# man > comp(1)

---
type: CommandReference
command: comp
mode: man
section: 1
source: man-pages
---

## Quick Reference
- `comp` — start composing a new message
- `comp path\to\file1 path\to\file2` — compose using two existing messages as template
- `comp (+folder) msg` — compose using the specified message as template
- `comp -form formfile` — use a custom message form
- `comp -use` — continue editing a previously interrupted draft
- `comp -file draft.txt` — use an existing file as the draft
- `comp -editor vim` — use a specific editor for the initial edit
- `comp -noedit` — skip the initial editor invocation

## Name
`comp` — compose an nmh message

## Synopsis
comp [options] [+folder] [msg]
## Options
- `-form formfile` — use an alternate forms file (processed via mh-format)
- `-use` — continue editing an already started draft (negates file/template processing)
- `-file file` — use the named file as the draft (no mh-format processing)
- `-draftfolder +folder`, `-draftmessage msg` — use the nmh draft facility; see `mh-draft(5)`
- `-editor editor` — specify editor for the initial edit (overrides `Editor:` profile)
- `-noedit` — suppress the initial edit; rarely useful
- `-from address` — set the `From:` field; multiple allowed
- `-to address` — add a `To:` address; repeatable
- `-cc address` — add a `cc:` address; repeatable
- `-fcc +folder` — set the `Fcc:` folder (default `+outbox`)
- `-subject text` — set the `Subject:` field
- `-whatnowproc program`, `-nowhatnowproc` — override/suppress whatnow program
- `-build` — intended for Emacs interface; implies `-nowhatnowproc` and discards draft
- `-help`, `-version` — show help or version

## Configuration
Profile entries used:
- `Path:` — nmh directory
- `Draft-Folder:` — default draft folder
- `Editor:` — default editor (overridden by `-editor`)
- `Msg-Protect:` — file permissions for new drafts
- `fileproc:` — program to refile a draft
- `whatnowproc:` — program to ask “What now?”; if set to `whatnow`, a built-in is used (not the external `whatnow`)

Default message form: `$HOME/.mh_profile/components` or `/etc/nmh/components` if absent.

## Notes
- If a draft already exists, `comp` prompts: `quit` (abort), `replace`, `list`, `use`, or `refile +folder`.
- The `-build` switch is for Emacs mh-e integration; it assembles a draft but never sends it, and suppresses whatnow.

## See Also
[dist(1)](http://localhost/phpMan.php/man/dist/1/markdown), [forw(1)](http://localhost/phpMan.php/man/forw/1/markdown), [repl(1)](http://localhost/phpMan.php/man/repl/1/markdown), [send(1)](http://localhost/phpMan.php/man/send/1/markdown), [whatnow(1)](http://localhost/phpMan.php/man/whatnow/1/markdown), [mh-profile(5)](http://localhost/phpMan.php/man/mh-profile/5/markdown), [mh-format(5)](http://localhost/phpMan.php/man/mh-format/5/markdown), [mh-draft(5)](http://localhost/phpMan.php/man/mh-draft/5/markdown)