How do I run a normal mode command that bypasses all user-defined key mappings?

Explanation

The :normal! command (abbreviated :norm!) executes a sequence of Normal mode keystrokes while completely ignoring user-defined mappings and abbreviations. Without the !, :normal respects your custom key maps, which can cause unexpected behavior when you use it in scripts or functions. Using :norm! guarantees that every keystroke is interpreted as Vim's built-in default, regardless of the user's configuration.

How it works

• :norm — runs keystrokes in Normal mode, obeying any custom mappings
• :norm! — runs keystrokes in Normal mode, bypassing all mappings and abbreviations
• Accepts a range: :%norm! >> runs >> (indent) on every line using the built-in behavior

Example

Suppose your vimrc remaps j to move by display lines:

nnoremap j gj

When a script uses :norm j, Vim fires your mapping and executes gj instead of moving one logical line. With !:

:norm j     " executes gj (your mapping fires)
:norm! j    " executes j  (built-in: move one logical line)

A safe, mapping-independent function looks like:

function! IndentAll()
  :%normal! >>
endfunction

Tips

• Always use :norm! in Vimscript functions and plugins to prevent user mappings from interfering with your automation
• To pass special keys like <Esc> or <CR>, use :execute: :exe "norm! \<lt>Esc>"
• Works with ranges: :'<,'>norm! I// prepends // to each selected line using the built-in I, not any remapped version
• Without !: if the user has remapped d, :norm dd may not delete the line as expected