How do I display the full absolute path of the current file in Vim?

Q: How do I display the full absolute path of the current file in Vim?

`1 ` Pressing ` ` shows a brief status line with the current filename and position, but it typically displays a shortened or relative path. Prefixing it with the count `1` forces Vim to show the **full absolute path** of the file. This is useful when you are working with `:lcd` (local directory changes), symlinks, or multiple projects, and need to confirm exactly which file you have open. ## How it works - ` ` — prints file info: name, modification flag, and line position percentage - `1 ` — the count `1` expands the filename to its **full absolute path** - `2 ` — on systems where a "short filename" exists (Windows 8.3 names), shows that form; otherwise behaves like `1 ` - The output appears in the command area at the bottom of the screen and does not modify the buffer ## Example With a file open via a relative path three directories deep: ```text → "models/user.go" line 1 of 58 --1%-- 1 → "/home/dev/projects/myapp/models/user.go" line 1 of 58 --1%-- ``` The full path makes it immediately clear which `user.go` you are editing when several projects share similar directory structures. ## Tips - If you use `:lcd` to change the local working directory per window, `1 ` shows the resolved absolute path unambiguously - In a script or mapping, use `expand('%:p')` to get the full path as a string for further manipulation - ` ` without a count also shows a `[+]` indicator if the buffer is modified and `[RO]` if read-only

Question

Accepted Answer

`1` Pressing `` shows a brief status line with the current filename and position, but it typically displays a shortened or relative path. Prefixing it with the count `1` forces Vim to show the **full absolute path** of the file. This is useful when you are working with `:lcd` (local directory changes), symlinks, or multiple projects, and need to confirm exactly which file you have open. ## How it works - `` — prints file info: name, modification flag, and line position percentage - `1` — the count `1` expands the filename to its **full absolute path** - `2` — on systems where a "short filename" exists (Windows 8.3 names), shows that form; otherwise behaves like `1` - The output appears in the command area at the bottom of the screen and does not modify the buffer ## Example With a file open via a relative path three directories deep: ```text → "models/user.go" line 1 of 58 --1%-- 1 → "/home/dev/projects/myapp/models/user.go" line 1 of 58 --1%-- ``` The full path makes it immediately clear which `user.go` you are editing when several projects share similar directory structures. ## Tips - If you use `:lcd` to change the local working directory per window, `1` shows the resolved absolute path unambiguously - In a script or mapping, use `expand('%:p')` to get the full path as a string for further manipulation - `` without a count also shows a `[+]` indicator if the buffer is modified and `[RO]` if read-only

Answer

Explanation

How it works

Example

Tips

Related Tricks

How do I sort lines using only the text matched by a regex pattern as the sort key?

How do I insert all possible completions at once on the command line instead of cycling through them?

How do I generate multiple lines of text using a Vimscript for loop from the command line?

How do I open a file and immediately execute a command, like jumping to a pattern or line?

How do I refer to the current filename, extension, or directory in Vim ex commands?