include
.RS 4
.TP 4
+.BR \-\-format= ( json | text )
+
+Presents the results in either JSON or plain-text (default).
+.RE
+.RS 4
+.TP 4
.BR \-\-sort= ( newest\-first | oldest\-first )
This option can be used to present results in either chronological order
.RE
.RS 4
-The output format is plain-text, with all text-content MIME parts
+.TP 4
+.B \-\-format=(json|text)
+
+.RS 4
+.TP 4
+.B text
+
+The default plain-text format has text-content MIME parts
decoded. Various components in the output,
.RB ( message ", " header ", " body ", " attachment ", and MIME " part ),
will be delimited by easily-parsed markers. Each marker consists of a
then either an opening or closing brace, ('{' or '}'), to either open
or close the component.
+.RE
+.RS 4
+.TP 4
+.B json
+
+Format output as Javascript Object Notation (JSON). JSON output always
+includes all messages in a matching thread; in effect
+.B \-\-format=json
+implies
+.B \-\-entire\-thread
+
+.RE
A common use of
.B notmuch show
is to display a single thread of email messages. For this, use a