindex property, +
@example
* CD collection
** Classic
    :PROPERTIES:
    :GENRES: Classic
    :END:
*** Goldberg Variations
    :PROPERTIES:
    :Title:     Goldberg Variations
    :Composer:  J.S. Bach
    :Artist:    Glen Gould
    :Publisher: Deutsche Grammophon
    :NDisks:    1
    :GENRES+:   Baroque
    :END:
@end example
Note that a property can only have one entry per Drawer.

@vindex org-global-properties
Property values set with the global variable
@code{org-global-properties} can be inherited by all entries in all
Org files.

@noindent
The following commands help to work with properties:

@table @kbd
@orgcmd{M-@key{TAB},pcomplete}
After an initial colon in a line, complete property keys.  All keys used
in the current file will be offered as possible completions.
@orgcmd{C-c C-x p,org-set-property}
Set a property.  This prompts for a property name and a value.  If
necessary, the property drawer is created as well.
@item C-u M-x org-insert-drawer RET
@cindex org-insert-drawer
Insert a property drawer into the current entry.  The drawer will be
inserted early in the entry, but after the lines with planning
information like deadlines.
@orgcmd{C-c C-c,org-property-action}
With the cursor in a property drawer, this executes property commands.
@orgcmd{C-c C-c s,org-set-property}
Set a property in the current entry.  Both the property and the value
can be inserted using completion.
@orgcmdkkcc{S-@key{right},S-@key{left},org-property-next-allowed-value,org-property-previous-allowed-value}
Switch property at point to the next/previous allowed value.
@orgcmd{C-c C-c d,org-delete-property}
Remove a property from the current entry.
@orgcmd{C-c C-c D,org-delete-property-globally}
Globally remove a property, from all entries in the current file.
@orgcmd{C-c C-c c,org-compute-property-at-point}
Compute the property at point, using the operator and scope from the
nearest column format definition.
@end table

@node Special properties
@section Special properties
@cindex properties, special

Special properties provide an alternative access method to Org mode features,
like the TODO state or the priority of an entry, discussed in the previous
chapters.  This interface exists so that you can include these states in
a column view (@pxref{Column view}), or to use them in queries.  The
following property names are special and should not be used as keys in the
properties drawer:

@cindex property, special, ALLTAGS
@cindex property, special, BLOCKED
@cindex property, special, CLOCKSUM
@cindex property, special, CLOCKSUM_T
@cindex property, special, CLOSED
@cindex property, special, DEADLINE
@cindex property, special, FILE
@cindex property, special, ITEM
@cindex property, special, PRIORITY
@cindex property, special, SCHEDULED
@cindex property, special, TAGS
@cindex property, special, TIMESTAMP
@cindex property, special, TIMESTAMP_IA
@cindex property, special, TODO
@example
ALLTAGS      @r{All tags, including inherited ones.}
BLOCKED      @r{"t" if task is currently blocked by children or siblings.}
CLOCKSUM     @r{The sum of CLOCK intervals in the subtree.  @code{org-clock-sum}}
             @r{must be run first to compute the values in the current buffer.}
CLOCKSUM_T   @r{The sum of CLOCK intervals in the subtree for today.}
             @r{@code{org-clock-sum-today} must be run first to compute the}
             @r{values in the current buffer.}
CLOSED       @r{When was this entry closed?}
DEADLINE     @r{The deadline time string, without the angular brackets.}
FILE         @r{The filename the entry is located in.}
ITEM         @r{The headline of the entry.}
PRIORITY     @r{The priority of the entry, a string with a single letter.}
SCHEDULED    @r{The scheduling timestamp, without the angular brackets.}
TAGS         @r{The tags defined directly in the headline.}
TIMESTAMP    @r{The first keyword-less timestamp in the entry.}
TIMESTAMP_IA @r{The first inactive timestamp in the entry.}
TODO         @r{The TODO keyword of the entry.}
@end example

@node Property searches
@section Property searches
@cindex properties, searching
@cindex searching, of properties

To create sparse trees and special lists with selection based on properties,
the same commands are used as for tag searches (@pxref{Tag searches}).

@table @kbd
@orgcmdkkc{C-c / m,C-c \\,org-match-sparse-tree}
Create a sparse tree with all matching entries.  With a
@kbd{C-u} prefix argument, ignore headlines that are not a TODO line.
@orgcmd{C-c a m,org-tags-view}
Create a global list of tag/property  matches from all agenda files.
@xref{Matching tags and properties}.
@orgcmd{C-c a M,org-tags-view}
@vindex org-tags-match-list-sublevels
Create a global list of tag matches from all agenda files, but check
only TODO items and force checking of subitems (see the option
@code{org-tags-match-list-sublevels}).
@end table

The syntax for the search string is described in @ref{Matching tags and
properties}.

There is also a special command for creating sparse trees based on a
single property:

@table @kbd
@orgkey{C-c / p}
Create a sparse tree based on the value of a property.  This first
prompts for the name of a property, and then for a value.  A sparse tree
is created with all entries that define this property with the given
value.  If you enclose the value in curly braces, it is interpreted as
a regular expression and matched against the property values.
@end table

@node Property inheritance
@section Property Inheritance
@cindex properties, inheritance
@cindex inheritance, of properties

@vindex org-use-property-inheritance
The outline structure of Org mode documents lends itself to an
inheritance model of properties: if the parent in a tree has a certain
property, the children can inherit this property.  Org mode does not
turn this on by default, because it can slow down property searches
significantly and is often not needed.  However, if you find inheritance
useful, you can turn it on by setting the variable
@code{org-use-property-inheritance}.  It may be set to @code{t} to make
all properties inherited from the parent, to a list of properties
that should be inherited, or to a regular expression that matches
inherited properties.  If a property has the value @code{nil}, this is
interpreted as an explicit undefine of the property, so that inheritance
search will stop at this value and return @code{nil}.

Org mode has a few properties for which inheritance is hard-coded, at
least for the special applications for which they are used:

@cindex property, COLUMNS
@table @code
@item COLUMNS
The @code{:COLUMNS:} property defines the format of column view
(@pxref{Column view}).  It is inherited in the sense that the level
where a @code{:COLUMNS:} property is defined is used as the starting
point for a column view table, independently of the location in the
subtree from where columns view is turned on.
@item CATEGORY
@cindex property, CATEGORY
For agenda view, a category set through a @code{:CATEGORY:} property
applies to the entire subtree.
@item ARCHIVE
@cindex property, ARCHIVE
For archiving, the @code{:ARCHIVE:} property may define the archive
location for the entire subtree (@pxref{Moving subtrees}).
@item LOGGING
@cindex property, LOGGING
The LOGGING property may define logging settings for an entry or a
subtree (@pxref{Tracking TODO state changes}).
@end table

@node Column view
@section Column view

A great way to view and edit properties in an outline tree is
@emph{column view}.  In column view, each outline node is turned into a
table row.  Columns in this table provide access to properties of the
entries.  Org mode implements columns by overlaying a tabular structure
over the headline of each item.  While the headlines have been turned
into a table row, you can still change the visibility of the outline
tree.  For example, you get a compact table by switching to CONTENTS
view (@kbd{S-@key{TAB} S-@key{TAB}}, or simply @kbd{c} while column view
is active), but you can still open, read, and edit the entry below each
headline.  Or, you can switch to column view after executing a sparse
tree command and in this way get a table only for the selected items.
Column view also works in agenda buffers (@pxref{Agenda views}) where
queries have collected selected items, possibly from a number of files.

@menu
* Defining columns::            The COLUMNS format property
* Using column view::           How to create and use column view
* Capturing column view::       A dynamic block for column view
@end menu

@node Defining columns
@subsection Defining columns
@cindex column view, for properties
@cindex properties, column view

Setting up a column view first requires defining the columns.  This is
done by defining a column format line.

@menu
* Scope of column definitions::  Where defined, where valid?
* Column attributes::           Appearance and content of a column
@end menu

@node Scope of column definitions
@subsubsection Scope of column definitions

To define a column format for an entire file, use a line like

@cindex #+COLUMNS
@example
#+COLUMNS: %25ITEM %TAGS %PRIORITY %TODO
@end example

To specify a format that only applies to a specific tree, add a
@code{:COLUMNS:} property to the top node of that tree, for example:

@example
** Top node for columns view
   :PROPERTIES:
   :COLUMNS: %25ITEM %TAGS %PRIORITY %TODO
   :END:
@end example

If a @code{:COLUMNS:} property is present in an entry, it defines columns
for the entry itself, and for the entire subtree below it.  Since the
column definition is part of the hierarchical structure of the document,
you can define columns on level 1 that are general enough for all
sublevels, and more specific columns further down, when you edit a
deeper part of the tree.

@node Column attributes
@subsubsection Column attributes
A column definition sets the attributes of a column.  The general
definition looks like this:

@example
 %[@var{width}]@var{property}[(@var{title})][@{@var{summary-type}@}]
@end example

@noindent
Except for the percent sign and the property name, all items are
optional.  The individual parts have the following meaning:

@example
@var{width}           @r{An integer specifying the width of the column in characters.}
                @r{If omitted, the width will be determined automatically.}
@var{property}        @r{The property that should be edited in this column.}
                @r{Special properties representing meta data are allowed here}
                @r{as well (@pxref{Special properties})}
@var{title}           @r{The header text for the column.  If omitted, the property}
                @r{name is used.}
@{@var{summary-type}@}  @r{The summary type.  If specified, the column values for}
                @r{parent nodes are computed from the children@footnote{If
                more than one summary type apply to the property, the parent
                values are computed according to the first of them.}.}
                @r{Supported summary types are:}
                @{+@}       @r{Sum numbers in this column.}
                @{+;%.1f@}  @r{Like @samp{+}, but format result with @samp{%.1f}.}
                @{$@}       @r{Currency, short for @samp{+;%.2f}.}
                @{min@}     @r{Smallest number in column.}
                @{max@}     @r{Largest number.}
                @{mean@}    @r{Arithmetic mean of numbers.}
                @{X@}       @r{Checkbox status, @samp{[X]} if all children are @samp{[X]}.}
                @{X/@}      @r{Checkbox status, @samp{[n/m]}.}
                @{X%@}      @r{Checkbox status, @samp{[n%]}.}
                @{:@}       @r{Sum times, HH:MM, plain numbers are
                hours@footnote{A time can also be a duration, using effort
                modifiers defined in @code{org-effort-durations}, e.g.,
                @samp{3d 1h}.  If any value in the column is as such, the
                summary will also be an effort duration.}.}
                @{:min@}    @r{Smallest time value in column.}
                @{:max@}    @r{Largest time value.}
                @{:mean@}   @r{Arithmetic mean of time values.}
                @{@@min@}    @r{Minimum age@footnote{An age is defined as
                a duration since a given time-stamp (@pxref{Timestamps}).  It
                can  also be expressed as days, hours, minutes and seconds,
                identified by @samp{d}, @samp{h}, @samp{m} and @samp{s}
                suffixes, all mandatory, e.g., @samp{0d 13h 0m 10s}.} (in
                days/hours/mins/seconds).}
                @{@@max@}    @r{Maximum age (in days/hours/mins/seconds).}
                @{@@mean@}   @r{Arithmetic mean of ages (in days/hours/mins/seconds).}
                @{est+@}    @r{Add @samp{low-high} estimates.}
@end example

The @code{est+} summary type requires further explanation.  It is used for
combining estimates, expressed as @samp{low-high} ranges or plain numbers.
For example, instead of estimating a particular task will take 5 days, you
might estimate it as 5--6 days if you're fairly confident you know how much
work is required, or 1--10 days if you don't really know what needs to be
done.  Both ranges average at 5.5 days, but the first represents a more
predictable delivery.

When combining a set of such estimates, simply adding the lows and highs
produces an unrealistically wide result.  Instead, @code{est+} adds the
statistical mean and variance of the sub-tasks, generating a final estimate
from the sum.  For example, suppose you had ten tasks, each of which was
estimated at 0.5 to 2 days of work.  Straight addition produces an estimate
of 5 to 20 days, representing what to expect if everything go