How do I paste the contents of a register into the command line or search prompt?

Explanation

When typing an Ex command or search pattern, you often need to insert text you've already yanked or deleted. Instead of retyping it, press <C-r> followed by a register name to paste that register's contents directly into the command line. This works in both the : command prompt and the / or ? search prompt.

How it works

• <C-r>" — pastes the unnamed (default) register, which holds the last yanked or deleted text
• <C-r>a — pastes register a
• <C-r>0 — pastes register 0 (last yank)
• <C-r>/ — pastes the last search pattern
• <C-r>% — pastes the current filename
• <C-r>* — pastes from the system clipboard

Example

Suppose you yank a variable name myVariable with yiw, then want to search and replace it:

:%s/<C-r>0/newVariable/g

This inserts myVariable directly into the substitute command without retyping it.

Tips

• <C-r><C-w> inserts the word under the cursor into the command line — this does not use a register but is equally powerful
• Use <C-r><C-a> to insert the WORD (including special characters) under the cursor
• This also works in insert mode for pasting registers without leaving insert mode