textmode

Textmode, or text mode, refers to a mode of operation or display in computing where text is the primary content and rendering relies on fixed-width, character-based glyphs rather than graphical or richly formatted elements. It contrasts with graphical or rich-text modes that emphasize images, fonts, and layout.

In display hardware and early software, text mode describes a video mode that renders characters from a built-in character generator rather than arbitrary pixels. The classic example is VGA text mode, commonly 80 columns by 25 rows, using a simple character code and an attribute for color. This mode is efficient, predictable, and robust, making it well-suited for system consoles, boot screens, and remote management.

In operating systems and terminals, text mode persists through virtual consoles and terminal emulators that present command-line interfaces. Text mode interfaces rely on monospaced fonts and rely on control sequences (such as ANSI or VT100) to move the cursor, clear the screen, and set colors. They typically consume fewer resources than graphical interfaces and are favored for administration, debugging, and remote access.

In typesetting, text mode denotes the ordinary typography used for document content, as opposed to math mode used for formulas. For example, in TeX-based systems, text is set in text mode, while mathematical expressions switch to math mode, affecting spacing and symbol handling.

In editing and data formats, text mode can refer to editing plain text files without embedded formatting or media, in contrast to rich-text or binary formats. This reflects a broader distinction between text-centric workflows and graphical or formatted content.