Neovim’s editing model is built on operators + motions. An operator performs an action (delete, change, yank…), and a motion tells it how far to reach.
Table of contents
Open Table of contents
Delete
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
dw | Delete to start of next word |
d$ | Delete to end of line |
dd | Delete whole line |
x | Delete character under cursor |
d[motion] | Delete + any motion (e.g. d3w, dG) |
Change
Change operators delete text and drop you into Insert mode.
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
ce | Delete to end of word + enter Insert mode |
c$ | Change to end of line |
cc | Delete rest of line + enter Insert mode |
Undo / Redo
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
u | Undo last command |
Ctrl+R | Redo |
Copy / Paste (Yank)
In Neovim, yank means copy.
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
p | Paste deleted/yanked text after cursor |
yw | Yank (copy) the word at cursor forward |
yy | Yank whole line |
The Operator + Motion Pattern
Almost every operator follows the same formula:
[operator][count][motion]For example:
d2w— delete 2 wordsc3e— change to end of the 3rd wordy$— yank from cursor to end of line
Once this pattern clicks, you unlock the full expressiveness of Neovim’s editing model.