Quiz Entry - updated: 2026.07.14
What are the essential VIM keyboard shortcuts?
Normal mode: i to type, : for commands, v to select, y/d/p to copy/delete/paste, / to search.
These are the keys you'll reach for constantly. The beauty of Normal mode is that single keystrokes do whole actions — no Ctrl-modifiers needed.
Normal mode commands:
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
i |
Switch to Insert mode |
: |
Switch to Command mode |
v |
Visual mode (select characters) |
Shift+V |
Visual mode (select lines) |
Ctrl+v |
Visual mode (select blocks) |
p |
Paste |
y |
Yank (copy) |
d |
Delete |
/<search> |
Search for <search> |
Command mode commands:
| Command | Action |
|---|---|
:q |
Quit |
:w |
Write (save) |
:q! |
Quit without saving |
:help |
Open help |
:e <file> |
Open new file |
Tip: If you're stuck, press Esc then :q! to exit without saving.