# free

Specifies source files are in free format.

## Syntax

Linux: | -free -nofree

macOS: | -free -nofree

Windows: | /free /nofree

## Arguments

None

## Default

OFF | The source file format is determined from the file extension.

## Description

This option specifies source files are in free format. If this option is not specified, format is determined as follows:

- Files with an extension of .f90, .F90, or .i90 are free-format source files.

- Files with an extension of .f, .for, .FOR, .ftn, or .i are fixed-format files.

## IDE Equivalent

Visual Studio: Language > Source File Format (/free, /fixed)

## Alternate Options

Linux and macOS: -FR

Windows: /nofixed, /FR, /4Yf

Parent topic: Language Options

## See Also

fixed compiler option