How do I execute the contents of the system clipboard as a Vim macro?

Explanation

In Vim, @{register} executes the contents of any register as a macro. Since + is the system clipboard register, @+ runs whatever text is currently on your clipboard as a sequence of Vim keystrokes. This opens up a powerful workflow: craft a macro in a terminal, a text editor, or even a browser, copy it to the clipboard, then execute it directly in Vim without recording it manually.

How it works

• @ — execute register as a macro
• + — the system clipboard register (requires Vim compiled with +clipboard; use * on X11 for primary selection)

The clipboard text is replayed exactly as if you had typed those keys in normal mode, including Ex commands like :s/foo/bar<CR>.

Example

Suppose you want to run a complex sequence on several files. Prepare the keystrokes in a text editor:

:%s/oldName/newName/g
:w

Copy this to your clipboard, then in Vim:

@+

This executes the substitution and saves the file — without ever recording a macro inside Vim.

Tips

• On X11 systems, @* runs the primary selection (highlighted text) as a macro
• Use 2@+ to repeat the clipboard macro on 2 lines
• After @+, use @@ to re-run the same macro again
• Verify clipboard support with :echo has('clipboard') — returns 1 if available
• Useful for sharing repeatable Vim operations: just paste the keystrokes in a chat message, copy, and @+