How do I insert the current filename into the buffer or use it in commands?

Explanation

Vim has several read-only registers that hold special values. The % register always contains the name of the current file, while # contains the alternate file (the previously edited buffer). You can paste these just like any other register.

How it works

• "%p — paste the current filename after the cursor (normal mode)
• "#p — paste the alternate filename after the cursor
• <C-r>% — insert the current filename while in insert mode
• <C-r># — insert the alternate filename while in insert mode

These registers are read-only — you cannot write to them with "xy.

Example

You are editing src/main.go and want to add a comment referencing the file:

Cursor position:  // File: |

In insert mode, press <C-r>%:

// File: src/main.go

Or in a shell command, paste the current path into a :! command:

:!echo "%"

To view the current values:

:echo @%
:echo @#

Tips

• @% and @# can be used in Vimscript expressions and mappings
• Combine with filename modifiers: :echo expand('%:p:h') to get the directory
• The : register holds the last Ex command; . holds the last inserted text — all three are useful readonly registers to know
• In a mapping: nnoremap <leader>fn "=%p<CR> inserts the filename with a leader key