Step 5 of 5

2. Vim Is A Modal Editor

Insert mode

Insert mode is used for entering text into Vim.

There are a couple of ways to enter insert mode — the simplest is to use the i key from normal mode. When you’re done typing, hitting escape drops you back into normal mode.

Work through the checklist below to try it out.

  1. Enter insert mode Click on the editor — the mode indicator will flip to INSERT the moment you press i.
  2. Type something, then drop back to normal mode Type anything — your name, your favorite food — then hit Escape.
Enter insert mode Click on the editor — the mode indicator will flip to INSERT the moment you press i.

Next: Type something, then drop back to normal mode

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