Tag: block-mode | VimTricks

How do I append text to the end of multiple lines of different lengths?

<C-v>$A

When you need to append text to the end of several lines that have different lengths, visual block mode with $ is the key.

<C-v>jjr<C-k>12

Visual block mode combined with the replace command and digraph input lets you replace a column of characters with special Unicode characters.

<C-v>j$A;<Esc>

When lines have varying lengths, a normal visual block selection stops at the shortest line.

<C-v>jjI\=printf('%02d ', line('.')-line("'<")+1)<CR><Esc>

By combining visual block insert with Vim's expression register, you can insert dynamically computed line numbers at the start of each selected line.

<C-v>jjxp

Visual block mode lets you select, cut, and paste rectangular columns of text.

:'<,'>s/\%Vold/new/g

The \%V atom restricts a search pattern to match only within the visual selection area, including visual block selections.

<C-v>jjc replacement<Esc>

Visual block mode's change command lets you replace a rectangular column of text across multiple lines in a single operation.

<C-v>jj$A text<Esc>

Visual block mode combined with $A lets you append text to the end of multiple lines simultaneously, even when those lines have different lengths.