How do I save and restore the current window layout after temporarily changing window sizes in a Vim script?

Explanation

The winrestcmd() function returns a string of Ex commands that, when executed, restore all window sizes to their state at the time of the call. This makes it possible to temporarily resize or maximize a window inside a Vimscript function, then cleanly return to the original layout when done.

How it works

• winrestcmd() captures the current window layout as a restore-command string
• Store it in a variable: let save = winrestcmd()
• Perform any resize operations
• Restore with: execute save

Common resize commands to pair with it:

• wincmd _ — maximize height of current window
• wincmd | — maximize width of current window
• vertical resize N / resize N — set explicit sizes

Example

A toggle-maximize mapping that restores the original layout on the second press:

let g:_winrestore = ''
function! ToggleMaximize() abort
  if g:_winrestore ==# ''
    let g:_winrestore = winrestcmd()
    wincmd _ | wincmd |
  else
    execute g:_winrestore
    let g:_winrestore = ''
  endif
endfunction

nnoremap <silent> <leader>m :call ToggleMaximize()<CR>

Or inline in a script to temporarily maximize, run a command, then restore:

let save = winrestcmd()
wincmd _ | wincmd |
execute 'normal! gg=G'
execute save

Tips

• winrestcmd() captures window sizes only — use win_getid() and win_gotoid() to also preserve window focus
• Combine with winsaveview() / winrestview() to preserve cursor position and scroll state within a window
• This is the pattern many plugins use when temporarily expanding a window for output display