Cut command in Linux with examples

The cut command is a built-in command-line utility which extracts a given number of characters or columns from a file. For cutting a certain number of columns it is important to specify the delimiter. A delimiter specifies how the columns are separated in a text file. Basically, the cut command can cut parts of the line by byte position, field, and character.

Here at LinuxAPT, as part of our Server Management Services, we regularly help our Customers to perform related Linux System queries.

In this context, we shall look into how to use the cut command in Linux.

What is the syntax of cut command ?

Simply put, cut command syntax is given below:

$ cut OPTION… [FILE]...

Its [options] is outlined below:

• -b (byte) Slicing by bytes.
• -f (field) Slicing by fields.
• -c (character) Slicing by characters.
• -d (delimiter) Slicing by delimiter instead of TAB delimiter.
• –complement Complement the output.
• –output-delimiter Change the output delimiter.

How to use cut command ?

Here, we are going to look into different ways of using cut command in Linux.

1. -b (byte)

To cut out specific bytes. The range of bytes can be specified with "-". Tabs and backspaces are also considered 1 byte:

$ cut -b [file]

For example, in hello.txt file contains the text "Hello World!". Now we will cut out specific bytes:

$ cut -b 1 hello.txt

Here, the first character will be "H".

Now, when you run the below command, the output will be the 1st, 6th, and 7th characters respectively. The 6th character is an empty character:

$ cut -b 1,6,7 hello.txt

To List with ranges, run the command:

$ cut -b 1-3,7-9 hello.txt

It also selects bytes from beginning up to the end of the line through a special form:

$ cut -b 1- hello.txt

Here, the output from the 1st byte to the last byte will be displayed.

In the below command, the output from the 1st byte to the 4th byte:

$ cut -b -4 hello.txt

2. -f (field)

To extract specific fields. When no delimiter is specified, the default delimiter will be TAB:

$ cut -f [FILE]

For example, here we have field.txt file:

123456 linux mac google
345678 unix ubuntu chrome

Now we will extract the 1st and the 2nd field:

$ cut -f 1,2 field.txt
123456 linux
345678 unix

3. -c (character)

To cut by character. This can be a list separated by “.”, “,”, “;”; “–”. Tabs and backspaces are also considered a character.

$ cut -c [FILE]

For example, here we have character.txt file:

1.3,4,a.r;g;b

Now we will extract the 2nd, 4th, 6th character:

$ cut -c 2,4,6 character.txt
.,,

4. -d (delimiter)

To cut out specific delimiters. This option is often used with -f (field).

For example, here we have dlmt.txt file separated by ":"

abc:456:mac:linux
xyz:ubuntu:win:unix

Now we will extract from the 1st to the 3rd field:

$ cut -d ":" -f 1-3 dlmt.txt

The output will be:

abc:456:mac
xyz:ubuntu:win

5. –complement

To print all fields except those that are not selected with -f option.

For example, here we have field.txt file:

123456 linux mac google
345678 unix ubuntu chrome

Now we will extract all fields except the 1st and 4th fields:

$ cut --complement -f 1,4 field.txt

The output will be:

linux mac
unix ubuntu

6. –output-delimiter

To change the output delimiter. –output-delimiter=”delimiter”.

Now we will extract all fields except the 1st and 4th field but the output is separated by “?” :

& cut –complement -f 1,4 field.txt –output-delimiter=”?”

The Output will be:

linux?mac
unix?ubuntu

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