How do I type special characters and symbols using Vim's built-in digraph system in insert mode?

Explanation

Vim's digraph system lets you insert special characters, accented letters, and symbols by typing a memorable two-character sequence. No need to memorize Unicode code points — Vim's built-in table covers hundreds of symbols including ©, ®, ±, µ, «, », and more.

How it works

• In insert mode, press <C-k> to activate digraph input
• Type the two-character code from the digraph table
• Vim replaces the pair with the corresponding special character
• Run :digraphs (or :di) to browse the full table

Example

:digraphs

Partial output:

Co ©  169   Rg ®  174   +- ±  177
12 ½  189   14 ¼  188   34 ¾  190
<< «  171   >> »  187   My µ  181

With the cursor in insert mode, typing:

<C-k>Co  →  ©
<C-k>Rg  →  ®
<C-k>12  →  ½
<C-k>+-  →  ±
<C-k>>>  →  »

Tips

• The codes are mnemonic: Co for copyright, Rg for registered, << and >> for guillemets
• Define your own digraphs with :digraph {xx} {char} — e.g., :digraph ee 8364 for €
• Use :help digraph-table for the complete reference list
• In command-line mode, <C-k> also works for digraph input