open file1 for input open file2 for output using >> so it appends .marker1. read a single line as variables $1, $2, ... use switch/case to select the field(s) you want to fix or alter change it(them) for that line of input (with case selecting fields you want to alter in order) print to (output) file2 the variables $1,$2... check if endof input file if not goto the next line of the input file loop to .marker1. if eof input file add a print "\n"; to the output file (you usually need it) and close both input file and output file