How do I copy selected text to the clipboard in visual mode?

Explanation

In visual mode, pressing y yanks (copies) the selected text into the default register. You can then paste it elsewhere with p.

How it works

• Select text with v, V, or <C-v>
• Press y to yank the selection
• The cursor returns to the start of the selection
• Paste with p (after cursor) or P (before cursor)

Example

Select a paragraph with Vip, press y to copy it. Move to the target location and press p to paste.

Tips

• "+y yanks to the system clipboard
• "ay yanks to named register a
• After yanking, the selection is stored in both " and 0 registers
• gv reselects the yanked area if you need to see it again
• Visual yank is more intuitive than operator-based yiw for beginners