How do I append text to the end of multiple lines of different lengths?

Explanation

When you need to append text to the end of several lines that have different lengths, visual block mode with $ is the key. A regular block selection (<C-v>) selects a fixed-width rectangle, which doesn't reach the end of shorter or longer lines. By pressing $ after entering visual block mode, Vim extends the selection to the end of each line regardless of length, and A then appends at each line's end.

How it works

• <C-v> — enter visual block mode
• Select the lines you want (e.g., j to go down)
• $ — extend the block selection to the end of each line
• A — enter insert mode at the end of each selected line
• Type your text and press <Esc> — the text appears at the end of every selected line

Example

Before (with lines of varying length):

short
medium text
a much longer line here

After <C-v>2j$A;<Esc>:

short;
medium text;
a much longer line here;

All lines get a semicolon appended, regardless of length.

Tips

• Without $, block mode selects a fixed column width — shorter lines get nothing appended, or text gets inserted at the wrong position
• This is essential for adding trailing commas, semicolons, or closing delimiters to code blocks
• Works with I at the beginning too: <C-v>jjI// <Esc> comments out lines