How do I delete each line matching a pattern along with a fixed number of lines that follow it?
:g/pattern/.,+2d
Inside a :global command, .
command-line #ex-commands #global #delete #editing #command-line
Tag: delete
How do I use a count with a text object to operate on multiple words, sentences, or paragraphs at once?
d3aw
Most Vim users know you can put a count before an operator (3dw) or use a text object once (daw).
editing #text-objects #editing #delete #normal-mode #motions
How do I delete everything typed on the current line without leaving insert mode?
<C-u> in insert mode
Pressing while in insert mode deletes all characters entered since you last entered insert mode on the current line.
How do I append yanked text to an existing register without overwriting it in Vim?
"Ay{motion}
Using an uppercase register letter with any operator appends to the register instead of replacing it.
How do I delete, change, or yank an entire sentence as a text object in Vim?
das
Vim defines a sentence as text ending with .
editing #editing #text-objects #delete #normal-mode #motions
How do I delete or change text without overwriting my previously yanked text?
"_d{motion}
Vim's black hole register (") acts as a write-only sink: anything sent to it is discarded without affecting any other register, including the unnamed register (
How do I delete text from the cursor to the next occurrence of a pattern?
d/{pattern}<CR>
Vim lets you use a / search as a motion for any operator.
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 you change (delete and enter insert mode) for visual selection?
c in visual mode
Select text visually, then press c to delete the selection and enter insert mode.
How do you delete a visual selection?
d in visual mode
Select text visually and press d to delete the selection.
How do you delete all hidden buffers in Vim?
:call DeleteHiddenBuffers()
Define a function or use a plugin.
How do you delete a specific buffer by its number?
:bd 3
Use :bd (bdelete) followed by the buffer number.
How do you delete text without affecting any register?
"_dd
Use the black hole register " before a delete command.
How do you record a macro to delete all blank lines in Vim?
qa/^$/\ndd@aq
Record a macro that searches for blank lines, deletes them, and recurses.
How do you use a macro to delete the first word of every line?
qa0dwjq
Record a macro that goes to the start of line with 0, deletes the first word with dw, and moves down with j.
How do you record a macro to delete text from cursor to a specific pattern?
qad/pattern\nq
Record a macro that deletes from the cursor to the next match of a pattern using d/pattern.
How do I access text from small deletes like dw or x?
"-p
The small delete register ("-) captures text from delete operations that are less than one line — like dw, x, dt.
How do I delete characters, words, and lines without leaving insert mode?
<C-h> / <C-w> / <C-u>
Vim provides three levels of deletion directly in insert mode, so you don't need to switch to normal mode for small corrections.
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 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.