Modes

VimSheet uses a modal interface inspired by Vim. Each mode provides a different set of keybindings for interacting with the spreadsheet.

Normal Mode

Default mode on startup. Use Vim-style keys to move the cursor around the grid. Press : to enter a command, \ or = to insert, v for visual selection.

Insert Mode

Type directly into the active cell. Press Escape to return to NORMAL mode. Tab moves to the next cell to the right. Press Alt+Enter to insert a newline within the cell content — the grid row expands vertically to show all lines.

Edit Mode

Edit the contents of the current cell without overwriting it. The cursor appears inside the cell’s formula bar at the top. Press Escape or

Enter to confirm changes and return to NORMAL mode.

Visual Modes

Select ranges using keyboard motions:

  • v then h / j / k / l — expand selection

  • V — select entire rows

  • Ctrl+v — select rectangular block

  • H / M / L — jump to top / middle / bottom of viewport

  • Ctrl+a / Ctrl+x — increment / decrement all numeric cells

  • go<addr> Enter — extend selection to address

  • z_ / z+ — collapse / expand all selected rows

  • y — yank (copy) selection

  • d — delete selection

  • x — cut selection

Command Mode

Press : to open the command line and type commands. Tab-completion is available for commands, file paths, sheet names, and theme names. See Commands for the full command reference.