33.3 Modeline Format

Each SXEmacs window (aside from minibuffer windows) includes a modeline, which displays status information about the buffer displayed in the window. The modeline contains information about the buffer, such as its name, associated file, depth of recursive editing, and the major and minor modes.

This section describes how the contents of the modeline are controlled. It is in the chapter on modes because much of the information displayed in the modeline relates to the enabled major and minor modes.

modeline-format is a buffer-local variable that holds a template used to display the modeline of the current buffer. All windows for the same buffer use the same modeline-format and their modelines appear the same (except for scrolling percentages and line numbers).

The modeline of a window is normally updated whenever a different buffer is shown in the window, or when the buffer’s modified-status changes from nil to t or vice-versa. If you modify any of the variables referenced by modeline-format (see Modeline Variables), you may want to force an update of the modeline so as to display the new information.

Function: redraw-modeline &optional all

Force redisplay of the current buffer’s modeline. If all is non-nil, then force redisplay of all modelines.

The modeline is usually displayed in inverse video. This is controlled using the modeline face. See Faces.