Aerc: A Fast and Efficient Terminal Email Client for Linux

If you prefer working in the Linux terminal, Aerc is a modern email client designed specifically for keyboard-driven workflows. It is lightweight, fast, and highly efficient, making it a popular choice among developers, system administrators, and power users.

What Is Aerc?

Aerc is a command-line email client that supports standard email protocols such as IMAP and SMTP. It provides a clean text-based interface, multiple account support, message threading, and powerful keyboard shortcuts.

Some key features include:

• Fast terminal-based interface
• Multiple email account support
• IMAP and SMTP compatibility
• Vim-style keybindings
• Message threading and filtering
• PGP encryption support

Installing Aerc

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt install aerc

Fedora

sudo dnf install aerc

Arch Linux

sudo pacman -S aerc

You can also install the latest version from the official project source if it is not available in your distribution’s repositories.

Basic Configuration

After installation, create the configuration directory:

mkdir -p ~/.config/aerc

Copy the example configuration file and edit it to add your email account settings (IMAP and SMTP server details).

Start Aerc with:

aerc

Quick Tutorial

1. Open Your Inbox

Launch Aerc:

aerc

Your inbox will be displayed in the terminal.

2. Read an Email

Use the arrow keys or j and k to move through messages.

Press:

Enter

to open the selected email.

3. Compose a New Message

Press:

C

Aerc opens your default text editor so you can write the email.

4. Reply to a Message

Open an email and press:

R

to reply.

5. Delete a Message

Select a message and press:

D

to mark it for deletion.

6. Quit Aerc

Press:

:q

or use the configured quit shortcut.

Conclusion

Aerc is an excellent choice for Linux users who want a fast, keyboard-focused email client. Its terminal-based interface, low resource usage, and powerful features make it a great alternative to traditional graphical email applications.