How do I create a macro to convert a value to a JSON key-value pair?
qaI"<Esc>A": "",<Esc>jq
This macro transforms a plain word into a JSON key-value pair format, useful for converting lists of field names into JSON structure.
Category: macros
How do I record a macro to wrap each word in quotes?
qaciw"<C-r>""<Esc>wq
This macro wraps the current word in double quotes by changing the word, inserting quotes around the original content, and moving to the next word.
How do I record a macro to add semicolons at the end of every line?
qaA;<Esc>jq
This macro appends a semicolon to the current line and moves down, ready to repeat.
How do I record a macro to toggle comments on a line?
qaI// <Esc>jq
This macro adds a // comment prefix to the beginning of the current line and moves down.
How do I create a macro that converts lines to a numbered list?
qa I1. <Esc>j q
This simple macro inserts a list number prefix at the beginning of each line.
How do I see what keystrokes a macro contains?
:reg a
The :reg a command shows the contents of register a, which reveals the keystrokes stored in the macro.
How do I record a macro in Vim?
q{a-z}...q
Recording a macro captures a sequence of keystrokes into a register, which you can replay later.
How do I record a macro that uses text objects and complex motions?
qa ci"replacement<Esc> /next<CR> q
Macros can contain any Vim command including text objects, searches, and multi-key motions.
How do I run a macro on all lines matching a pattern?
:g/pattern/norm @a
The :g/pattern/norm @a command combines the global command with macro execution.
How do I apply different macros to alternate lines?
qa ... j@bj q
You can create macros that call other macros, applying different operations to alternate lines or creating complex editing patterns.
How do I create a macro without recording it?
:let @a = "Iprefix: \<Esc>"
The :let @a = ".
How do I create a macro that uses an incrementing counter?
Use :let i=1 with macro
By combining a Vimscript variable with a macro, you can create sequences with incrementing numbers.
How do I execute buffer text as a macro dynamically?
:let @a=getline('.')<CR>@a
How it works Instead of recording keystrokes interactively, you can write a sequence of Vim commands as plain text in your buffer and then execute that text as
How do I make a macro conditionally execute commands based on line content?
:if condition | execute 'normal cmd' | endif
How it works Vim macros can include Ex commands with conditional logic.
How do I use a macro to align text on a specific character like the equals sign?
qa0f=20i <Esc>20|C= <Esc>lDjq
How it works Aligning text on a delimiter such as = without plugins requires a clever macro technique.
How do I create nested macros where one macro calls another?
qa{edits}@bq
How it works Vim macros can call other macros, creating a modular system of reusable building blocks.
How do I use marks inside a macro to return to a specific position?
qama{edits}'aq
How it works When a macro needs to jump to different parts of the file and then return to a starting position, marks are the perfect tool.
How do I use the expression register inside a macro for dynamic values?
qa<C-r>=expression<CR>q
How it works The expression register (=) lets you evaluate Vimscript expressions and insert the result.
How do I use a macro to wrap each word in quotes?
qabi"<Esc>ea"<Esc>wq
How it works This macro wraps the current word in double quotes and moves to the next word, making it easy to repeat across a line or file.
How do I record a macro that performs a search and replace on each line?
qa:s/old/new/g<CR>jq
How it works You can combine Ex commands like :s (substitute) with macro recording to create powerful repeatable find-and-replace operations that go beyond what