Manual page for COL(1)
col - convert reverse and half line feeds from nroff
SYNOPSIS
col [-Tname -f -b -x -p] files...
DESCRIPTION
Col
is used to print nroff output
on devices that cannot perform forward and reverse half line motions
or reverse line feeds,
as is the case with most simple printers and terminals.
For these devices,
col
performs the necessary line overlays or other adjustments
to create output printable using
full forward line feeds only.
If no files are given on the command line after col,
col reads its standard input.
There are also a number of options to col which alter
its normal mode of operation:
- -Tname
-
Indicate to col that the output device is name.
This must be the same name used with the -T option
of nroff.
The default device name is the TELETYPE® model 37.
Setting the environment variable TYPESETTER to the desired
device name has the same effect as the -T option.
See nroff(1) for valid device names.
- -b
-
Indicate that the output device is not capable of backspacing.
If several characters are to appear in the same position via overstriking,
only the last one will be printed.
- -f
-
Indicate that the output device can perform forward and reverse half line feeds.
This options seems rather silly, since if your printer
can perform forward and reverse half line feeds,
you probably won't need to use col in the first place.
- -x
-
For compatibility with older versions this option is recognized but has
no affect.
- -p
-
For compatibility with older versions this option is recognized but has
no affect.
EXAMPLES
To print a document which contains mm macros
and tables
on an IBM Graphics Printer (a.k.a. Epson MX-80 or compatible),
the command would be something like:
tbl -TX file | nroff -Tibmgp -mm | col -Tibmgp
Notice, the option -TX to tbl is used when the
output device cannot generate partial vertical motions,
as is the case with the IBM or Epson printer.
The option -Tibmgp to nroff and col indicates the device type.
To print to an ASCII only device that cannot overstike
by backspacing:
tbl -TX file | nroff -Tlp -mm | col -Tlp -b
SEE ALSO
tbl(1), nroff(1), nterm(5)
Created by unroff & hp-tools.
© by Hans-Peter Bischof. All Rights Reserved (1997).
Last modified 21/April/97
