How do I use marks inside a macro to return to a specific position?

Explanation

How it works

When a macro needs to jump to different parts of the file and then return to a starting position, marks are the perfect tool. By setting a mark at the beginning of the macro, you can always jump back after making edits elsewhere.

The pattern qama{edits}'aq breaks down as:

• qa -- start recording into register a
• ma -- set mark a at the current cursor position
• {edits} -- perform any edits, searches, or jumps you need
• 'a -- return to the line of mark a (use backtick-a for exact column)
• q -- stop recording

This technique is essential when your macro needs to:

• Copy text from one location and paste it at another
• Look up a value elsewhere in the file and bring it back
• Make changes in a header or footer section and return to working position

Example

Suppose you want a macro that copies the current line's first word and appends it to line 1 as a comma-separated list:

1. Record: qamayiw1GP$a, <Esc>p'ajq
2. Breakdown:
   • ma -- mark current position
   • yiw -- yank the inner word
   • 1G -- go to line 1
   • $ -- go to end of line 1
   • a, <Esc>p -- append comma, space, then paste the word
   • 'a -- return to the marked line
   • j -- move down to the next line for the next iteration
3. Run 5@a to collect words from the next 5 lines

Using marks inside macros makes them far more versatile, allowing complex multi-location edits in a single recording.