How do I use the expression register in a mapping to insert dynamic values?
:nnoremap <leader>d "=strftime('%Y-%m-%d')<CR>p
The expression register (=) evaluates Vimscript expressions and uses the result as register content.
Search: insert mode
210 results for "insert mode"
How do I copy a character from the line directly above or below while staying in insert mode?
<C-y> and <C-e>
In Insert mode, copies the character at the same column position from the line above the cursor, and copies the character from the line below.
How do I paste from a register while staying in insert mode?
<C-r>{register}
Pressing followed by a register name in insert mode inserts the contents of that register at the cursor position without leaving insert mode.
How do you paste from a specific register while in insert mode?
<C-r>a
In insert mode, press followed by the register name.
How do you use the expression register to insert a calculation?
<C-r>=42*7<CR>
In insert mode, press = to access the expression register, type a math expression like 42*7, and press Enter to insert the result (294).
How do you insert text on multiple lines using visual block mode?
<C-v>jjI text <Esc>
Enter visual block with , select lines with j, press I to insert before the block.
How do I create text shortcuts that auto-expand while typing in Vim?
iabbrev
:iabbrev defines insert-mode abbreviations that expand automatically when you type a non-keyword character (space, punctuation, ) after the abbreviation.
How do I paste text in insert mode without triggering auto-indent or mappings?
<C-r><C-o>"
The {register} sequence in insert mode pastes register contents literally — without triggering auto-indentation, abbreviations, or mappings.
How do I change the cursor shape for different Vim modes in the terminal?
:let &t_SI = "\e[6 q"
Modern terminals support cursor shape changes via escape sequences.
How do I insert a literal control character or special key in insert mode?
<C-v>{char}
When you need to insert a literal tab character despite expandtab being set, or embed a control character like ^M (carriage return) into your text, in insert mo
editing #editing #insert-mode #special-characters #control-characters
How do I start typing at the end of a line in Vim?
A
The A command moves the cursor to the end of the current line and enters insert mode.
How do I insert the current filename into the buffer or use it in commands?
"%p
Vim has several read-only registers that hold special values.
How do I create a custom undo checkpoint while in Insert mode so I can undo in smaller steps?
<C-g>u
By default, Vim treats an entire Insert mode session (from entering Insert mode to pressing ) as a single undo unit.
How do I insert a Unicode character by its code point?
<C-v>u{code} in insert mode
In insert mode, u followed by a 4-digit hex code inserts the Unicode character at that code point.
How do I change text from the cursor to the end of the line?
C
The C command deletes everything from the cursor position to the end of the line and places you in insert mode.
How do I insert the same text multiple times without a macro or copy-paste?
80i-<Esc>
Vim's insert commands accept a count prefix that repeats everything you type.
How do I paste a register in insert mode without triggering auto-indent?
<C-r><C-o>{reg}
When you use a in insert mode to paste register a, Vim inserts the text as if you typed it character by character.
How do I delete the word before the cursor without leaving insert mode?
<C-w>
Pressing in insert mode deletes the word before the cursor instantly, without requiring you to switch to normal mode.
How do I insert the output of a shell command into my file?
:r !command
The :r !command command executes a shell command and inserts its output directly into the current buffer below the cursor line.
How do I insert special characters like ©, ±, or → without leaving Vim?
<C-k>{char1}{char2}
Vim has a built-in digraph system that lets you insert hundreds of special characters by typing two-character mnemonics.
editing #editing #insert-mode #special-characters #unicode #productivity