How do I append text to the end of multiple lines at once using visual block mode?

Explanation

Visual block mode combined with $A lets you append text to the end of multiple lines simultaneously, even when those lines have different lengths. This is one of the most satisfying tricks in Vim and a huge time-saver for bulk edits.

How it works

• <C-v> enters visual block mode
• jj (or any vertical motion) extends the selection down to cover the desired lines
• $ extends the block selection to the end of each line, regardless of varying line lengths
• A enters insert mode at the end of each selected line
• Type your text and press <Esc> — the text appears at the end of every selected line

The key detail is $. Without it, <C-v> selects a fixed-width rectangle, which doesn't work well with lines of different lengths. Using $ tells Vim to extend to the end of each individual line.

Example

Given the text:

alpha
beta
gamma

Press <C-v>jj$A;<Esc> to append a semicolon to each line:

alpha;
beta;
gamma;

Tips

• Use I instead of A in block mode to prepend text at the block's left edge
• The appended text only appears on all lines after you press <Esc> — don't panic when you only see it on one line while typing
• You can also use :'<,'>norm A; as an alternative to achieve the same result
• Combine with gg and G to select all lines: ggV G then :'<,'>norm A;
• Works great for adding trailing commas, semicolons, closing brackets, or comments to multiple lines