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Normal Mode in Vim (Linux)

Press Esc to leave the current mode and return to Normal mode.

What it does

Normal mode is where Vim starts and where its commands are given: moving, deleting, copying and pasting are all keys typed in this mode. The key ends Insert mode after typing, ends Visual mode and cancels a command that is half typed. Pressing it once more does no harm, so it is the safe key when you are not sure which mode is active.

More Vim shortcuts: Modes

  • Visual Mode
  • Visual Line Mode
  • Visual Block Mode
  • Command Mode
  • Insert Mode

All 30 Vim shortcuts for LinuxThe full list has a search and a printable PDF.

Questions

What is the Vim shortcut for Normal Mode on Linux?

Esc. Press it to leave the current mode and return to Normal mode.