How to Save a File in Vi / Vim Editor in Linux
It is true that learning Vi/Vim – a well-known text editor in the Linux ecosystem, is not as easy as learning Nano or Emacs, as it requires a little effort which is worthwhile.
Many people are afraid of learning it, but seriously, for no important reasons. In this short article, intended for Vi/Vim text editor newbies, we’ll learn a few basic commands; how to save a file after writing or modifying its content.
Suggested Read: 10 Reasons Why You Should Use Vi/Vim Text Editor in Linux
In most of the today’s Linux distributions, Vi/Vim editor comes with pre-installed, if not install the full version of Vim (Debian systems provide vim-tiny with less features), simply run this command:
$ sudo apt install vim #Debian/Ubuntu systems $ sudo yum install vim #RHEL/CentOS systems $ sudo dnf install vim #Fedora 22+
Note: To use it’s latest features, install Vim 8.0.
To open or create a file using Vim, run the following command, then press i to insert text into it (insert mode):
$ vim file.txt OR $ vi file.txt
Press ‘i’ to Insert Mode in Vim Editor
Once you have modified a file, press [Esc] shift to the command mode and press :w and hit [Enter] as shown below.
Save File in Vim
To save the file and exit at the same time, you can use the ESC and :x key and hit [Enter]. Optionally, press [Esc] and type Shift + Z Z to save and exit the file.
Save and Exit File in Vim
To save the file content to a new file named newname, use :w newname or :x newname and hit [Enter].
From here, you can now move over to learn common Vi/Vim tips and tricks, understand the different modes and so much more:
- Learn Useful ‘Vi/Vim’ Editor Tips and Tricks to Enhance Your Skills
- 8 Interesting ‘Vi/Vim’ Editor Tips and Tricks for Every Linux Administrator
That’s it! In an upcoming article, we’ll show you how to exit Vim text editor with simple commands. Remember to drop your comments via the feedback form below.
Thank you so much Mr Aaron really helpful, hoping one day can also do something to help others.
@Enock
Welcome, thanks for the great words of appreciation. Comments such as this make the effort worthwhile.
Thank you so much i can change my IP in the command line in mt Issabel Voip and i can save changes successfully!
@mahdi
That’s great! Thanks for writing back.
Thank you my friend! It worked just fine :)
@Denilson
Welcome, many thanks for the feedback.
I searching way to find this tutorial and works like charms
Thanks mate…:)
@pakar
Welcome, thanks for the feedback and for following us.
When pressing the
:wyou can after the enter the path (absolute or relative) where you want the file to be storedAbsolute path has a leading slash /etc/passwd
Relative path don’t have the leading slash
.././etc/passwd@Jonix
Useful tip for Vi/Vim newbies, many thanks for sharing all this. We are really thankful.
Also, when pressing the ESC-key to get out of insertion mode to command mode, just press ESC-key _once_ otherwise you will get an audible reminder (beep) that you were not aware of where you are/were (insertion-mode/command-mode)
@Jonix
Sure, thanks for the sharing this. I know it will be helpful to new Vim users.
When saving the file with
:x, beware that you DONT press when pressing thex, so you will avoid using uppercaseXwhen saving; the uppercaseXsave, will save the file encrypted, the key string entered after theXwill be the encryption key..@Jonix
This is correct, using :wq would be much more reliable.
I’m using
:wqfor exit and save, but there are:xmore shorter. Well, I guess must read the manual again.@bowo
This is true, you can get comprehensive info and more usage commands from the Vim manual.