Draw ASCII Boxes Around Text With boxes

Wrap text or code comments in decorative ASCII frames.

macOSTerminalASCII artLow risk

Run echo "text" | boxes -d parchment to surround the text with an ASCII box.

01Command

Command

$ echo "cmdcv" | boxes -d parchment

02What it does

boxes is a filter that reads text and draws a chosen design around it, which is popular for source-code comment banners and READMEs. List the available designs with boxes -l and choose one with -d. It can also remove an existing box using -r.

03Risk

RiskLow risk

Requirementsbrew install boxes

CompatibilitymacOS with Homebrew installed

!Warning: Some wide designs assume a fixed width; check the result before committing it into source files.

04Undo

✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.

05Sources

Homebrew formula: boxes
Homebrew · vendor-doc · 2026-09-20
Evidence: Installs boxes, a filter that draws ASCII boxes around text.
boxes — command line ASCII boxes
Thomas Jensen · vendor-doc · 2026-09-20
Evidence: Official boxes site documenting designs and usage.

Last verified: 2026-09-20 · Category: Developer