# Using the Update processor as a text editor

If no attribute list is specified, the Update processor
functions as a text editor. The text edit form requires specifying
only the file name and item list (no attribute list). If no macro
is present on the file-defining item, the raw item is presented.

**Synonyms:** up, u

## Syntax

```
update {only} file.reference {item.list} {modifiers} {(options)}
```

## Parameter(s)

| only | The only modifier permits editing the raw items, without using any of the inherent attribute-defining items. When a file does not contain default attribute-defining items, the only mode is automatically implied. |
| --- | --- |
| modifiers | The modifiers below are available: |
| id-prompt | The id-prompt causes the Update processor to include the item-ID attribute on the data entry screen. The item-ID option prompt displays as the first attribute on the screen, followed by all other defined attributes. If the item-ID is not explicitly requested, it does not display in the update screen. The item-ID prompt can be used on the macro attribute of the file-defining item (see macro attribute). The i option is a synonym for id-prompt. |
| options | The options below are available: |
| c | Clears the screen after filing of an item and before displaying the next item. |
| i | Displays the item-ID of the file being updated in the Update processor data entry screen. The item-ID displays as the first attribute on the screen, followed by all other defined attributes. If the item-ID is not explicitly requested, it does not display on the update screen. The i option can be used on the macro attribute of the file-defining item (see macro attribute). If the i option is used on the output-macro attribute of the file-defining item, the item is suppressed on output listings. The id-prompt modifier is a synonym for the i option. |
| l | Allows data to be viewed only. Items can not be filed, updated, or deleted. |
| r | Edits raw text. This causes control characters to display as periods, escape characters to display as [ (left brackets), and subvalue marks to display as \ (backslashes). |
| s | Turns the spelling checker off for the duration of the Update processor session. |

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Source: https://d3codex.com/updateprocessor/using-the-update-processor-as-a-text-editor/ - part of the D3Codex reference.