Quick Tip

Taming Terminal Output: The `column` Command for Clean Layouts

Challenge: When listing files or command output that has multiple columns, it can often be difficult to read due to inconsistent spacing or misaligned data.

The Solution: Use the `column` command to format the output into neat, readable columns.

ls -l | column -t

Why it works: The `column` command with the `-t` option detects the number of columns and determines the optimal width for each, aligning them neatly for improved readability.

Pro-Tip: You can also use `column -s DELIMITER -t` to specify a custom delimiter if the default whitespace isn’t sufficient.

Linux Tips & Tricks | © ngelinux.com | 5/29/2026