How do I copy a line to another location without using yank and paste?

Explanation

How it works

The :t command (short for :copy) copies one or more lines and places them below the specified address. The syntax is:

:[range]t {address}

Where {address} is the line number after which the copied lines should be placed. This is a powerful Ex command that avoids the yank-navigate-paste workflow entirely.

Common forms:

• :t. copies the current line and places it below the current line (duplicates the line).
• :t0 copies the current line to the top of the file (after line 0).
• :t$ copies the current line to the end of the file.
• :t15 copies the current line and places it below line 15.
• :5t. copies line 5 and places it below the current line.
• :5,10t$ copies lines 5 through 10 to the end of the file.

Example

Suppose you have a configuration file and want to copy line 3 to below line 10:

:3t10

Or you are on a line you want to duplicate (similar to yyp):

:t.

Or copy a visual selection to below line 20:

1. Select lines with V.
2. Type : (Vim auto-fills '<,'>)
3. Complete the command: :'<,'>t20

Advantages over yank-paste

• Does not affect any registers. Your unnamed register and named registers remain untouched.
• Works across distant parts of the file without needing to navigate.
• Can specify exact source and destination with line numbers.
• The :t. shorthand is the fastest way to duplicate a line without touching any register.