How do I insert special characters like ©, ±, or → without leaving Vim?

Explanation

Vim has a built-in digraph system that lets you insert hundreds of special characters by typing two-character mnemonics. Press <C-k> in insert mode followed by two characters, and Vim replaces them with the corresponding special character.

How it works

• Enter insert mode
• Press <C-k> — Vim shows a ? in the status line, waiting for your digraph
• Type two characters that form the digraph code
• Vim inserts the special character and you remain in insert mode

Common digraphs

<C-k>Co  →  ©   (copyright)
<C-k>Rg  →  ®   (registered)
<C-k>+-  →  ±   (plus-minus)
<C-k>->  →  →   (right arrow)
<C-k>!=  →  ≠   (not equal)
<C-k>=<  →  ≤   (less than or equal)
<C-k>=>  →  ≥   (greater than or equal)
<C-k>00  →  ∞   (infinity)
<C-k>OK  →  ✓   (checkmark)
<C-k>*X  →  ×   (multiplication sign)
<C-k>My  →  µ   (micro sign)
<C-k>DE  →  °   (degree)
<C-k>14  →  ¼   (one quarter)
<C-k>12  →  ½   (one half)

Example

To type Temperature: 72°F, enter insert mode and type:

Temperature: 72<C-k>DEF

The <C-k>DE inserts ° and the F is typed normally.

Tips

• Run :digraphs to see the full list of available digraph codes
• Digraph codes are case-sensitive: <C-k>Co is © but <C-k>CO is something different
• Use :help digraph-table for the complete reference organized by Unicode block
• You can define custom digraphs with :digraphs — e.g., :digraphs el 8230 maps el to … (ellipsis)
• Digraphs work in command-line mode too — press <C-k> while typing an Ex command