Command reference ยท Cursor CLI
/vim
Toggles Vim keybindings in the input field.
/vim is a slash command from the official CLI reference and toggles Vim keybindings in the prompt input field ("Toggle Vim keys"). According to the changelog, since May 2026 /vim can be triggered from any cursor position in the input field, not just when the prompt is empty. The active mode is shown in the footer. The feature set grew step by step: search motions and operator combinations such as f/F/t/T/;/, (e.g. df, or ct.), a visual mode with delete and change operators, and individual character commands like r to replace a character. Ctrl+G additionally opens the current prompt in the external $EDITOR, letting you compose longer input there and then feed it back โ handy in combination with /vim for anyone who prefers typing in their familiar editor.
โ WHEN TO USE IT?
Use familiar Vim motions while writing long prompts
Enable /vim, then navigate the input field with f/t search motions and operator combinations like df, or ct.
Switch between insert and normal mode mid-prompt
Type /vim at the current cursor position in the prompt, even when there's already text in the field
โ WHEN NOT TO?
You're more familiar with standard keybindings
Vim keybindings change the behavior of familiar keys like i, dd, or Escape in the input field.
Better: Call /vim again to switch the mode back off
You'd rather compose long prompts in your usual external editor
Vim mode helps with editing inside the CLI input field itself, but doesn't replace a full-fledged editor.
Better: Use Ctrl+G to open the prompt in $EDITOR
SOURCES
- Cursor Docs โ Slash Commands โ cursor.com