How do I switch between character, line, and block visual selection without reselecting?

Explanation

When you are already in visual mode and realize you need a different selection type, you do not have to exit and re-enter. Pressing v, V, or <C-v> while already in visual mode switches between character-wise, line-wise, and block-wise selection, preserving your current selection boundaries.

How it works

• In visual character mode (v): press V to switch to line-wise, or <C-v> to switch to block-wise
• In visual line mode (V): press v to switch to character-wise, or <C-v> to switch to block-wise
• In visual block mode (<C-v>): press v to switch to character-wise, or V to switch to line-wise
• The anchor point and cursor position stay the same — only the selection shape changes
• Pressing the same key as your current mode exits visual mode (e.g., v in character visual exits)

Example

You start selecting text in character-wise visual mode:

first line of [selected text
second line of selected] text

Press V to switch to line-wise — both entire lines are now selected:

[first line of selected text
second line of selected text]

Press <C-v> to switch to block-wise — a rectangular column is selected instead.

Tips

• This is especially useful when you realize mid-selection that you need line-wise for > indentation or block-wise for column editing
• Works seamlessly with gv — if you reselect with gv, you can then switch the mode type