Jumping with precision
So far, we’ve been using 'a to jump to the a mark. If you are incredibly observant, you might have noticed that this only jumps us to the line where the mark is set. This is fine for most use cases, but for the rare few times when you do need more precision, Vim’s got you covered.
You can use the backtick key ` followed by the mark — for example, `a — to jump to the exact row and column where a mark is set.
Work through the checklist below. Each labeled line hides one word written in all capitals — set a mark right on top of each one, then revisit the exact spots with `a, `b, and `c.
1 2 3 4 5 6
Set mark a on the word ALPHA Park your cursor right on the A of ALPHA and press ma.
Set mark b on the word BRAVO Same deal on the next labeled line — cursor on the B of BRAVO, then mb.
Set mark c on the word CHARLIE One more — cursor on the C of CHARLIE, then mc.
Jump precisely to mark a with backtick + a You'll land on the exact letter you marked, not just the line — press the backtick key, then a.
Jump to mark b with backtick + b Straight onto BRAVO — press the backtick key, then b.
Jump to mark c with backtick + c And exactly onto CHARLIE — press the backtick key, then c.
Next: Set mark b on the word BRAVO
Next: Set mark c on the word CHARLIE
Next: Jump precisely to mark a with backtick + a
Next: Jump to mark b with backtick + b
Next: Jump to mark c with backtick + c
Last one — goal check runs when it's done
Nice work!
Up next: Marks across buffers.