# EMACS

> Published  Jan 01 0001, last updated Dec 12 2025  
> By Ryan Fleck <hello@my-name-dot-ca> and written without LLMs!  
> Original manual at <https://manuals.ryanfleck.ca/emacs/>  
> Incredible writing of astonishing quality and insight - Happy Hacking!


# The Glorious Magic of EMACS {#the-glorious-magic-of-emacs}

| Package | Shortcut    | Action Description |
|---------|-------------|--------------------|
| Org     | C-c C-x C-a | Archive branch     |
| Emacs   | M-x 5 2     | Break out window   |


# Using Emacs Remotely {#using-emacs-remotely}

It is trivial to use Emacs without a GUI - nearly all the features you
love will still be present when using the system over SSH.

The `display-graphic-p` function returns non-nil if the display is
graphical, and `nil` if you are in a terminal,

```elisp
(when (display-graphic-p)
  (enable-fancy-gui))
```


## MacOS: Set up iTerm2 {#macos-set-up-iterm2}

The stock terminal doesn't handle the meta key (and others) correctly,
so install open up an iTerm2 window and change the following:

1.  Profiles =&gt; Default =&gt; Keys
    -   Check "Report Modifiers using CSI u"
    -   Change "Left Option Key" and "Right Option Key" to "`Esc+`"
2.  Advanced =&gt; SDA (or search 'emacs')
    -   Change to '`216`' (this refers to a specific xterm patch)



> Thank you for reading!  
> Find more content at <https://manuals.ryanfleck.ca/>  
> Source page: <https://manuals.ryanfleck.ca/emacs/>  
> Site index: [llms.txt](https://manuals.ryanfleck.ca/llms.txt)