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I would like to know how I can select text character by character, in visual mode, using a combination of shift+direction without using the mouse. Actually, with Shit + Left/Right gvim selects the text word by word.

For example, in the following screenshot, I am able to select the text std::cout using the mouse, left button click on the start of text and then shifting the mouse cursor to the right.

enter image description here

How can I replicate this behavior with just using the keyboard ?

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1 Answer 1

Reset to default
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short answer:

vW selects std::cout

If you really want to select character by character, just

v and then h / l

long answer:

v enters visual mode

W motion to select WORD

If you really want to select character by character, just

v enters visual mode

h / l motion by character

(The answer assumes, that you are not using any plugins and that they do not define additional motions)

Vimcasts has excellent videos, that basically explain everything.

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  • Thanks. I thought I can do it using shift key with some combination ooff direction keys rather than pressing ESC and v, but it doesn't work.
    – xyx
    Commented Dec 11, 2017 at 0:23

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