Selecting all text in Vim is a fundamental operation that streamlines editing tasks. It’s essential for efficiently working with large files or making universal changes across a document. By mastering this command, users can boost their productivity and effectively manage their text editing workflows. This skill is particularly valuable for developers, writers, and anyone who frequently works with text-based files in Vim.

In this short tutorial, we will be showing you how to select all in the Vim editor in Linux using keyboard shortcuts.

How to Select All in Vim? [Vim Select All]

To select all text in the Vim editor Follow the below three steps.

1. Pressing “Esc” ensures you’re in normal mode, the default mode for navigation and entering commands in Vim.
2. Typing “:1,$” instructs Vim to select all lines from the first line (1) to the last line ($) of the file.
3. Pressing “Shift + V” enters visual mo

Select All in Vim

Now, all the text from the start to the end is selected and highlighted. By following these three simple steps, you can easily select the entire content of your file in the Vim text editor.

Also Read :

• Vim Editor in Linux
• Basic Vim Commands
• The Six Modes of Vim Editor
• Editing Mode | Insert Mode in Vim Editor
• How to Install Vim Editor in Ubuntu?
• Vi vs. Vim: Choosing the First Right Text Editor
• How to Save a File in Vi / Vim Editor & Quit

Select all in Vim Text Editor – FAQs

How do I select all text in Vim?

To select all text in Vim, press “Esc” to enter normal mode, then type “:1,$” and press “Enter” to select all lines in the file. You can also use “Shift + V” to enter visual mode and highlight the entire text.

Can I select specific portions of text in Vim?

Yes, in visual mode, you can use movement commands (e.g., arrow keys, “hjkl“) to select specific portions of text before performing editing or copying operations.

What if I want to copy the selected text in Vim?

After selecting text in visual mode, press “y” to copy the selected text to Vim’s clipboard. You can then paste it elsewhere using the “p” command.

How do I deselect text in Vim?

To deselect text in Vim, press “Esc” to exit visual mode, or press “Ctrl + ]” to clear the current selection.

Can I undo a selection in Vim?

Yes, you can undo a selection by pressing “u” in normal mode to revert the last change, including the selection of text.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the ability to select all text in Vim empowers users to efficiently manage and manipulate large files, enhancing productivity and workflow management. By understanding additional functionalities like selecting specific portions, copying, deselecting, and undoing selections, users can optimize their text editing experience in Vim for various tasks and projects.