# .read command (Runoff)

The .read command transfers control
to the specified Runoff item for output and returns control upon completion.

## Syntax

```
.read {file.reference} item-ID
```

## Parameter(s)

| file.reference | Specifies file that contains the item to which control is transferred. If not specified, the item is read from the same file as the item being processed |
| --- | --- |
| item-ID | Specifies item for output. |

## Description

The .read command causes Runoff to read the item-ID indicated. If no file
reference is specified, the item is read from the same file as the
item being processed. The text input from this item is processed and
output without any parameter or mode changes. After processing this
item, Runoff resumes input with the next line of the current source
of input. This command does not cause a break.

The .read command scans the string following the command, looking
for an item-ID or a file name. The legal delimiter for the item-ID
or the file reference is a space or a period. If there is more than
one delimited field following the .read command,
the next-to-the-last field is taken to be the file name, and that
file is opened. The last delimited field is considered the item-ID,
and it is retrieved by the Runoff processor to be executed next.

If the statement is a .read, the processor
eventually returns to the current item and continues processing at
the beginning of the next line in the item. No statements occurring
after the .read statement in the line are executed.
A comment statement may be included after the .read command. The line is considered exhausted when the
processor encounters an end-of-line mark, or when it encounters a
period preceded by a space.

## See also

- [.chain command (Runoff)](https://d3codex.com/runoff/dot-chain-command-runoff/)
- [Runoff commands](https://d3codex.com/runoff/runoff-commands/)

---
Source: https://d3codex.com/runoff/dot-read-command-runoff/ - part of the D3Codex reference.