Standard escape codes are prefixed with Escape:
- Ctrl-Key:
^[ - Octal:
\033 - Unicode:
\u001b - Hexadecimal:
\x1B - Decimal:
27
Followed by the command, somtimes delimited by opening square bracket ([), known as a Control Sequence Introducer (CSI), optionally followed by arguments and the command itself.
Arguments are delimeted by semi colon (;).
For example:
\x1b[1;31m # Set style to bold, red foreground.ESC- sequence starting withESC(\x1B)CSI- Control Sequence Introducer: sequence starting withESC [or CSI (\x9B)DCS- Device Control String: sequence starting withESC Por DCS (\x90)OSC- Operating System Command: sequence starting withESC ]or OSC (\x9D)
Any whitespaces between sequences and arguments should be ignored. They are present for improved readability.
| Name | decimal | octal | hex | C-escape | Ctrl-Key | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BEL |
7 | 007 | 0x07 | \a |
^G |
Terminal bell |
BS |
8 | 010 | 0x08 | \b |
^H |
Backspace |
HT |
9 | 011 | 0x09 | \t |
^I |
Horizontal TAB |
LF |
10 | 012 | 0x0A | \n |
^J |
Linefeed (newline) |
VT |
11 | 013 | 0x0B | \v |
^K |
Vertical TAB |
FF |
12 | 014 | 0x0C | \f |
^L |
Formfeed (also: New page NP) |
CR |
13 | 015 | 0x0D | \r |
^M |
Carriage return |
ESC |
27 | 033 | 0x1B | \e* |
^[ |
Escape character |
DEL |
127 | 177 | 0x7F | <none> |
<none> |
Delete character |
Note: Some control escape sequences, like
\eforESC, are not guaranteed to work in all languages and compilers. It is recommended to use the decimal, octal or hex representation as escape code.
Note: The Ctrl-Key representation is simply associating the non-printable characters from ASCII code 1 with the printable (letter) characters from ASCII code 65 ("A"). ASCII code 1 would be
^A(Ctrl-A), while ASCII code 7 (BEL) would be^G(Ctrl-G). This is a common representation (and input method) and historically comes from one of the VT series of terminals.
Hide cursor for 5 seconds
echo -e "\e[?25l" ; sleep 5 ; echo -e "\e[?25h"| ESC Code Sequence | Description |
|---|---|
ESC[H |
moves cursor to home position (0, 0) |
ESC[{line};{column}H ESC[{line};{column}f |
moves cursor to line #, column # |
ESC[#A |
moves cursor up # lines |
ESC[#B |
moves cursor down # lines |
ESC[#C |
moves cursor right # columns |
ESC[#D |
moves cursor left # columns |
ESC[#E |
moves cursor to beginning of next line, # lines down |
ESC[#F |
moves cursor to beginning of previous line, # lines up |
ESC[#G |
moves cursor to column # |
ESC[6n |
request cursor position (reports as ESC[#;#R) |
ESC M |
moves cursor one line up, scrolling if needed |
ESC 7 |
save cursor position (DEC) |
ESC 8 |
restores the cursor to the last saved position (DEC) |
ESC[s |
save cursor position (SCO) |
ESC[u |
restores the cursor to the last saved position (SCO) |
Note: Some sequences, like saving and restoring cursors, are private sequences and are not standardized. While some terminal emulators (i.e. xterm and derived) support both SCO and DEC sequences, they are likely to have different functionality. It is therefore recommended to use DEC sequences.
| ESC Code Sequence | Description |
|---|---|
ESC[J |
erase in display (same as ESC[0J) |
ESC[0J |
erase from cursor until end of screen |
ESC[1J |
erase from cursor to beginning of screen |
ESC[2J |
erase entire screen |
ESC[3J |
erase saved lines |
ESC[K |
erase in line (same as ESC[0K) |
ESC[0K |
erase from cursor to end of line |
ESC[1K |
erase start of line to the cursor |
ESC[2K |
erase the entire line |
Note: Erasing the line won't move the cursor, meaning that the cursor will stay at the last position it was at before the line was erased. You can use
\rafter erasing the line, to return the cursor to the start of the current line.
| ESC Code Sequence | Reset Sequence | Description |
|---|---|---|
ESC[1;34;{...}m |
Set graphics modes for cell, separated by semicolon (;). |
|
ESC[0m |
reset all modes (styles and colors) | |
ESC[1m |
ESC[22m |
set bold mode. |
ESC[2m |
ESC[22m |
set dim/faint mode. |
ESC[3m |
ESC[23m |
set italic mode. |
ESC[4m |
ESC[24m |
set underline mode. |
ESC[5m |
ESC[25m |
set blinking mode |
ESC[7m |
ESC[27m |
set inverse/reverse mode |
ESC[8m |
ESC[28m |
set hidden/invisible mode |
ESC[9m |
ESC[29m |
set strikethrough mode. |
Note: Some terminals may not support some of the graphic mode sequences listed above.
Note: Both dim and bold modes are reset with the
ESC[22msequence. TheESC[21msequence is a non-specified sequence for double underline mode and only work in some terminals and is reset withESC[24m.
Most terminals support 8 and 16 colors, as well as 256 (8-bit) colors. These colors are set by the user, but have commonly defined meanings.
| Color Name | Foreground Color Code | Background Color Code |
|---|---|---|
| Black | 30 |
40 |
| Red | 31 |
41 |
| Green | 32 |
42 |
| Yellow | 33 |
43 |
| Blue | 34 |
44 |
| Magenta | 35 |
45 |
| Cyan | 36 |
46 |
| White | 37 |
47 |
| Default | 39 |
49 |
| Reset | 0 |
0 |
Note: the Reset color is the reset code that resets all colors and text effects, Use Default color to reset colors only.
Most terminals, apart from the basic set of 8 colors, also support the "bright" or "bold" colors. These have their own set of codes, mirroring the normal colors, but with an additional ;1 in their codes:
# Set style to bold, red foreground.
\x1b[1;31mHello
# Set style to dimmed white foreground with red background.
\x1b[2;37;41mWorldTerminals that support the aixterm specification provides bright versions of the ISO colors, without the need to use the bold modifier:
| Color Name | Foreground Color Code | Background Color Code |
|---|---|---|
| Bright Black | 90 |
100 |
| Bright Red | 91 |
101 |
| Bright Green | 92 |
102 |
| Bright Yellow | 93 |
103 |
| Bright Blue | 94 |
104 |
| Bright Magenta | 95 |
105 |
| Bright Cyan | 96 |
106 |
| Bright White | 97 |
107 |
The following escape codes tells the terminal to use the given color ID:
| ESC Code Sequence | Description |
|---|---|
ESC[38;5;{ID}m |
Set foreground color. |
ESC[48;5;{ID}m |
Set background color. |
Where {ID} should be replaced with the color index from 0 to 255 of the following color table:
The table starts with the original 16 colors (0-15).
The proceeding 216 colors (16-231) or formed by a 3bpc RGB value offset by 16, packed into a single value.
The final 24 colors (232-255) are grayscale starting from a shade slighly lighter than black, ranging up to shade slightly darker than white.
Some emulators interpret these steps as linear increments (256 / 24) on all three channels, although some emulators may explicitly define these values.
More modern terminals supports Truecolor (24-bit RGB), which allows you to set foreground and background colors using RGB.
These escape sequences are usually not well documented.
| ESC Code Sequence | Description |
|---|---|
ESC[38;2;{r};{g};{b}m |
Set foreground color as RGB. |
ESC[48;2;{r};{g};{b}m |
Set background color as RGB. |
Note that
;38and;48corresponds to the 16 color sequence and is interpreted by the terminal to set the foreground and background color respectively. Where as;2and;5sets the color format.
| ESC Code Sequence | Description |
|---|---|
ESC[={value}h |
Changes the screen width or type to the mode specified by value. |
ESC[=0h |
40 x 25 monochrome (text) |
ESC[=1h |
40 x 25 color (text) |
ESC[=2h |
80 x 25 monochrome (text) |
ESC[=3h |
80 x 25 color (text) |
ESC[=4h |
320 x 200 4-color (graphics) |
ESC[=5h |
320 x 200 monochrome (graphics) |
ESC[=6h |
640 x 200 monochrome (graphics) |
ESC[=7h |
Enables line wrapping |
ESC[=13h |
320 x 200 color (graphics) |
ESC[=14h |
640 x 200 color (16-color graphics) |
ESC[=15h |
640 x 350 monochrome (2-color graphics) |
ESC[=16h |
640 x 350 color (16-color graphics) |
ESC[=17h |
640 x 480 monochrome (2-color graphics) |
ESC[=18h |
640 x 480 color (16-color graphics) |
ESC[=19h |
320 x 200 color (256-color graphics) |
ESC[={value}l |
Resets the mode by using the same values that Set Mode uses, except for 7, which disables line wrapping. The last character in this escape sequence is a lowercase L. |
These are some examples of private modes, which are not defined by the specification, but are implemented in most terminals.
| ESC Code Sequence | Description |
|---|---|
ESC[?25l |
make cursor invisible |
ESC[?25h |
make cursor visible |
ESC[?47l |
restore screen |
ESC[?47h |
save screen |
ESC[?1049h |
enables the alternative buffer |
ESC[?1049l |
disables the alternative buffer |
Refer to the XTerm Control Sequences for a more in-depth list of private modes defined by XTerm.
Note: While these modes may be supported by the most terminals, some may not work in multiplexers like tmux.
ESC[{code};{string};{...}pRedefines a keyboard key to a specified string.
The parameters for this escape sequence are defined as follows:
-
codeis one or more of the values listed in the following table. These values represent keyboard keys and key combinations. When using these values in a command, you must type the semicolons shown in this table in addition to the semicolons required by the escape sequence. The codes in parentheses are not available on some keyboards.ANSI.SYSwill not interpret the codes in parentheses for those keyboards unless you specify the/Xswitch in theDEVICEcommand forANSI.SYS. -
stringis either the ASCII code for a single character or a string contained in quotation marks. For example, both 65 and "A" can be used to represent an uppercase A.
IMPORTANT: Some of the values in the following table are not valid for all computers. Check your computer's documentation for values that are different.
| Key | Code | SHIFT+code | CTRL+code | ALT+code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | 0;59 | 0;84 | 0;94 | 0;104 |
| F2 | 0;60 | 0;85 | 0;95 | 0;105 |
| F3 | 0;61 | 0;86 | 0;96 | 0;106 |
| F4 | 0;62 | 0;87 | 0;97 | 0;107 |
| F5 | 0;63 | 0;88 | 0;98 | 0;108 |
| F6 | 0;64 | 0;89 | 0;99 | 0;109 |
| F7 | 0;65 | 0;90 | 0;100 | 0;110 |
| F8 | 0;66 | 0;91 | 0;101 | 0;111 |
| F9 | 0;67 | 0;92 | 0;102 | 0;112 |
| F10 | 0;68 | 0;93 | 0;103 | 0;113 |
| F11 | 0;133 | 0;135 | 0;137 | 0;139 |
| F12 | 0;134 | 0;136 | 0;138 | 0;140 |
| HOME (num keypad) | 0;71 | 55 | 0;119 | -- |
| UP ARROW (num keypad) | 0;72 | 56 | (0;141) | -- |
| PAGE UP (num keypad) | 0;73 | 57 | 0;132 | -- |
| LEFT ARROW (num keypad) | 0;75 | 52 | 0;115 | -- |
| RIGHT ARROW (num keypad) | 0;77 | 54 | 0;116 | -- |
| END (num keypad) | 0;79 | 49 | 0;117 | -- |
| DOWN ARROW (num keypad) | 0;80 | 50 | (0;145) | -- |
| PAGE DOWN (num keypad) | 0;81 | 51 | 0;118 | -- |
| INSERT (num keypad) | 0;82 | 48 | (0;146) | -- |
| DELETE (num keypad) | 0;83 | 46 | (0;147) | -- |
| HOME | (224;71) | (224;71) | (224;119) | (224;151) |
| UP ARROW | (224;72) | (224;72) | (224;141) | (224;152) |
| PAGE UP | (224;73) | (224;73) | (224;132) | (224;153) |
| LEFT ARROW | (224;75) | (224;75) | (224;115) | (224;155) |
| RIGHT ARROW | (224;77) | (224;77) | (224;116) | (224;157) |
| END | (224;79) | (224;79) | (224;117) | (224;159) |
| DOWN ARROW | (224;80) | (224;80) | (224;145) | (224;154) |
| PAGE DOWN | (224;81) | (224;81) | (224;118) | (224;161) |
| INSERT | (224;82) | (224;82) | (224;146) | (224;162) |
| DELETE | (224;83) | (224;83) | (224;147) | (224;163) |
| PRINT SCREEN | -- | -- | 0;114 | -- |
| PAUSE/BREAK | -- | -- | 0;0 | -- |
| BACKSPACE | 8 | 8 | 127 | (0) |
| ENTER | 13 | -- | 10 | (0 |
| TAB | 9 | 0;15 | (0;148) | (0;165) |
| NULL | 0;3 | -- | -- | -- |
| A | 97 | 65 | 1 | 0;30 |
| B | 98 | 66 | 2 | 0;48 |
| C | 99 | 66 | 3 | 0;46 |
| D | 100 | 68 | 4 | 0;32 |
| E | 101 | 69 | 5 | 0;18 |
| F | 102 | 70 | 6 | 0;33 |
| G | 103 | 71 | 7 | 0;34 |
| H | 104 | 72 | 8 | 0;35 |
| I | 105 | 73 | 9 | 0;23 |
| J | 106 | 74 | 10 | 0;36 |
| K | 107 | 75 | 11 | 0;37 |
| L | 108 | 76 | 12 | 0;38 |
| M | 109 | 77 | 13 | 0;50 |
| N | 110 | 78 | 14 | 0;49 |
| O | 111 | 79 | 15 | 0;24 |
| P | 112 | 80 | 16 | 0;25 |
| Q | 113 | 81 | 17 | 0;16 |
| R | 114 | 82 | 18 | 0;19 |
| S | 115 | 83 | 19 | 0;31 |
| T | 116 | 84 | 20 | 0;20 |
| U | 117 | 85 | 21 | 0;22 |
| V | 118 | 86 | 22 | 0;47 |
| W | 119 | 87 | 23 | 0;17 |
| X | 120 | 88 | 24 | 0;45 |
| Y | 121 | 89 | 25 | 0;21 |
| Z | 122 | 90 | 26 | 0;44 |
| 1 | 49 | 33 | -- | 0;120 |
| 2 | 50 | 64 | 0 | 0;121 |
| 3 | 51 | 35 | -- | 0;122 |
| 4 | 52 | 36 | -- | 0;123 |
| 5 | 53 | 37 | -- | 0;124 |
| 6 | 54 | 94 | 30 | 0;125 |
| 7 | 55 | 38 | -- | 0;126 |
| 8 | 56 | 42 | -- | 0;126 |
| 9 | 57 | 40 | -- | 0;127 |
| 0 | 48 | 41 | -- | 0;129 |
| - | 45 | 95 | 31 | 0;130 |
| = | 61 | 43 | --- | 0;131 |
| [ | 91 | 123 | 27 | 0;26 |
| ] | 93 | 125 | 29 | 0;27 |
| 92 | 124 | 28 | 0;43 | |
| ; | 59 | 58 | -- | 0;39 |
| ' | 39 | 34 | -- | 0;40 |
| , | 44 | 60 | -- | 0;51 |
| . | 46 | 62 | -- | 0;52 |
| / | 47 | 63 | -- | 0;53 |
| ` | 96 | 126 | -- | (0;41) |
| ENTER (keypad) | 13 | -- | 10 | (0;166) |
| / (keypad) | 47 | 47 | (0;142) | (0;74) |
| * (keypad) | 42 | (0;144) | (0;78) | -- |
| - (keypad) | 45 | 45 | (0;149) | (0;164) |
| + (keypad) | 43 | 43 | (0;150) | (0;55) |
| 5 (keypad) | (0;76) | 53 | (0;143) | -- |
- Wikipedia: ANSI escape code
- Build your own Command Line with ANSI escape codes
- ascii-table: ANSI Escape sequences
- bluesock: ansi codes
- bash-hackers: Terminal Codes (ANSI/VT100) introduction
- XTerm Control Sequences
- VT100 – Various terminal manuals
- xterm.js – Supported Terminal Sequences
click to expand⣿⣿⣷⣶⣦⣤⣄⣀⡀ Control Characters - VT100 User Guide
Control characters have values of 0008 - 0378, and 1778. The control characters recognized by the VT100 are shown in Table 3-10. All other control codes cause no action to be taken.
Control characters (codes 08 to 378 inclusive) are specifically excluded from the control sequence syntax, but may be embedded within a control sequence. Embedded control characters are executed as soon as they are encountered by the VT100. The processing of the control sequence then continues with the next character received. The exceptions are: if the character ESC occurs, the current control sequence is aborted, and a new one commences beginning with the ESC just received. If the character CAN (308) or the character SUB (328) occurs, the current control sequence is aborted. The ability to embed control characters allows the synchronization characters XON and XOFF to be interpreted properly without affecting the control sequence. Table 3-10 Control Characters Control Character Octal Code Action Taken NUL 000 Ignored on input (not stored in input buffer; see full duplex protocol). ENQ 005 Transmit answerback message. BEL 007 Sound bell tone from keyboard. BS 010 Move the cursor to the left one character position, unless it is at the left margin, in which case no action occurs. HT 011 Move the cursor to the next tab stop, or to the right margin if no further tab stops are present on the line. LF 012 This code causes a line feed or a new line operation. (See new line mode). VT 013 Interpreted as LF. FF 014 Interpreted as LF. CR 015 Move cursor to the left margin on the current line. SO 016 Invoke G1 character set, as designated by SCS control sequence. SI 017 Select G0 character set, as selected by ESC ( sequence. XON 021 Causes terminal to resume transmission. XOFF 023 Causes terminal to stop transmitted all codes except XOFF and XON. CAN 030 If sent during a control sequence, the sequence is immediately terminated and not executed. It also causes the error character to be displayed. SUB 032 Interpreted as CAN. ESC 033 Invokes a control sequence. DEL 177 Ignored on input (not stored in input buffer). Control Sequences
The VT100 is an upward and downward software compatible terminal; that is, previous DIGITAL video terminals have DIGITAL private standards for control sequences. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has since standardized escape and control sequences in terminals in documents X3.41-1974 and X3.64-1977.
NOTE: The ANSI standards allow the manufacturer flexibility in implementing each function. This manual describes how the VT100 will respond to the implemented ANSI control function.
The VT100 is compatible with both the previous DIGITAL standard and ANSI standards. Customers may use existing DIGITAL software designed around the VT52 or new VT100 software. The VT100 has a “VT52 compatible” mode in which the VT100 responds to control sequences like a VT52. In this mode, most of the new VT100 features cannot be used.
Throughout this section of the manual, references will be made to “VT52 mode” or “ANSI mode.” These two terms are used to indicate the VT100’s software compatibility. All new software should be designed around the VT100 “ANSI mode.” Future DIGITAL video terminals will not necessarily be committed to VT52 compatibility.
NOTE: ANSI standards may be obtained by writing: Sales Department American National Standards Institute 1430 Broadway New York, New York 10018 Valid ANSI Mode Control Sequences Definitions
The following listing defines the basic elements of the ANSI mode control sequences. A more complete listing appears in Appendix A.
Control Sequence Introducer (CSI) An escape sequence that provides supplementary controls and is itself a prefix affecting the interpretation of a limited number of contiguous characters. In the VT100 the CSI is ESC [. Parameter
A string of zero or more decimal characters which represent a single value. Leading zeroes are ignored. The decimal characters have a range of 0 (608) to 9 (718).
The value so represented.
Numeric Parameter
A parameter that represents a number, designated by Pn.
Selective Parameter
A parameter that selects a subfunction from a specified list of subfunctions, designated by Ps. In general, a control sequence with more than one selective parameter causes the same effect as several control sequences, each with one selective parameter, e.g., CSI Psa; Psb; Psc F is identical to CSI Psa F CSI Psb F CSI Psc F.
Parameter String
A string of parameters separated by a semicolon (738).
Default
A function-dependent value that is assumed when no explicit value, or a value of 0, is specified.
Final character
A character whose bit combination terminates an escape or control sequence.
Examples:
Control sequence for double-width line (DECDWL) ESC # 6
Sequence Octal Representation of Sequence
Control sequence to turn off all character attributes, and then turn on underscore and blink attributes (SGR). ESC [ 0 ; 4 ; 5 m
Sequence Octal Representation of Sequence
Alternative sequences which will accomplish the same thing:
Sequence Octal Representation of Sequence
a. ESC [ ; 4 ; 5 m 033 133 073 064 073 065 155
b. ESC [ m 033 133 155
ESC [ 4 m 033 133 064 155
ESC [ 5 m 033 133 065 155
c. ESC [ 0 ; 04; 005 m 033 133 060 073 060 064 073 060 060 065 155
Control Sequences
All of the following escape and control sequences are transmitted from the host computer to the VT100 unless otherwise noted. All of the control sequences are a subset of those specified in ANSI X3.64-1977 and ANSI X3.41-1974.
CPR – Cursor Position Report – VT100 to Host
ESC [ Pn ; Pn R default value: 1
The CPR sequence reports the active position by means of the parameters. This sequence has two parameter values, the first specifying the line and the second specifying the column. The default condition with no parameters present, or parameters of 0, is equivalent to a cursor at home position.
The numbering of lines depends on the state of the Origin Mode (DECOM).
This control sequence is solicited by a device status report (DSR) sent from the host.
CUB – Cursor Backward – Host to VT100 and VT100 to Host
ESC [ Pn D default value: 1
The CUB sequence moves the active position to the left. The distance moved is determined by the parameter. If the parameter value is zero or one, the active position is moved one position to the left. If the parameter value is n, the active position is moved n positions to the left. If an attempt is made to move the cursor to the left of the left margin, the cursor stops at the left margin. Editor Function
CUD – Cursor Down – Host to VT100 and VT100 to Host
ESC [ Pn B default value: 1
The CUD sequence moves the active position downward without altering the column position. The number of lines moved is determined by the parameter. If the parameter value is zero or one, the active position is moved one line downward. If the parameter value is n, the active position is moved n lines downward. In an attempt is made to move the cursor below the bottom margin, the cursor stops at the bottom margin. Editor Function
CUF – Cursor Forward – Host to VT100 and VT100 to Host
ESC [ Pn C default value: 1
The CUF sequence moves the active position to the right. The distance moved is determined by the parameter. A parameter value of zero or one moves the active position one position to the right. A parameter value of n moves the active position n positions to the right. If an attempt is made to move the cursor to the right of the right margin, the cursor stops at the right margin. Editor Function
CUP – Cursor Position
ESC [ Pn ; Pn H default value: 1
The CUP sequence moves the active position to the position specified by the parameters. This sequence has two parameter values, the first specifying the line position and the second specifying the column position. A parameter value of zero or one for the first or second parameter moves the active position to the first line or column in the display, respectively. The default condition with no parameters present is equivalent to a cursor to home action. In the VT100, this control behaves identically with its format effector counterpart, HVP. Editor Function
The numbering of lines depends on the state of the Origin Mode (DECOM).
CUU – Cursor Up – Host to VT100 and VT100 to Host
ESC [ Pn A default value: 1
Moves the active position upward without altering the column position. The number of lines moved is determined by the parameter. A parameter value of zero or one moves the active position one line upward. A parameter value of n moves the active position n lines upward. If an attempt is made to move the cursor above the top margin, the cursor stops at the top margin. Editor Function
DA – Device Attributes
ESC [ Pn c default value: 0
The host requests the VT100 to send a device attributes (DA) control sequence to identify itself by sending the DA control sequence with either no parameter or a parameter of 0.
Response to the request described above (VT100 to host) is generated by the VT100 as a DA control sequence with the numeric parameters as follows:
Option Present Sequence Sent
No options ESC [?1;0c
Processor option (STP) ESC [?1;1c
Advanced video option (AVO) ESC [?1;2c
AVO and STP ESC [?1;3c
Graphics option (GPO) ESC [?1;4c
GPO and STP ESC [?1;5c
GPO and AVO ESC [?1;6c
GPO, STP and AVO ESC [?1;7c
DECALN – Screen Alignment Display (DEC Private)
ESC # 8
This command fills the entire screen area with uppercase Es for screen focus and alignment. This command is used by DEC manufacturing and Field Service personnel.
DECANM – ANSI/VT52 Mode (DEC Private)
This is a private parameter applicable to set mode (SM) and reset mode (RM) control sequences. The reset state causes only VT52 compatible escape sequences to be interpreted and executed. The set state causes only ANSI "compatible" escape and control sequences to be interpreted and executed.
DECARM – Auto Repeat Mode (DEC Private)
This is a private parameter applicable to set mode (SM) and reset mode (RM) control sequences. The reset state causes no keyboard keys to auto-repeat. The set state causes certain keyboard keys to auto-repeat.
DECAWM – Autowrap Mode (DEC Private)
This is a private parameter applicable to set mode (SM) and reset mode (RM) control sequences. The reset state causes any displayable characters received when the cursor is at the right margin to replace any previous characters there. The set state causes these characters to advance to the start of the next line, doing a scroll up if required and permitted.
DECCKM – Cursor Keys Mode (DEC Private)
This is a private parameter applicable to set mode (SM) and reset mode (RM) control sequences. This mode is only effective when the terminal is in keypad application mode (see DECKPAM) and the ANSI/VT52 mode (DECANM) is set (see DECANM). Under these conditions, if the cursor key mode is reset, the four cursor function keys will send ANSI cursor control commands. If cursor key mode is set, the four cursor function keys will send application functions.
DECCOLM – Column Mode (DEC Private)
This is a private parameter applicable to set mode (SM) and reset mode (RM) control sequences. The reset state causes a maximum of 80 columns on the screen. The set state causes a maximum of 132 columns on the screen.
DECDHL – Double Height Line (DEC Private)
Top Half: ESC # 3
Bottom Half: ESC # 4
These sequences cause the line containing the active position to become the top or bottom half of a double-height double-width line. The sequences must be used in pairs on adjacent lines and the same character output must be sent to both lines to form full double-height characters. If the line was single-width single-height, all characters to the right of the center of the screen are lost. The cursor remains over the same character position unless it would be to the right of the right margin, in which case it is moved to the right margin.
NOTE: The use of double-width characters reduces the number of characters per line by half.
DECDWL – Double-Width Line (DEC Private)
ESC # 6
This causes the line that contains the active position to become double-width single-height. If the line was single-width single-height, all characters to the right of the screen are lost. The cursor remains over the same character position unless it would be to the right of the right margin, in which case, it is moved to the right margin.
NOTE: The use of double-width characters reduces the number of characters per line by half.
DECID – Identify Terminal (DEC Private)
ESC Z
This sequence causes the same response as the ANSI device attributes (DA). This sequence will not be supported in future DEC terminals, therefore, DA should be used by any new software.
DECINLM – Interlace Mode (DEC Private)
This is a private parameter applicable to set mode (SM) and reset mode (RM) control sequences. The reset state (non-interlace) causes the video processor to display 240 scan lines per frame. The set state (interlace) causes the video processor to display 480 scan lines per frame. There is no increase in character resolution.
DECKPAM – Keypad Application Mode (DEC Private)
ESC =
The auxiliary keypad keys will transmit control sequences as defined in Tables 3-7 and 3-8.
DECKPNM – Keypad Numeric Mode (DEC Private)
ESC >
The auxiliary keypad keys will send ASCII codes corresponding to the characters engraved on the keys.
DECLL – Load LEDS (DEC Private)
ESC [ Ps q default value: 0
Load the four programmable LEDs on the keyboard according to the parameter(s).
Parameter Parameter Meaning
0 Clear LEDs L1 through L4
1 Light L1
2 Light L2
3 Light L3
4 Light L4
LED numbers are indicated on the keyboard.
DECOM – Origin Mode (DEC Private)
This is a private parameter applicable to set mode (SM) and reset mode (RM) control sequences. The reset state causes the origin to be at the upper-left character position on the screen. Line and column numbers are, therefore, independent of current margin settings. The cursor may be positioned outside the margins with a cursor position (CUP) or horizontal and vertical position (HVP) control.
The set state causes the origin to be at the upper-left character position within the margins. Line and column numbers are therefore relative to the current margin settings. The cursor is not allowed to be positioned outside the margins.
The cursor is moved to the new home position when this mode is set or reset.
Lines and columns are numbered consecutively, with the origin being line 1, column 1.
DECRC – Restore Cursor (DEC Private)
ESC 8
This sequence causes the previously saved cursor position, graphic rendition, and character set to be restored.
DECREPTPARM – Report Terminal Parameters
ESC [ <sol>; <par>; <nbits>; <xspeed>; <rspeed>; <clkmul>; <flags> x
These sequence parameters are explained below in the DECREQTPARM sequence.
DECREQTPARM – Request Terminal Parameters
ESC [ <sol> x
The sequence DECREPTPARM is sent by the terminal controller to notify the host of the status of selected terminal parameters. The status sequence may be sent when requested by the host or at the terminal’s discretion. DECREPTPARM is sent upon receipt of a DECREQTPARM. On power-up or reset, the VT100 is inhibited from sending unsolicited reports.
The meanings of the sequence parameters are:
Parameter Value Meaning
<sol> 0 or none This message is a request (DECREQTPARM) and the terminal will be allowed to send unsolicited reports. (Unsolicited reports are sent when the terminal exits the SET-UP mode).
1 This message is a request; from now on the terminal may only report in response to a request.
2 This message is a report (DECREPTPARM).
3 This message is a report and the terminal is only reporting on request.
<par> 1 No parity set
4 Parity is set and odd
5 Parity is set and even
<nbits> 1 8 bits per character
2 7 bits per character
<xspeed>, <rspeed> ⎧ 0 50 ⎫
⎪ 8 75 ⎪
⎪ 16 110 ⎪
⎪ 24 134.5 ⎪
⎪ 32 150 ⎪
⎪ 40 200 ⎪
⎪ 48 300 ⎪
⎨ 56 600 ⎬ Bits per second
⎪ 64 1200 ⎪
⎪ 72 1800 ⎪
⎪ 80 2000 ⎪
⎪ 88 2400 ⎪
⎪ 96 3600 ⎪
⎪ 104 4800 ⎪
⎪ 112 9600 ⎪
⎩ 120 19200 ⎭
<clkmul> 1 The bit rate multiplier is 16.
<flags> 0-15 This value communicates the four switch values in block 5 of SET UP B, which are only visible to the user when an STP option is installed. These bits may be assigned for an STP device. The four bits are a decimal-encoded binary number.
DECSC – Save Cursor (DEC Private)
ESC 7
This sequence causes the cursor position, graphic rendition, and character set to be saved. (See DECRC).
DECSCLM – Scrolling Mode (DEC Private)
This is a private parameter applicable to set mode (SM) and reset mode (RM) control sequences. The reset state causes scrolls to "jump" instantaneously. The set state causes scrolls to be "smooth" at a maximum rate of six lines per second.
DECSCNM – Screen Mode (DEC Private)
This is a private parameter applicable to set mode (SM) and reset mode (RM) control sequences. The reset state causes the screen to be black with white characters. The set state causes the screen to be white with black characters.
DECSTBM – Set Top and Bottom Margins (DEC Private)
ESC [ Pn; Pn r default values: see below
This sequence sets the top and bottom margins to define the scrolling region. The first parameter is the line number of the first line in the scrolling region; the second parameter is the line number of the bottom line in the scrolling region. Default is the entire screen (no margins). The minimum size of the scrolling region allowed is two lines, i.e., the top margin must be less than the bottom margin. The cursor is placed in the home position (see Origin Mode DECOM).
DECSWL – Single-width Line (DEC Private)
ESC # 5
This causes the line which contains the active position to become single-width single-height. The cursor remains on the same character position. This is the default condition for all new lines on the screen.
DECTST – Invoke Confidence Test
ESC [ 2 ; Ps y
Ps is the parameter indicating the test to be done. Ps is computed by taking the weight indicated for each desired test and adding them together. If Ps is 0, no test is performed but the VT100 is reset.
Test Weight
Power up self-test (ROM check sum, RAM, NVR keyboard and AVO if installed) 1
Data Loop Back 2 (loop back connector required)
EIA modem control test 4 (loop back connector required)
Repeat Selected Test(s)
indefinitely (until failure or power off) 8
DSR – Device Status Report
ESC [ Ps n default value: 0
Requests and reports the general status of the VT100 according to the following parameter(s).
Parameter Parameter Meaning
0 Response from VT100 – Ready, No malfunctions detected (default)
3 Response from VT100 – Malfunction – retry
5 Command from host – Please report status (using a DSR control sequence)
6 Command from host – Please report active position (using a CPR control sequence)
DSR with a parameter value of 0 or 3 is always sent as a response to a requesting DSR with a parameter value of 5.
ED – Erase In Display
ESC [ Ps J default value: 0
This sequence erases some or all of the characters in the display according to the parameter. Any complete line erased by this sequence will return that line to single width mode. Editor Function
Parameter Parameter Meaning
0 Erase from the active position to the end of the screen, inclusive (default)
1 Erase from start of the screen to the active position, inclusive
2 Erase all of the display – all lines are erased, changed to single-width, and the cursor does not move.
EL – Erase In Line
ESC [ Ps K default value: 0
Erases some or all characters in the active line according to the parameter. Editor Function
Parameter Parameter Meaning
0 Erase from the active position to the end of the line, inclusive (default)
1 Erase from the start of the screen to the active position, inclusive
2 Erase all of the line, inclusive
HTS – Horizontal Tabulation Set
ESC H
Set one horizontal stop at the active position. Format Effector
HVP – Horizontal and Vertical Position
ESC [ Pn ; Pn f default value: 1
Moves the active position to the position specified by the parameters. This sequence has two parameter values, the first specifying the line position and the second specifying the column. A parameter value of either zero or one causes the active position to move to the first line or column in the display, respectively. The default condition with no parameters present moves the active position to the home position. In the VT100, this control behaves identically with its editor function counterpart, CUP. The numbering of lines and columns depends on the reset or set state of the origin mode (DECOM). Format Effector
IND – Index
ESC D
This sequence causes the active position to move downward one line without changing the column position. If the active position is at the bottom margin, a scroll up is performed. Format Effector
LNM – Line Feed/New Line Mode
This is a parameter applicable to set mode (SM) and reset mode (RM) control sequences. The reset state causes the interpretation of the line feed (LF), defined in ANSI Standard X3.4-1977, to imply only vertical movement of the active position and causes the RETURN key (CR) to send the single code CR. The set state causes the LF to imply movement to the first position of the following line and causes the RETURN key to send the two codes (CR, LF). This is the New Line (NL) option.
This mode does not affect the index (IND), or next line (NEL) format effectors.
NEL – Next Line
ESC E
This sequence causes the active position to move to the first position on the next line downward. If the active position is at the bottom margin, a scroll up is performed. Format Effector
RI – Reverse Index
ESC M
Move the active position to the same horizontal position on the preceding line. If the active position is at the top margin, a scroll down is performed. Format Effector
RIS Reset To Initial State
ESC c
Reset the VT100 to its initial state, i.e., the state it has after it is powered on. This also causes the execution of the power-up self-test and signal INIT H to be asserted briefly.
RM – Reset Mode
ESC [ Ps ; Ps ; . . . ; Ps l default value: none
Resets one o1 sets are invoked by the codes SI and SO (shift in and shift out) respectively.
G0 Sets Sequence G1 Sets Sequence Meaning
ESC ( A ESC ) A United Kingdom Set
ESC ( B ESC ) B ASCII Set
ESC ( 0 ESC ) 0 Special Graphics
ESC ( 1 ESC ) 1 Alternate Character ROM Standard Character Set
ESC ( 2 ESC ) 2 Alternate Character ROM Special Graphics
The United Kingdom and ASCII sets conform to the "ISO international register of character sets to be used with escape sequences". The other sets are private character sets. Special graphics means that the graphic characters for the codes 1378 to 1768 are replaced with other characters. The specified character set will be used until another SCS is received.
NOTE: Additional information concerning the SCS escape sequence may be obtained in ANSI standard X3.41-1974.
SGR – Select Graphic Rendition
ESC [ Ps ; . . . ; Ps m default value: 0
Invoke the graphic rendition specified by the parameter(s). All following characters transmitted to the VT100 are rendered according to the parameter(s) until the next occurrence of SGR. Format Effector
Parameter Parameter Meaning
0 Attributes off
1 Bold or increased intensity
4 Underscore
5 Blink
7 Negative (reverse) image
All other parameter values are ignored.
With the Advanced Video Option, only one type of character attribute is possible as determined by the cursor selection; in that case specifying either the underscore or the reverse attribute will activate the currently selected attribute. (See cursor selection in Chapter 1).
SM – Set Mode
ESC [ Ps ; . . . ; Ps h default value: none
Causes one or more modes to be set within the VT100 as specified by each selective parameter in the parameter string. Each mode to be set is specified by a separate parameter. A mode is considered set until it is reset by a reset mode (RM) control sequence.
TBC – Tabulation Clear
ESC [ Ps g default value: 0
Parameter Parameter Meaning
0 Clear the horizontal tab stop at the active position (the default case).
3 Clear all horizontal tab stops.
Any other parameter values are ignored. Format Effector
Modes
The following is a list of VT100 modes which may be changed with set mode (SM) and reset mode (RM) controls.
ANSI Specified Modes
Parameter Mode Mnemonic Mode Function
0 Error (ignored)
20 LNM Line feed new line mode
DEC Private Modes
If the first character in the parameter string is ? (778), the parameters are interpreted as DEC private parameters according to the following:
Parameter Mode Mnemonic Mode Function
0 Error (ignored)
1 DECCKM Cursor key
2 DECANM ANSI/VT52
3 DECCOLM Column
4 DECSCLM Scrolling
5 DECSCNM Screen
6 DECOM Origin
7 DECAWM Auto wrap
8 DECARM Auto repeating
9 DECINLM Interlace
Any other parameter values are ignored.
The following modes, which are specified in the ANSI X3.64-1977 standard, may be considered to be permanently set, permanently reset, or not applicable, as noted. Refer to that standard for further information concerning these modes.
Mode Mnemonic Mode Function State
CRM Control representation Reset
EBM Editing boundary Reset
ERM Erasure Set
FEAM Format effector action Reset
FETM Format effector transfer Reset
GATM Guarded area transfer NA
HEM Horizontal editing NA
IRM Insertion-replacement Reset
KAM Keyboard action Reset
MATM Multiple area transfer NA
PUM Positioning unit Reset
SATM Selected area transfer NA
SRTM Status reporting transfer Reset
TSM Tabulation stop Reset
TTM Transfer termination NA
VEM Vertical editing NA
Valid VT52 Mode Control Sequences
Cursor Up
ESC A
Move the active position upward one position without altering the horizontal position. If an attempt is made to move the cursor above the top margin, the cursor stops at the top margin.
Cursor Down
ESC B
Move the active position downward one position without altering the horizontal position. If an attempt is made to move the cursor below the bottom margin, the cursor stops at the bottom margin.
Cursor Right
ESC C
Move the active position to the right. If an attempt is made to move the cursor to the right of the right margin, the cursor stops at the right margin.
Cursor Left
ESC D
Move the active position one position to the left. If an attempt is made to move the cursor to the left of the left margin, the cursor stops at the left margin.
Enter Graphics Mode
ESC F
Causes the special graphics character set to be used.
NOTE: The special graphics characters in the VT100 are different from those in the VT52.
Exit Graphics Mode
ESC G
This sequence causes the standard ASCII character set to be used.
Cursor to Home
ESC H
Move the cursor to the home position.
Reverse Line Feed
ESC I
Move the active position upward one position without altering the column position. If the active position is at the top margin, a scroll down is performed.
Erase to End of Screen
ESC J
Erase all characters from the active position to the end of the screen. The active position is not changed.
Erase to End of Line
ESC K
Erase all characters from the active position to the end of the current line. The active position is not changed.
Direct Cursor Address
ESC Y line column
Move the cursor to the specified line and column. The line and column numbers are sent as ASCII codes whose values are the number plus 0378; e.g., 0408 refers to the first line or column, 0508 refers to the eighth line or column, etc.
Identify
ESC Z
This sequence causes the terminal to send its identifier escape sequence to the host. This sequence is:
ESC / Z
Enter Alternate Keypad Mode
ESC =
The optional auxiliary keypad keys will send unique identifiable escape sequences for use by applications programs.
NOTE: Information regarding options must be obtained in ANSI mode, using the device attributes (DA) control sequences.
Exit Alternate Keypad Mode
ESC >
The optional auxiliary keypad keys send the ASCII codes for the functions or characters engraved on the key.
Enter ANSI Mode
ESC <
All subsequent escape sequences will be interpreted according to ANSI Standards X3.64-1977 and X3.41-1974. The VT52 escape sequence designed in this section will not be recognized.
Control Sequence Summary
The following is a summary of the VT100 control sequences.
ANSI Compatible Mode
Cursor Movement Commands
Cursor up ESC [ Pn A
Cursor down ESC [ Pn B
Cursor forward (right) ESC [ Pn C
Cursor backward (left) ESC [ Pn D
Direct cursor addressing ESC [ Pl ; Pc H† or
ESC [ Pl ; Pc f†
Index ESC D
New line ESC E
Reverse index ESC M
Save cursor and attributes ESC 7
Restore cursor and attributes ESC 8
† Pl = line number; Pc = column number
NOTE: Pn refers to a decimal parameter expressed as a string of ASCII digits. Multiple parameters are separated by the semicolon character (0738). If a parameter is omitted or specified to be 0 the default parameter value is used. For the cursor movement commands, the default parameter value is 1.
Line Size (Double-Height and Double-Width) Commands
Change this line to double-height top half ESC # 3
Change this line to double-height bottom half ESC # 4
Change this line to single-width single-height ESC # 5
Change this line to double-width single-height ESC # 6
Character Attributes
ESC [ Ps;Ps;Ps;...;Ps m
Ps refers to a selective parameter. Multiple parameters are separated by the semicolon character (0738). The parameters are executed in order and have the following meanings:
0 or None All Attributes Off
1 Bold on
4 Underscore on
5 Blink on
7 Reverse video on
Any other parameter values are ignored.
Erasing
From cursor to end of line ESC [ K or ESC [ 0 K
From beginning of line to cursor ESC [ 1 K
Entire line containing cursor ESC [ 2 K
From cursor to end of screen ESC [ J or ESC [ 0 J
From beginning of screen to cursor ESC [ 1 J
Entire screen ESC [ 2 J
Programmable LEDs
ESC [ Ps;Ps;...Ps q
Ps are selective parameters separated by semicolons (0738) and executed in order, as follows:
0 or None All LEDs Off
1 L1 On
2 L2 On
3 L3 On
4 L4 On
Any other parameter values are ignored.
Character Sets (G0 and G1 Designators)
The G0 and G1 character sets are designated as follows:
Character set G0 designator G1 designator
United Kingdom (UK) ESC ( A ESC ) A
United States (USASCII) ESC ( B ESC ) B
Special graphics characters and line drawing set ESC ( 0 ESC ) 0
Alternate character ROM ESC ( 1 ESC ) 1
Alternate character ROM special graphics characters ESC ( 2 ESC ) 2
Scrolling Region
ESC [ Pt ; Pb r
Pt is the number of the top line of the scrolling region; Pb is the number of the bottom line of the scrolling region and must be greater than Pt.
Tab Stops
Set tab at current column ESC H
Clear tab at current column ESC [ g or ESC [ 0 g
Clear all tabs ESC [ 3 g
Modes
Mode Name To Set To Reset
Mode Sequence Mode Sequence
Line feed/new line New line ESC [20h Line feed ESC [20l*
Cursor key mode Application ESC [?1h Cursor ESC [?1l*
ANSI/VT52 mode ANSI N/A VT52 ESC [?2l*
Column mode 132 Col ESC [?3h 80 Col ESC [?3l*
Scrolling mode Smooth ESC [?4h Jump ESC [?4l*
Screen mode Reverse ESC [?5h Normal ESC [?5l*
Origin mode Relative ESC [?6h Absolute ESC [?6l*
Wraparound On ESC [?7h Off ESC [?7l*
Auto repeat On ESC [?8h Off ESC [?8l*
Interlace On ESC [?9h Off ESC [?9l*
Keypad mode Application ESC = Numeric ESC >
* The last character of the sequence is a lowercase L (1548).
Reports
Cursor Position Report
Invoked by ESC [ 6 n
Response is ESC [ Pl ; Pc R †
† Pl = line number; Pc = column number
Status Report
Invoked by ESC [ 5 n
Response is ESC [ 0 n (terminal ok)
ESC [ 3 n (terminal not ok)
What Are You
Invoked by ESC [ c or ESC [ 0 c
Response is ESC [ ? 1 ; Ps c
Ps is the "option present" parameter with the following meaning:
Ps Meaning
0 Base VT100, no options
1 Processor options (STP)
2 Advanced video option (AVO)
3 AVO and STP
4 Graphics processor option (GPO)
5 GPO and STP
6 GPO and AVO
7 GPO, STP, and AVO
Alternatively invoked by ESC Z (not recommended). Response is the same.
Reset
Reset causes the power-up reset routine to be executed.
ESC c
Confidence Tests
Fill Screen with "Es" ESC # 8
Invoke Test(s) ESC [ 2 ; Ps y
Ps is the parameter indicating the test to be done and is a decimal number computed by taking the "weight" indicated for each desired test and adding them together.
Test Weight
Power-up self test (ROM checksum, RAM, NVR, keyboard and AVO if installed) 1
Data Loop Back 2 (loop back connector required)
EIA modem control test 4 (loop back connector required)
Repeat selected test(s) indefinitely (until failure or power off) 8
VT52 Compatible Mode
The following is a summary of the VT100 control sequences.
Cursor Up ESC A
Cursor Down ESC B
Cursor Right ESC C
Cursor Left ESC D
Select Special Graphics character set ESC F
Select ASCII character set ESC G
Cursor to home ESC H
Reverse line feed ESC I
Erase to end of screen ESC J
Erase to end of line ESC K
Direct cursor address ESC Y l c (see note 1)
Identify ESC Z (see note 2)
Enter alternate keypad mode ESC =
Exit alternate keypad mode ESC >
Enter ANSI mode ESC <
NOTE 1: Line and column numbers for direct cursor address are single character codes whose values are the desired number plus 378. Line and column numbers start at 1.
NOTE 2: Response to ESC Z is ESC / Z.r more
【𝐄𝐍𝐃】
⦗ 𝔟𝔞𝔠𝔨 𝔱𝔬 𝔱𝔬𝔭 ⤒ ⦘
There's a mnemonic for the first 16 RGB colors: R, G, and B have values of 1, 2, and 4 respectively (i.e., 1 bit per pixel). Add 30 for foreground and 40 for background. Wrap that in
\x1b[...mand you're good to go.