Vim Insert Mode — i, a, o, I, A, O and Insert Commands

Entering Insert Mode

Vim offers multiple entry points to Insert mode, each positioning the cursor differently:

Basic Entry Commands

Key	Action
i	Insert before cursor
I	Insert at the beginning of the line (first non-blank)
a	Append after cursor
A	Append at the end of the line
o	Open a new line below and enter Insert mode
O	Open a new line above and enter Insert mode

Additional Entry Commands

Key	Action
s	Substitute character (delete char, enter Insert)
S	Substitute entire line (same as cc)
C	Change from cursor to end of line (same as c$)
gi	Enter Insert mode at the position where it was last exited

Inside Insert Mode

Once in Insert mode, these shortcuts are available:

Key	Action
Esc or Ctrl+[	Return to Normal mode
Ctrl+w	Delete the word before the cursor
Ctrl+u	Delete from cursor to beginning of line
Ctrl+t	Indent current line
Ctrl+d	Unindent current line
Ctrl+n	Autocomplete — next match
Ctrl+p	Autocomplete — previous match
Ctrl+o	Execute one Normal mode command, then return to Insert
Ctrl+r {reg}	Insert contents of register

Pro Tip: Ctrl+o

Ctrl+o is one of the most underused Insert mode features. It lets you execute a single Normal mode command without leaving Insert mode. For example, Ctrl+o $ moves to end of line while staying in Insert mode.