cat:render-box

Render emoji-aware bordered terminal output with Python unicodedata width calculations.

101|2|Updated Jan 7, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/cowwoc/cat --skill cat-render-box
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: cat:render-box
Source: https://github.com/cowwoc/cat/tree/main/skills/render-box
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/cowwoc/cat --skill cat-render-box

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill renders emoji-aware bordered output in terminal displays, ensuring alignment when emoji characters are present and avoiding misaligned borders in complex displays.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Emoji-aware borders and tables: render status boxes, progress indicators, and data tables with proper alignment across emoji widths.
  • Delegates width calculation to bash scripts that call Python's unicodedata for accurate padding.
  • Use Case: When producing CLI dashboards or subagent outputs that include emoji indicators like ✅, ⚠, 🔄, this Skill guarantees consistent visuals.

Quick Start

Load the rendering helpers and render a sample box:

source "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/scripts/lib/box.sh" box_init 72 box_top "✅ STATUS: Ready" box_empty box_line " Task: render-box" box_bottom

Frequently Asked Questions about cat:render-box

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I render CLI borders and tables with correct emoji alignment?

To render CLI borders and tables with correct emoji alignment, this Skill delegates width calculations to bash scripts that utilize Python's unicodedata. This accurately pads emoji characters like ✅ and ⚠, ensuring crisp bordered terminal output.

Why does my terminal table break when I add emoji characters?

Terminal tables break with emoji characters because standard width calculations misjudge their display width. This Skill uses Python's unicodedata and emoji-widths.json to compute exact display widths, preventing misaligned borders in complex displays.

How do I create a status box in bash that supports unicode?

To create a status box in bash that supports unicode, source the box.sh helper script, initialize the box width with box_init, and use functions like box_top, box_line, and box_bottom to render accurately padded bordered output.

Do I need Python installed to use emoji-aware box rendering in the terminal?

Yes, you need Python installed for emoji-aware box rendering in the terminal. The Skill's bash scripts explicitly call Python's unicodedata module and reference emoji-widths.json to calculate accurate display widths for proper padding.

What is the best way to align progress indicators containing emoji in a CLI dashboard?

The best way to align progress indicators containing emoji in a CLI dashboard is to use a rendering helper that computes display widths via unicodedata. This Skill applies accurate padding to ensure borders and tables remain visually consistent.