How do I change the default size of plugin window (NerdTree, Taglist, etc)?

Question

I'm using the Taglist and NerdTree plugins quite often. Usually the window that opens in the left side is too small and I need to extend it.

I usually do: 10 CTRL+w >

Is there a way to change the default width of the window of NerdTree and Taglist?

Answer 1

The examples below set the width to 60 columns. Adjust to your preferences.

NERDTree

NERDTree uses a variable for just this:

:let g:NERDTreeWinSize=60

This will set the width to 60. You can put this line into your vimrc.

Taglist

For taglist, you set a similar option:

:let g:Tlist_WinWidth=60

Like with NERDTree, you can put this line into your vimrc.

Others

Unfortunately there is no generally applicable method. Many plugins do (or should) offer a parameter for this (like above). Others allow you to apply a workaround by setting things you can key off of for an autocommand (such as the filetype, for example, if NERDTree didn't offer the option to set it, you could have done :au FileTupe nerdtree :vert resize 60, since NERDTree sets the filetype on the buffer). I've found that trying to do an autocmd on the WinEnter event based on the buffer name doesn't generally work when the buffer is created, but does if you leave the window and come back to it; plugins often create the window before setting up the buffer. You'll have to experiment with other plugins or request the plugin author to add a parameter.

Answer 2

I have this problem all the time with splits not being tall enough so I've added this key binding to my .vimrc:

" open the current split all the way
map <c-o> :res 100<CR>

You can adapt this to make the split wider by using :vertical resize. For example,

map <c-o> :vertical resize +10

which will increase the vertical size of the split by 10 columns when you type Control + o.

HTH