boxes is a command-line text filter that surrounds input with decorative ASCII and Unicode borders. Its designs range from simple rectangular frames to elaborate character-based decorations suitable for headings, notices and source-code comments.
The program processes text supplied through standard input or files. It is particularly useful in workflows where the result must remain plain text, such as documentation, terminal messages and source files.
The appearance of each border is controlled by a design definition. Users can select from predefined styles or create their own designs through configuration files.
Unlike a basic border generator, boxes also supports removing and repairing existing frames. This allows enclosed text to be edited and subsequently reformatted without reconstructing the entire border manually.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Surrounds text with ASCII and Unicode border designs.
- Includes a collection of predefined decorative frames.
- Supports custom box designs through configuration files.
- Controls padding around enclosed text.
- Adjusts text alignment and positioning within borders.
- Creates decorative source-code comment blocks.
- Removes existing borders while retaining their contents.
- Repairs borders after the enclosed text has changed.
- Supports regular-expression substitutions during text processing.
- Integrates with text editors that support external filters.
- Processes input through command-line pipelines.
- Cross-platform support – runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Website: github.com/ascii-boxes/boxes
Support:
Developer: Thomas Jensen and contributors
License: GNU General Public License v3.0
Boxes is written in C. Learn C with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
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