How do I move a line or range of lines to a different location in the file?

Explanation

How it works

The :m command (short for :move) moves one or more lines to after the specified address. Unlike :t (copy), :m removes the lines from their original position. The syntax is:

:[range]m {address}

Common forms:

• :m+1 moves the current line down one line (same as :m.+1).
• :m-2 moves the current line up one line.
• :m0 moves the current line to the very top of the file.
• :m$ moves the current line to the very end of the file.
• :5m10 moves line 5 to after line 10.
• :5,8m15 moves lines 5 through 8 to after line 15.

The key benefit of :m over delete-paste (dd then p) is precision: you can specify exact source and destination line numbers and the operation does not pollute your registers.

Example

Suppose you have:

1: import os
2: import sys
3: import json
4:
5: def main():

To move the import json line to be the first import:

:3m1

Result:

1: import os
2: import json
3: import sys
4:
5: def main():

To move a visually selected block of lines to the end of the file:

1. Select lines with V.
2. Type :
3. Complete: :'<,'>m$

Comparison with :t

Both commands use the same address syntax and neither affects registers, making them ideal for reorganizing code without disrupting your yank history.