How do I insert special Unicode characters and symbols using Vim's built-in digraph system?
Answer
<C-k>{two-chars}
Explanation
Vim's digraph system lets you type hundreds of special characters — arrows, fractions, accented letters, currency symbols, and more — using intuitive two-character mnemonics. In insert mode, press <C-k> and then two characters whose visual combination suggests the intended symbol.
How it works
<C-k>— activates digraph entry (a?prompt appears in the status bar){two-chars}— a two-character mnemonic, often visually suggestive of the target symbol
Common digraphs:
| Keys | Result | Description |
|---|---|---|
-> |
→ | right arrow |
<- |
← | left arrow |
Co |
© | copyright |
Rg |
® | registered trademark |
DG |
° | degree |
+- |
± | plus or minus |
12 |
½ | one half |
14 |
¼ | one quarter |
Example
To insert Temperature: 37°C while in insert mode:
Temperature: 37<C-k>DGC
To insert Copyright © 2025:
Copyright <C-k>Co 2025
Tips
:digraphs— list all available digraphs:digraph {two-chars} {codepoint}— define a custom digraph (e.g.,:digraph => 8658for ⇒)- Accented letters follow predictable patterns:
a:→ä,e'→é,o~→õ,n~→ñ - Digraphs also work on the command line:
/<C-k>->to search for an arrow character