How do I select text character by character in Vim?

Explanation

The v command enters character-wise visual mode, letting you select text one character at a time. This is the most basic form of visual selection.

How it works

• Press v to start selection at the cursor
• Move with any motion to extend the selection
• The selection is highlighted as you move
• Perform an action on the selection (d, y, c, etc.)

Example

hello world

Press v on h, then e to select hello. Press d to delete it.

Tips

• V enters line-wise visual mode
• <C-v> enters block-wise visual mode
• gv reselects the last visual selection
• o swaps to the other end of the selection
• <Esc> cancels the selection