3.16.2 Auto-fill mode

In the default mode of operation, no filling of text takes place unless specified by using one of the commands described above. A result of this is that the user has to press Return at the end of each line typed to simulate filling. In Auto-Fill mode lines are broken between words at the right margin automatically as the text is being typed. Each line is broken when a space is inserted, and the text that extends past the right margin is put on the next line. The right hand margin is determined by the editor variable Fill-Column.

Auto Fill Mode

Editor Command

Arguments: None
Key sequence: None

Switches auto-fill mode on if it is currently off, and off if it is currently on.

With a positive prefix argument, auto-fill mode is switched on. With a negative or zero prefix argument, it is switched off. Using prefix arguments with Auto Fill Mode disregards the current state of the mode.

Auto Fill Space

Editor Command

Arguments: None
Key sequence: Space
Mode: Auto-Fill

Inserts a space and breaks the line between two words if the line extends beyond the right margin. A fill prefix is automatically added at the beginning of the new line if the value of Fill-Prefix is non- nil .

When Space is bound to this command in Auto-Fill mode, this key no longer invokes Self Insert.

A positive prefix argument causes the required number of spaces to be inserted but no line break. A prefix argument of zero causes a line break, if necessary, but no spaces are inserted.

Auto Fill Linefeed

Editor Command

Arguments: None
Key sequence: Linefeed
Mode: Auto-Fill

Inserts a Linefeed and a Fill-Prefix (if one exists).

Auto Fill Return

Editor Command

Arguments: None
Key sequence: Return
Mode: Auto-Fill

The current line is broken, between two words if necessary, with no Space being inserted. This is equivalent to Auto Fill Space with a zero prefix argument, but followed by a newline.