Quick Guide to Nano or Pico text editor

Here are a few tips on how to get around in NANO

To edit a file type: nano filename
*** if you are using one of the legacy Linux servers, it will say NANO Command Not Found. Use PICO instead

  • CTRL-Y – Page Up
  • CTRL-V – Page Down
  • CTRL-W – Where Is (Search)
  • CTRL-K – Cut current line (press multiple times to multiple lines)
  • CTRL-U – Paste lines just cut (if you cut multiple lines it will paste them all)
  • CTRL-C – Word Count / Line Count / Current Position (will be displayed at bottom of page)
  • CTRL-O then ENTER – Save file
  • If no changes have been made, you can exit by hitting CTRL-X
  • If changes have been made, but you DO NOT want to save, hit CTRL-X then N
  • If changes have been made, but you DO WANT to save, hit CTRL-X then Y, then ENTER

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