How do I break a line at the cursor position without entering Insert mode?
Answer
r<CR>
Explanation
You can split a line at the cursor without entering Insert mode by using r<CR>. The r command replaces the character under the cursor with a single keystroke — in this case, a newline (<CR>). The result is that the character under the cursor is removed and the line breaks at that point.
How it works
r— Replace: overwrites the character under the cursor with the next keystroke<CR>— newline character (Enter key)
This is faster than i<CR><Esc> (enter Insert mode, press Enter, escape) and stays in Normal mode throughout.
Example
Before: Hello, |World!
After pressing r<CR>:
Hello,
World!
The comma (character under cursor) is replaced by a newline.
Tips
- If you want to keep the character under the cursor and insert a newline before it, use
i<CR><Esc>orO<Esc>jinstead r<CR>is ideal for fixing lines that were accidentally joined (J) — quickly re-break at the right position- For soft wraps in
textwidth-limited files, usegq{motion}to reformat instead - To break a line and preserve indentation, use
a<CR><Esc>to enter after the character