How do I paste a register's contents in insert mode without triggering autoindent or other text processing?
In insert mode, {register} pastes the register's contents but runs it through Vim's insert-mode processing — including autoindent, textwidth wrapping, and for
category:
registers
tags:
#registers
#insert-mode
#editing
How do I insert the current filename into the buffer or use it in commands?
Vim has several read-only registers that hold special values.
category:
registers
tags:
#registers
#insert-mode
#normal-mode
#editing
How do I insert a Unicode character by its codepoint in insert mode?
In insert mode, pressing followed by u and a 4-digit hexadecimal codepoint inserts the corresponding Unicode character directly into the buffer.
category:
editing
tags:
#insert-mode
#editing
#unicode
How do I create text shortcuts that auto-expand while typing in Vim?
:iabbrev defines insert-mode abbreviations that expand automatically when you type a non-keyword character (space, punctuation, ) after the abbreviation.
category:
config
tags:
#insert-mode
#config
#editing
How do I copy a character from the line directly above or below while staying in insert mode?
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.
category:
editing
tags:
#insert-mode
#editing
#copy
How do I re-insert the text I typed in the previous insert session?
While in insert mode, pressing re-inserts the exact text you typed during your previous insert session.
category:
editing
tags:
#insert-mode
#editing
#registers
How do I fix a misspelled word using Vim's spell checker while staying in insert mode?
When spell checking is enabled (:set spell), s in insert mode opens a popup menu of suggested corrections for the most recently flagged misspelled word — with
category:
editing
tags:
#editing
#insert-mode
#completion
#search
How do I insert the result of a Vim expression or calculation directly into text?
The expression register ("=) lets you evaluate any Vim expression and insert its result as text.
category:
registers
tags:
#registers
#insert-mode
#editing
#ex-commands
How do I paste from a register in insert mode without Vim interpreting special characters?
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,
category:
registers
tags:
#registers
#insert-mode
#editing
#paste
How do I include dictionary and spelling words in Vim's insert-mode autocomplete?
Vim's built-in completion ( / ) sources matches from buffers, included files, and tags by default.
category:
editing
tags:
#completion
#insert-mode
#spell
#editing
#config
How do I insert special characters like arrows, math symbols, or accented letters in Vim?
Vim has a built-in digraph system that lets you type special characters using short two-character codes.
category:
editing
tags:
#editing
#insert-mode
#unicode
#special-characters
How do I center the screen on my cursor without leaving insert mode?
When you are typing in insert mode and the cursor drifts near the top or bottom of the screen, you normally have to press , then zz, then i or a to continue edi
category:
navigation
tags:
#navigation
#insert-mode
#scrolling
#normal-mode
How do I insert a literal control character or special key in insert mode?
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
category:
editing
tags:
#editing
#insert-mode
#special-characters
#control-characters
How do I insert the same text multiple times without a macro or copy-paste?
Vim's insert commands accept a count prefix that repeats everything you type.
category:
editing
tags:
#editing
#insert-mode
#normal-mode
#formatting
How do I quickly re-insert the text I just typed without leaving insert mode?
While in insert mode, pressing re-inserts whatever text you typed during your previous insert session.
category:
editing
tags:
#insert-mode
#editing
#registers
#repeat
How do I copy a character from the line above or below while in insert mode?
When typing in insert mode, you can pull individual characters from adjacent lines without leaving insert mode.
category:
editing
tags:
#insert-mode
#editing
#completion
How do I paste a register in insert mode without triggering auto-indent?
When you use a in insert mode to paste register a, Vim inserts the text as if you typed it character by character.
category:
registers
tags:
#registers
#insert-mode
#indentation
#editing
How do I increase or decrease indentation while staying in insert mode?
<C-t> and <C-d> in insert mode
When typing in insert mode, you can adjust the current line's indentation without leaving to normal mode.
category:
editing
tags:
#insert-mode
#indentation
#editing
#formatting
How do I indent or dedent the current line without leaving insert mode?
When you're typing in insert mode and realize the current line needs more or less indentation, you don't have to leave insert mode to fix it.
category:
editing
tags:
#insert-mode
#indentation
#editing
#formatting
How do I return to normal mode from absolutely any mode in Vim?
While works to leave insert or visual mode, it does not work in every situation — particularly in terminal mode (:terminal), where is consumed by the running
category:
navigation
tags:
#normal-mode
#insert-mode
#visual-mode