How do I increment all numbers in a visual selection by the same amount?

Explanation

In Visual mode, pressing <C-a> increments every number within the selection by 1 (or by a given [count]). Unlike normal mode <C-a> which only affects the number under the cursor, the visual variant targets all numbers in the selected text simultaneously — and all receive the same increment, keeping their relative differences intact.

This is the key distinction from g<C-a>, which creates a sequential series (each number increases by an additional 1). Here, every number shifts by the exact same delta.

How it works

1. Enter Visual mode (v, V, or <C-v>) and select the text containing the numbers
2. Press <C-a> to add 1 to each number, or [count]<C-a> to add a specific value
3. Use <C-x> to decrement instead

Example

Given this CSS fragment, cursor anywhere on the block:

padding: 4px;
margin: 8px;
border-radius: 2px;

Select all three lines with V2j, then press 4<C-a> (add 4 to each):

padding: 8px;
margin: 12px;
border-radius: 6px;

Every value increases by exactly 4 — no re-typing required.

Tips

• Use g<C-a> instead when you want sequential numbering (1, 2, 3…)
• Works on octal and hex numbers too if 'nrformats' includes octal or hex
• Combine with a macro: record the visual select + <C-a> for repeatable batch edits