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48.5 Finding Files and URLs at Point

The FFAP package replaces certain key bindings for finding files, such as C-x C-f, with commands that provide more sensible defaults. These commands behave like the ordinary ones when given a prefix argument. Otherwise, they get the default file name or URL from the text around point. If what is found in the buffer has the form of a URL rather than a file name, the commands use browse-url to view it (see Following URLs).

This feature is useful for following references in mail or news buffers, README files, MANIFEST files, and so on. For more information, view the package commentary by typing C-h P ffap RET.

To enable FFAP, type M-x ffap-bindings. This makes the following key bindings, and also installs hooks for additional FFAP functionality in Rmail, Gnus and VM article buffers.

C-x C-f filename RET​

Find filename, guessing a default from text around point (find-file-at-point).

C-x C-r filename RET​

ffap-read-only, analogous to find-file-read-only.

C-x C-v filename RET​

ffap-alternate-file, analogous to find-alternate-file.

C-x d directory RET​

Start Dired on directory, defaulting to the directory at point (dired-at-point).

C-x C-d directory RET​

ffap-list-directory, analogous to list-directory.

C-x 4 f filename RET​

ffap-other-window, analogous to find-file-other-window.

C-x 4 r filename RET​

ffap-read-only-other-window, analogous to find-file-read-only-other-window.

C-x 4 d directory RET​

ffap-dired-other-window, like dired-other-window.

C-x 5 f filename RET​

ffap-other-frame, analogous to find-file-other-frame.

C-x 5 r filename RET​

ffap-read-only-other-frame, analogous to find-file-read-only-other-frame.

C-x 5 d directory RET​

ffap-dired-other-frame, analogous to dired-other-frame.

C-x t C-f filename return​

ffap-other-tab, analogous to find-file-other-tab.

C-x t C-r filename return​

ffap-read-only-other-tab, analogous to find-file-read-only-other-tab.

M-x ffap-next​

Search buffer for next file name or URL, then find that file or URL.

S-mouse-3​

ffap-at-mouse finds the file guessed from text around the position of a mouse click.

C-S-mouse-3​

Display a menu of files and URLs mentioned in current buffer, then find the one you select (ffap-menu).