Non-printable Characters
At times we might want to use unprintable or other in characters not accessible on our keyboards. For example, if you’d like a search and replace expression to use a carriage return. To enter characters like this in Vim, type CTRL-v
while in insert-mode. Then enter the decimal code. You can also use CTRL-m
for newlines.
While in insert mode press CTRL-v
and then CTRL-m
to insert a newline. Or try CTRL-V
and then 162
to get ¢
. The screencast below captures the following substitution to drop each item onto an individual line:
%s/, /,^M /g

Note that the ^M
is a single character inserted by using CTRL-v
followed by CTRL-m
.
Other characters can be inserted using their encoding number, CTRL-V 13
in the case of carriage return or CTRL-v 9
can be used to insert a horizontal tab. Here are some other characters you can insert, by typing their number after you’ve pressed CTRL-v
in insert mode:
¢ 162
£ 163
© 169
® 174
Here’s a handy list for your reference. Just remember to go into Insert mode, then type CTRL-v
, then type the decimal number.