How do I run a normal mode command on every line in a range?

Explanation

The :normal command executes normal mode commands programmatically on a range of lines. This is one of the most powerful batch-editing techniques in Vim.

How it works

• :%normal A; appends a semicolon to every line in the file
• :10,20normal dd deletes lines 10 through 20
• The command runs as if you pressed those keys on each line

Example

Add // comment prefix to lines 5-15:

:5,15normal I// 

Delete the first word on every line:

:%normal dw

Tips

• Use normal! to ignore user mappings (use built-in meanings)
• Works with the global command: :g/TODO/normal A // FIXME
• Combine with visual selection: :'<,'>normal @a to run macro on selection
• The command string is literal — no need for quotes around it