Vim Modes in Vim
From the Vim cheat sheet · Modes · verified Jul 2026
Vim Modes
Different modes in Vim and how to navigate between them
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i - Enter Insert mode (before cursor)
I - Enter Insert mode (beginning of line)
a - Enter Insert mode (after cursor)
A - Enter Insert mode (end of line)
o - Open new line below and enter Insert mode
O - Open new line above and enter Insert mode
v - Enter Visual mode
V - Enter Visual Line mode
Ctrl+v - Enter Visual Block mode
: - Enter Command mode
Esc - Return to Normal mode
R - Enter Replace mode💡 Normal mode is the default and most powerful mode
⚡ Press Esc from any mode to return to Normal mode
📌 Use i for insert, v for visual selection, : for commands
🟢 Start with i and Esc until comfortable with other modes
modesbasics