What is the selection register in Vim and how do you use it?
"*p
The register represents the primary selection (middle-click paste in X11).
Search: paste
161 results for "paste"
How do you paste over selected text without losing the yanked text?
"_dP in visual mode
Use "_dP which deletes the selection into the black hole register and pastes before.
How do I replace a visual selection with yanked text without losing my clipboard?
"0p in visual mode
When you paste over a visual selection with p, Vim replaces the selection with the register contents — but it also puts the deleted selection into the unnamed
How do you paste from a specific register while in insert mode?
<C-r>a
In insert mode, press followed by the register name.
What is the difference between the star register and the plus register?
"*p vs "+p
How it works Vim has two system clipboard registers that interact with the operating system: " -- the selection register (PRIMARY selection on Linux/X11, clipbo
How do I change whether a register pastes as character, line, or block-wise?
:call setreg('"', @", 'l')
Vim registers carry not just their text content but also a type: charwise (c), linewise (l), or blockwise (b).
How do I paste from a register in insert mode without Vim interpreting special characters?
<C-r><C-r>{register}
In insert mode, {reg} pastes from a register but treats certain bytes as key inputs — so a register containing \n triggers a newline, \x08 triggers backspace,
How do I paste text and leave the cursor after the pasted content instead of on it?
gp
The standard p command pastes text after the cursor but leaves the cursor at the beginning of the pasted text.
How do I cycle through numbered registers to find a previous deletion?
"1pu.u.u.
Vim stores the last 9 deletions in numbered registers 1-9, with the most recent in register 1.
How do I paste text and automatically adjust its indentation?
]p
The ]p command pastes text and adjusts its indentation to match the current line.
How do I copy selected text to the clipboard in visual mode?
y (in visual mode)
In visual mode, pressing y yanks (copies) the selected text into the default register.
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 access my delete history beyond the last delete?
"1p ... "2p ... "9p
Vim maintains a numbered register history from "1 through "9 that stores your last 9 deletes and changes.
How do I edit a recorded macro?
"ap, edit, "add
Since macros are stored in registers, you can paste the register content into the buffer, edit it, and yank it back.
How do I always access my last yanked text regardless of deletes?
"0p
Register 0 (the yank register) always contains the text from your most recent yank command — and unlike the unnamed register, it is never overwritten by delet
How do I debug a macro by executing it step by step?
Paste with "ap and execute keys manually
To debug a macro, paste its contents into the buffer, read each keystroke, and execute them one at a time to find where the macro goes wrong.
How do I cycle through previously deleted text using numbered registers?
"1p then u then . to cycle
Vim stores your last 9 deletions in numbered registers "1 through "9.
How do I capture shell command output directly into a Vim register?
:let @a = system('cmd')
You can populate any Vim register with the output of an external shell command using :let @{register} = system('{command}').
How do I paste or reuse my last search pattern from the search register?
"/p
Vim stores the last search pattern in the search register "/.
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.