Getting Started with WordGrinder: Tips and TricksWordGrinder is a lightweight, terminal-based word processor designed for distraction-free writing. It strips away the bells and whistles of modern word processors and focuses on the essentials: the writing itself. If you’re new to WordGrinder (WG) or coming back after a break, this guide will walk you through installation, basic usage, customization, productivity tips, and troubleshooting to help you get the most out of this minimalist tool.
What is WordGrinder?
WordGrinder is a minimalist, terminal-based word processor built for writers who prefer simplicity and focus. It runs in a terminal window, supports plain-text and basic formatting, and stores documents in its own compact file format (.wg). The interface emphasizes keyboard-driven editing, making it fast and efficient for long-form writing.
Why choose WordGrinder?
- Lightweight and fast — starts quickly even on older machines.
- Distraction-free — no ribbons, toolbars, or notifications.
- Keyboard-centric — powerful shortcuts reduce reliance on the mouse.
- Portable — runs on Linux, FreeBSD, macOS, and Windows (via WSL or terminal emulators).
- Plain, readable files — stores content in a simple format that’s easy to archive.
Installing WordGrinder
Installation steps vary by platform.
- On Debian/Ubuntu:
sudo apt install wordgrinder(if available in repos). - On Fedora:
sudo dnf install wordgrinder(if available). - On macOS using Homebrew:
brew install wordgrinder(or build from source). - On Windows: use WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) and install via your chosen distro, or run in a terminal emulator that supports ncurses.
If your distribution doesn’t include WG, compile from source:
git clone https://github.com/davidgiven/wordgrinder.git cd wordgrinder make sudo make install Starting WordGrinder and the interface
Run wordgrinder in your terminal. You’ll see a clean editing screen with a status bar and a menu accessible via function keys. Basic interface elements:
- Main editing area — where you write.
- Status bar — shows filename, cursor position, mode.
- Menu bar (activated with F1/F2…) — for file operations, options, and help.
WordGrinder uses modal keybindings similar to classic editors — most commands are keyboard-driven.
Basic commands and shortcuts
Here are the essential commands to get you started (some keys may vary by build/version):
- Ctrl-N — new document
- Ctrl-O — open document
- Ctrl-S — save document
- Ctrl-Q — quit
- Ctrl-Z — undo
- Ctrl-Y — redo
- Ctrl-F — find
- Ctrl-G — go to line
- Ctrl-K — cut line / selection
- Ctrl-U — paste
- Arrow keys — move cursor
- PageUp / PageDown — scroll by page
Use the built-in help (usually F1 or ? key) for a comprehensive list of shortcuts.
Formatting and structure
WordGrinder uses simple markup for structure and formatting:
- Paragraphs are plain text separated by blank lines.
- Headings can be created by using all-caps lines or by convention (there’s no complex WYSIWYG styling).
- You can export to plain text, HTML, or other formats using the Export options (
File → Export).
For writers who need lightweight structure, WG supports documents with sections and metadata stored in the .wg file.
Customization
You can tweak settings via a configuration file (often located at ~/.wordgrinder or similar) to change:
- Colors and theme (if your terminal supports it).
- Keybindings.
- Default font and wrapping behavior (terminal-dependent).
- Autosave interval.
Check the README or the GitHub repo for the exact config file format and available options.
Productivity tips and tricks
- Learn and practice the keyboard shortcuts — they’re WG’s main power.
- Use templates for repeatable structures (save a .wg file as a template).
- Break long writing sessions into sections; WG’s simple navigation makes moving between sections fast.
- Export drafts to plain text or Markdown for sharing or publishing.
- Combine with version control (git) for tracking changes in long projects.
- Set up an external spellchecker (aspell/ hunspell) and pipe text through it if not built-in.
- Use tmux or a terminal multiplexer to run reference material alongside WG.
Exporting and interoperability
WordGrinder can export documents to several formats (depending on version and installed helpers):
- Plain text (.txt) — universal.
- HTML — for quick web publishing.
- Markdown — if your workflow requires it (use export scripts or converters).
- RTF/ODT — may require external tools or scripts.
For interchange with collaborators, export to plain text or HTML and then convert to DOCX/ODT with Pandoc if necessary.
Troubleshooting common issues
- If WG won’t start, check that your terminal supports ncurses and that TERM is set correctly (e.g., xterm-256color).
- If colors or layout look wrong, try a different terminal emulator or adjust your terminal’s font/encoding.
- File won’t open — verify file permissions and path.
- Missing features — consult the GitHub issues page or build from the latest source.
Advanced workflows
- Integrate WG with git for chapter-by-chapter version control.
- Use shell scripts to batch-export WG files to HTML/Markdown.
- Create custom export templates to match your publishing needs.
- Use WG in a minimal writing environment (bootable Linux USB or lightweight VM) for focused retreats.
Resources
- Official GitHub repo for source, issues, and README.
- Community forums and mailing lists for tips and scripts.
- Examples and templates shared by users (search by “WordGrinder templates”).
WordGrinder’s strength is its simplicity: it keeps you focused on words, not widgets. With a few tweaks and keyboard practice you can create a fast, distraction-free writing workflow that integrates cleanly with modern publishing tools.
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