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).
Tag: paste
How do I paste over a visual selection without losing my yanked text?
P (in visual mode)
When you paste over a visual selection using p (lowercase), Vim replaces the selection with your register contents — but the replaced text overwrites your unn
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 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 paste register contents literally without triggering mappings in insert mode?
<C-r><C-r>a
In insert mode, a pastes register a but processes the text as if typed, which can trigger abbreviations and mappings.
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 you use text from one register inside a macro?
qa"bpq
While recording macro a, paste from register b with "bp.
How do you paste over a visual selection without losing the register?
"_dP or use "0p
When pasting over a selection, the replaced text overwrites the unnamed register.
How do you paste from a register while in visual mode?
"ap
In visual mode, "ap replaces the selected text with the contents of register a.
How do you paste a register's contents multiple times?
5"ap
Prefix the paste command with a count.
How do you paste from a named register before the cursor?
"aP
Use "aP (uppercase P) to paste the contents of register a before the cursor position, as opposed to "ap which pastes after.
How do you force a linewise register to paste characterwise?
:call setreg('a', @a, 'v') then "ap
Use setreg() to change register a to characterwise mode (v), then paste.
How do you paste a register value into the search prompt?
/<C-r>a
While in the search prompt (/), press a to insert the contents of register a.
How do you paste from a register with automatic indentation?
"a]p
Use ]p after specifying a register to paste with adjusted indentation.
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 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 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 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 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.