How do I insert a shell-escaped current file path in a Vim command-line?

Explanation

When you build shell commands from Vim, file paths with spaces or special characters can break the command unless properly escaped. The %:S filename modifier expands the current file path and applies shell escaping for you. This is especially useful in :! commands, :make, and custom mappings that call external tools.

How it works

• % means "current buffer file name" in command-line expansions
• :S applies shell escaping to that expanded path
• You can combine modifiers, for example %:p:S for absolute path then escaped

Because escaping rules vary by shell, relying on Vim's modifier is safer than manually adding quotes each time. It also avoids edge cases when paths include parentheses, spaces, or # characters.

Example

Imagine the current file is:

/home/finn/projects/my app/src/main file.ts

In command-line mode:

:!rg TODO %:S

Vim expands %:S into a shell-safe version of the file path, so rg receives the right argument even with spaces.

Tips

• Use %:p:S when tools require absolute paths
• # (alternate file) also supports modifiers: #:S
• For non-shell contexts inside Vimscript, use fnameescape() instead of shell-style escaping